Pharmaceutical care for a Crohn's disease patient with hypoalbuminemia and non-response to infliximab / 药学实践与服务

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the role of clinical pharmacists in individualized treatment and pharmaceutical care for a Crohn’s disease patient with non-response to infliximab. Methods The clinical pharmacist participated in the pharmaceutical care for a Crohn’s disease patient with hypoalbuminemia. Clinical pharmacists interpreted the blood concentration results of infliximab based on literature review, analyzed the pharmacokinetic process of drugs, and suggested that low serum albumin levels may cause the accelerated drug elimination and resulted in reduced drug concentration and secondary non-response. Results Clinical pharmacists assisted clinician adjusting the medication regimen and the patient recovered well after the new treatment plan. Conclusion With good understanding in medication pharmacokinetics and the blood test results, clinical pharmacists can help to solve the drug therapy related problems and establish an individual treatment plan to improve the safety and effectiveness of the biological medications.