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Randomized, controlled trials have demonstrated that anti-TNF agents are efficacious in inducing remission in cases of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
However, response rates for anti-TNF agents in 'real life' clinical practice are less well-defined.
Dr Richard Fedorak and colleagues from Canada examined the response rates and long-term outcomes of infliximab and adalimumab treatment for out-patients with ulcerative colitis, and studied the variables associated with response rates.
In a prospective study, a single-centre out-patient cohort was treated and followed up according to a structured protocol of clinical care.
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| Responses to maintenance therapy was 78% with infliximab |
| Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics |
Response to treatment was assessed using a physician's global assessment that focused on normalization of bowel frequency, absence of blood with defecation and tapering of corticosteroids to zero.
The research team included 53 ulcerative colitis patients.
The team found that responses to induction therapy were 96% for infliximab, and 80% for adalimumab.
Responses to maintenance therapy were similar, at 78% with infliximab, and 70% for adalimumab.
Multivariate analyses of the induction and maintenance responses did not reveal confounding elements.
The research team identified no new safety signals.
Dr Fedorak's team concludes, "This long-term follow-up of a single-centre cohort of ulcerative colitis patients demonstrates that 'real-life' out-patient treatment with infliximab and adalimumab is effective in induction and maintenance of response."
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