Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Correlation of serum trough infliximab levels and antibodies to infliximab (anti-infliximab) with clinical response in ankylosing spondylitis. METHODS: In accordance with the international ASsessment in Ankylosing Spondylitis (ASAS) consensus statement, patients were treated with infliximab (5 mg/kg) every 6 weeks after a starting regimen. Preinfusion sera were collected at baseline, 24 and 54 weeks. At every visit, the 20% improvement response (ASAS-20) was assessed and laboratory tests performed. RESULTS: 24 of the 38 (63%) patients fulfilled ASAS-20 response criteria after 24 weeks of treatment and 21 (53%) after 54 weeks. After 54 weeks, 11 (29%) patients showed undetectable serum trough infliximab levels and detectable anti-infliximab; six of these patients developed an infusion reaction. Anti-infliximab was found significantly more often (p = 0.04) in ASAS-20 non-responders compared with responders at week 54. Serum trough infliximab levels were significantly (p <0.0001) lower in patients with (mean 0.02 mg/l) than in those without (12.7 mg/l) anti-infliximab. CONCLUSIONS: In ankylosing spondylitis, high levels of serum trough infliximab correlated with a good clinical response. Detection of anti-infliximab within 54 weeks is associated with undetectable serum trough infliximab levels, reduced response to treatment and increased risk of developing an infusion reaction
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1252-1254 |
Journal | Annals of the rheumatic diseases |
Volume | 66 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2007 |