Infliximab for the treatment of ulcerative colitis: outcomes in Oxford from 2000 to 2006

Background Infliximab has been shown to be of benefit in the treatment of ulcerative colitis but long-term colectomy rates remain unknown. Ains To review the rate of colectomy after infliximab for ulcerative colitis and to identify factors that might predict the need for colectomy. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with active ulcerative colitis treated with infliximab between 2000 and 2006. The primary outcome was colectomy-free survival. Disease and treatment characteristics and complications were documented. Results Thirty patients were treated with infliximab for refractory ulcerative colitis. Sixteen (53%) came to colectomy a median of 140 days after their first infusion (range 4-607). There was no difference in colectomy between those receiving infliximab for acute severe ulcerative colitis failing intravenous steroids (8/14) and out-patients with steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis (8/16). Only 17% (5/30) achieved a steroid-free remission after a median follow-up of 13 months (range 2-72). Univariate analysis showed that a younger age at diagnosis of colitis was significantly associated with an increased rate of colectomy (27.5 years vs. 38.7 years, P = 0.016). Conclusion Over half the patients studied came to colectomy. Of those avoiding colectomy, only five (17%) sustained a steroid-free remission.