Anti-tnf-behandeling bij de ziekte van Crohn

Infliximab (ifx), a chimeric monoclonal antibody against tumour necrosis factor-α (tnf-α), is indicated in therapy resistant patients with Crohn's disease, with or without fistulas. Studies pointed out that one third up to half of these patients can be treated effectively with ifx maintenance therapy. Although adverse events often occur during ifx therapy, severe adverse events are little. Infusion related reactions and infections are reported most. Autoimmune disorders hardly occur and up till now there are no indications that ifx treatment increases the risk on cancer or lymphoma's. There are indications that ifx therapy started early in the course of paediatric Crohn's disease is more effective. Although efficacy of ifx is proven, more information on efficacy and safety during long term ifx maintenance therapy is needed to determine the right position for ifx in the contemporary farmacotherapeutic arsenal.