Infliximab

Definition

Infliximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), used primarily in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases. By inhibiting TNF-alpha, infliximab helps reduce inflammation and symptoms in conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which are characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Infliximab is administered through an intravenous infusion, usually starting with a loading dose followed by maintenance doses every 6 to 8 weeks.
2. The use of infliximab can lead to significant improvements in quality of life for patients with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, reducing flare-ups and hospitalizations.
3. Patients receiving infliximab must be monitored for potential side effects, including infections, as it suppresses the immune system.
4. Infliximab has also been studied for its effectiveness in other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
5. The decision to use infliximab is often based on the severity of the disease and the patient's response to other treatments, making it a critical option for resistant cases.

Review Questions

• How does infliximab function at a cellular level to provide relief for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases?
  • Infliximab works by binding to TNF-alpha, a cytokine that plays a significant role in promoting inflammation. By inhibiting TNF-alpha's activity, infliximab reduces the inflammatory response in conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This mechanism helps to alleviate symptoms such as pain and diarrhea while promoting healing within the gastrointestinal tract.
• What are the key considerations healthcare providers must keep in mind when prescribing infliximab for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases?
  • Healthcare providers should assess the patient's medical history, including any past infections or current medications that may interact with infliximab. They must monitor for potential side effects like increased risk of infections due to immune suppression. Additionally, evaluating the severity of the patient's condition and previous treatment responses is crucial in determining whether infliximab is an appropriate choice.
• Evaluate the impact of infliximab on long-term management strategies for patients suffering from chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.
  • Infliximab significantly alters long-term management strategies for patients with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases by providing an effective therapeutic option that can induce remission and maintain long-term control of symptoms. Its ability to reduce flare-ups not only improves patients' quality of life but also decreases hospital visits and associated healthcare costs. As more patients achieve remission with infliximab, healthcare teams can focus on comprehensive care approaches, integrating dietary management, psychological support, and regular monitoring into patient management plans.

Related terms

TNF-alpha: A pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in systemic inflammation and is a key player in the immune response.

Crohn's Disease: A type of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to severe inflammation, pain, and digestive issues.

Ulcerative Colitis: An inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract, specifically affecting the colon and rectum.