Biological therapy has the potential to change the course of ulcerative colitis (UC) and achieve treatment goals beyond the relief of symptoms, an international consensus group has concluded.
Using a Delphi consensus process, 12 gastroenterologists including Dr William Connell from St Vincent’s Health in Melbourne examined the clinical use of biologics in the disease.
“Infliximab is currently the only biologic approved for treatment of adults with moderate to severe, active UC unresponsive to conventional therapies,” they said.
“It rapidly controls symptoms, induces and sustains steroid-free remission, stimulates mucosal healing and reduces serious complications.”
Factors supporting the use of infliximab included persistently active UC, steroid dependence or refractory disease, and high levels of C-reactive protein.
Although infliximab was usually reserved for patients with severe disease, it...
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