Rapid infliximab infusions in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2009 Jul;49(1):151-4. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0b013e31818e1914.

Abstract

The manufacturer of infliximab recommends infusion over 2 to 3 hours. In 16 children who received 133 standard 2- to 3-hour infusions, followed by fifty 1-hour infusions, chart review revealed a frequency of infusion reactions of 2% with both infusion protocols (3/133 and 1/50). The first reaction with the rapid infusion occurred in a patient who had experienced an identical reaction with the longer infusion, but was mistakenly not premedicated. Our data suggest rapid infusion over 1 hour in selected pediatric patients is safe and cost-effective. Compared with reported adult data, our data suggest similar or lower frequency of adverse events.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Child
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / drug therapy*
  • Crohn Disease / drug therapy*
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infliximab
  • Infusions, Intravenous / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Infliximab