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Some studies describe patients with severe ulcerative colitis who require intensive dosing regimens to achieve response. Infliximab clearance and serum concentrations are influenced by cotherapy with thiopurines and serum albumin concentration.
In the current prospective study, researchers measured fecal infliximab levels at days 0, 1, 4, 7, 11, and/or 14 in 30 patients with moderate-to-severe, active colitis who were starting infliximab therapy (5 mg/kg intravenous). Results were as follows:
Infliximab was detectable in the feces of 25 of 30 patients (83%) and in 66% of all fecal samples.
A clinical response was evident at week 2 in 60% of patients and in 47% at month 3.
The fecal infliximab concentration on the first day after infusion was 10…