Infliximab in the treatment of ulcerative colitis with toxic megacolon

Indian J Gastroenterol. 2004 Jan-Feb;23(1):22-3.

Abstract

Toxic megacolon is a gastrointestinal emergency requiring prompt management to avoid fatal outcome. Although a majority of patients respond to conservative treatment, those not responding have been treated with intravenous cyclosporine or emergency surgery. Infliximab has been tried in patients with severe steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis. We report the successful use of this drug in the management of toxic megacolon in a 48-year-old woman not responding to the routine measures and who refused surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / complications*
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Infliximab
  • Male
  • Megacolon, Toxic / complications*
  • Megacolon, Toxic / drug therapy*
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Infliximab