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Infliximab in Takayasu arteritis: a safe alternative?

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Abstract

Objective

To test the efficacy of Infliximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody against TNF-α, in the treatment of Takayasu arteritis.

Materials and methods

We used infliximab at an initial dose of 3 mg/kg i.v. at weeks 0, 2, 6, and 8 thereafter in combination with methotrexate or azathioprine, to treat four patients with Takayasu arteritis.

Results

Three out of four patients responded to infliximab treatment, while two of them retained the response during a two-year follow up. A higher dose regimen (5 mg/kg), however, was eventually warranted for two of the responders. No major side effects were noted.

Conclusions

Infliximab might be an effective and safe alternative for patients with Takayasu arteritis.

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Acknowledgements

We are indebted to Professor H.M. Moutsopoulos for his continuous inspiration and invaluable guidance and encouragement.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, National University of Athens, Athens, Greece

    Zaharenia Th. Karageorgaki & Clio P. Mavragani

  2. 2nd Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece

    Matthilde A. Papathanasiou

  3. 2nd Department of Medicine, Euroclinic, Athens, Greece

    Fotini N. Skopouli

  4. Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 East, 70th Street, New York, NY, 10021, USA

    Clio P. Mavragani

Authors
  1. Zaharenia Th. Karageorgaki
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  2. Clio P. Mavragani
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  3. Matthilde A. Papathanasiou
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  4. Fotini N. Skopouli
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Clio P. Mavragani.

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Karageorgaki, Z.T., Mavragani, C.P., Papathanasiou, M.A. et al. Infliximab in Takayasu arteritis: a safe alternative?. Clin Rheumatol 26, 984–987 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-006-0227-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-006-0227-0

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