Rapid Infliximab Infusion in Children: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2017 Nov;65(5):e101-e103. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000001615.

Abstract

Pediatric data on rapid infliximab infusion are scarce. We report our experience with a 1-hour rapid infusion protocol, prescribed in 3 pediatric inflammatory bowel disease units during 18 to 26 months. Children treated with infliximab for inflammatory bowel disease using a standard 2- to 3-hour infusion protocol were switched to a 1-hour protocol if they had received at least 4 standard duration infusions with no infusion reactions, there was no recent dose increase and no more than 10 weeks had elapsed since the previous infusion. A total of 102 children received infliximab infusions during the study period (85 Crohn disease; mean age 14.6 ± 2.6 years) of whom 63 were switched to the rapid infusions. Seven patients on the rapid protocol (11%) and 6 patients on the standard protocol (15%) had infusion reactions (P = 0.55). Consistent with adult data, our study indicates that a 1-hour infliximab protocol in selected patients offers a safe alternative to the traditional 2- to 3-hour infusions.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Cohort Studies
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Gastrointestinal Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Gastrointestinal Agents / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Infliximab / administration & dosage*
  • Infliximab / adverse effects
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Gastrointestinal Agents
  • Infliximab