Abstract

Background: Infliximab is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms of active Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other auto immune diseases. Routinely infliximab is administered as an intravenous infusion in the outpatient setting for maintaining clinical remission, but has data for use as rescue therapy during acute crisis for irritable bowel syndrome indications. The purpose of this study was to assess the use of infliximab at Baptist Health South Florida (BHSF) and identify opportunities to optimize and standardize use.

Methods: This was a multi-center, retrospective, IRB-exempt chart review of adult patients who received infliximab during hospital admission at BHSF, through August 2020 and August 2021. Primary study outcomes included appropriateness of use per Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labeled indications, appropriate dose based on indication, and the total number of doses received. Secondary outcome was the number of infusions meeting criteria for rescue therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

Results: Thirty patients received a total of 36 infusions, 97% of infusions were appropriately ordered per FDA indications. Only one infusion was ordered for an off-label use. In respect to the infusions with an approved indication, 74% of the doses were appropriate.. Out of the 35 total infusions for patients with IBD, 83% of orders met criteria for rescue therapy, while 6 infusions did not meet criteria.

Conclusion: The majority of infliximab use in hospitalized patients was for IBD presenting with an exacerbation. Within BHSF, infliximab was utilized in accordance with current societal guideline recommendations. However, patients presenting with exacerbations may require infliximab as a rescue agent.

Publication Date

5-13-2022

Presented At:

Florida Residency Conference 2022

Content Type

Presentation

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