Effects of infliximab infusion on clinical symptom scores and serum cytokines in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing gastrointestinal disorder. Infliximab (INF) has shown good efficacy in IBD treatment, but its specific impact requires further exploration. This study aimed to assess the effects of intravenous INF on clinical symptom scores and serum cytokine levels in IBD patients.

Methods: A retrospective review of 126 IBD patients treated with INF was conducted. Baseline data, Mayo scores, Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) scores at 6 and 12 months, and serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and CRP were recorded. Correlations between disease activity scores and inflammatory markers were analyzed, and the relationship between baseline indicators and treatment efficacy was examined.

Results: At 12 months, Mayo and CDAI scores, TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP levels were significantly reduced, while IL-10 levels increased. Disease activity scores positively correlated with TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, and negatively with IL-10. Factors such as Crohn's disease subtype, age, high baseline CDAI or Mayo scores, elevated TNF-α, IL-6, CRP, and longer disease duration were associated with poorer outcomes (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified disease type, high baseline disease activity, long disease duration, and elevated inflammatory markers as independent risk factors. Adverse reactions were infrequent, with no serious adverse events reported.

Conclusion: Intravenous INF effectively improves clinical symptoms and modulates inflammatory cytokines in IBD patients, with favorable safety and increasing efficacy over time. However, the limited sample size and lack of long-term data warrant further validation in larger, prospective multicenter studies.