Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to assess the incidence of infusion reactions and impact on efficacy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving1-hour infliximab(IFX)infusions.
Subjects and Methods: IFX was administered by1-hour infusion to22patients with RA who provided informed consent and had not experienced an infusion-related reaction during or following any5or more2-hour IFX infusions. The incidence of infusion reaction and impact on DAS28-ESR and HAQ was assessed in these patients.
Results: The incidence of infusion reactions was0% (0/22patients) in the1-hour infusion group. There was no evidence of worsening in DAS28-ESR and HAQ scores over time in patients with 1-hour infusion following the first3shortened-duration infusions.
Conclusion: By careful observation during and following the first5or more2-hour IFX infusions, it was feasible to safely administer the same dose of IFX by1-hour infusion thereafter. There was no appreciable influence of shortened-duration on efficacy of IFX.
