Safety, satisfaction and cost savings of accelerated infusions of standard and intensified-dose infliximab for inflammatory bowel disease

Intern Med J. 2022 Dec;52(12):2143-2149. doi: 10.1111/imj.15493. Epub 2022 Jun 30.

Abstract

Background: Infliximab remains a mainstay for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but a long infusion duration and subsequent monitoring can be burdensome to patients and healthcare providers.

Aims: To assess the safety of accelerated infusions for standard and dose-intensified infliximab regimens, and the effect on patient satisfaction and potential cost savings.

Methods: Patients with IBD on a stable maintenance dose of infliximab and in clinical remission received one or more accelerated infusions: over 30 min if receiving a standard dose (5 mg/kg), or over 60 min if receiving dose-intensified infliximab (up to 10 mg/kg). Outcomes included incidence of reactions (acute or delayed), patient satisfaction and potential cost savings. We also explored infliximab trough levels after one and three accelerated infusions.

Results: Fifty-two patients who received 150 infusions were studied. Incidence of reactions to accelerated infusions was 3.3% (3 out of 89) with a standard dose and 0% (out of 61) with dose-intensified infliximab. Reactions were delayed, mild and self-limiting. None required drug cessation. Patient satisfaction was improved with shortened infusion time as compared with the patients' previous experiences (P = 0.00002). Mean plasma trough level of infliximab reduced from 9.3 mg/L (±4.9) to 7.9 mg/L (±4.1) (P = 0.02) with accelerated infusions, but none developed anti-infliximab antibodies. Nursing cost savings were estimated as $123.52 and $247.04 per patient per year for standard and dose-intensified infliximab respectively.

Conclusion: Accelerated infliximab infusions for standard and dose-intensified regimens seem to be safe and improved patient satisfaction. Potential impact on drug trough levels requires further investigations.

Keywords: drug monitoring; drug reaction; inflammatory bowel disease; infliximab; pharmacokinetics; satisfaction.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal* / therapeutic use
  • Cost Savings
  • Humans
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Infliximab / therapeutic use
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Personal Satisfaction

Substances

  • Infliximab
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal