Desensitization of patients with hypersensitivity to infliximab

Background: Infliximab treatment is highly effective in Crohn's disease and exhibits an acceptable level of long-term safety, though hypersensitivity can develop, precluding further medication. Aim: To prevent an early infusion reaction in patients with previous history of hypersensitivity to infliximab. Case reports: Between April 2003 and January 2005 a total of 82 infliximab infusion treatments were administered to 28 patients. Infusion reactions developed in 2 patients. In a 24-year-old female who had received 5 infliximab infusions since April 2004, the efficacy of infliximab was observed to steadily decrea…