High-dose infliximab for treatment of pediatric ulcerative colitis: a survey of clinical practice.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To assess attitudes and trends regarding the use of high-dose infliximab among pediatric gastroenterologists for treatment of pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: A 19-item survey was distributed to subscribers of the pediatric gastroenterology (PEDSGI) listserv. Responses were submitted anonymously and results compiled in a secure website. RESULTS: A total of 113 subscribers (88% based in the United States) responded (101 pediatric gastroenterology attendings and 12 pediatric gastroenterology fellows). There were 46% in academic medical institutions and 39% in hospital-based practices. The majority (91%) were treating >10 patients with UC; 13% were treating >100 patients with UC; 91% had prescribed infliximab (IFX) 5 mg/kg for UC; 72% had prescribed IFX 10 mg/kg for UC. Using a 5-point Likert scale, factors that influenced the decision not to increase IFX dosing in patients with UC included "improvement on initial dose of IFX" (mean 3.88) and "decision to move to colectomy" (3.69). Lowest mean Likert scores were "lack of guidelines or literature regarding increased IFX dosing" (1.96) and "insurance authorization or other insurance issues" (2.34). "Insurance authorization or other insurance issues" was identified by 39% as at least somewhat of a factor (Likert score ≥ 3) in their decision not to increase the IFX dose. IFX 10 mg/kg was more commonly used for the treatment of pediatric UC among responders based in the United States (75/100) compared to non-United States responders (6/13, P = 0.047). Induction of remission was reported by 78% of all responders and 81% reported maintenance of remission with IFX 10 mg/kg. One responder reported one death with IFX 10 mg/kg. CONCLUSION: IFX 10 mg/kg is more commonly used in the United States to treat pediatric UC. Efficacy and safety data are required to avoid insurance barriers for its use.