Effects of infliximab on cytokines, myeloperoxidase, and soluble adhesion molecules in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Objective: Infliximab is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The aim of the present study was to measure circulating levels of inflammatory mediators in patients with JIA during treatment with infliximab. Methods: Eight patients with active JIA refractory to standard treatments were treated with infliximab (3-4 mg kg) at weeks 0, 2 and 6 and thereafter at approximately 6-week intervals up to 24 weeks. Results: All patients (n = 8) responded to the treatment. By 6 weeks of treatment the number of active joints had reduced from 16±4 (mean±SEM) to 4±1 (p