| dc.description.abstract | Abstract Biologic therapy, including anti TNF inhibitor, has improved the outcome for many patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, it is expensive and can have serious side effects. For the last few years it has been possible to measure the serum drug concentration to help optimize the treatment. Since 2012 serum Infliximab has been measured at Oslo university hospital. The primary aim of this study was to describe the IBD patient population receiving Infliximab. Secondary aims were to determine serum Infliximab concentration (at Trough Level), including possible changes, to explore whether measurements out of range led to changes being made in the treatment, and to determine whether dosing within an optimal range meant better outcomes for the patients. Patient record data were collected from 219 patients treated with Infliximab at the medical outpatient clinic at Oslo university hospital in the period March 2012 to December 2013. During the project period the number of patients with TL within the desired range increased significantly. Average TL increased significantly from 2,62 to 3,52 from measurement 1 to 5, while the number of patients with anemia decreased from 16,4% to 8,6% (p=0,038). There was a significant inverse correlation between TL and CRP level (p<0,001). At the end of the project period, more patients had TL within the desired range, and adequate dosage of Infliximab seems to give less inflammation and anemia. However, because of poor documentation it is difficult to say whether the trough levels have been taken into considerations, or if the dosage was clinically based. | eng |