Full Papers
Switching from intravenous to subcutaneous infliximab in Behçet’s disease: feasibility, safety and early outcomes
E. Fiorin1, L. Iorio2, F. Davanzo3, M. Codirenzi4, G. Iacomelli5, E. Tombetti6, J. Sota7, S. Gentileschi8, E. Chiara9, E. Biancalana10, G. Emmi11, A. Doria12, R. Padoan13
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padua, Italy.
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padua, Italy.
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padua, Italy.
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padua, Italy.
- Unit of Medicine and Rheumatology, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy.
- Unit of Medicine and Rheumatology, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan; and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Italy.
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Italy.
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Italy.
- Department of Medical, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, and Clinical Medicine and Rheumatology Unit, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste, Italy.
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Italy.
- Department of Medical, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, and Clinical Medicine and Rheumatology Unit, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste, Italy; and Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash University Department of Medicine, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia.
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padua, Italy.
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padua, Italy. roberto.padoan@unipd.it
CER19423
Full Papers
PMID: 42207564 [PubMed]
Received: 18/10/2025
Accepted : 20/02/2026
In Press: 22/05/2026
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:
To assess the feasibility on remission maintenance, safety and patient acceptance following switching from intravenous (IV) infliximab (IFX) to subcutaneous (SC) IFX in patients with Behçet’s disease (BD) in sustained remission.
METHODS:
We conducted a multicentre, retrospective observational study across four Italian referral centres. Patients with BD in stable remission on IV-IFX were transitioned to SC-IFX (120 mg every two weeks). Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years, fulfilment of the International Criteria for Behçet’s Disease (ICBD), at least 12 months of prior IV-IFX therapy, and a minimum of six months of SC-IFX treatment. Clinical and laboratory variables, including C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Behçet’s Disease Current Activity Form 2006 (BDCAF 2006), prednisone use, and adverse events, were monitored longitudinally. Patient experience was assessed through the Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire (SIAQ).
RESULTS:
Ten patients were included (median age 44 years; 60% male). Median IV-IFX duration before switch was 83.5 [IQR 24.7–145.3] months, median post-switch follow-up was 15.5 [IQR 7.50–19.00] months. Across follow-up, CRP, ESR, and BDCAF 2006 did not show major changes. Two relapses occurred, and both patients resumed IV therapy. Prednisone use decreased from 50% to 20%. Infections occurred in three patients. No significant systemic adverse events were reported. Patient feedback among respondents was generally positive, with high satisfaction scores regarding ease of use, self-confidence, and quality of life improvement associated with SC administration.
CONCLUSIONS:
Switching stable BD patients from IV to SC-IFX was feasible and well-tolerated, with preliminary signals suggesting that disease control may be maintained in many patients.
