Here are five things to know:
1. About 56 of the 136 children and adolescents receiving infliximab infusions for IBD at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City are getting their maintenance infusions at home.
2. Patients and parents participating in a 2005 pilot study by Adria Condino, DO, and colleagues of home infusions of infliximab for the treatment of pediatric IBD reported high levels of satisfaction with this method of administration.
3. Nancy Kramer, RN, vice president of clinical affairs at the National Home Infusion Association, said another advantage of home infusions for biologics is that immunosuppressed patients can avoid exposure to pathogens commonly found in healthcare facilities.
4. Families who do not comply with follow-up appointments or who are uncomfortable with home infusions would not be good candidates for the procedure.
5. Elaine Barfield, MD, a pediatric gastroenterologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine, said most patients’ insurance companies will cover home infusions of infliximab.
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Gastroenterologist to know: Dr. Gary Matusow of Gastroenterology Group & Endoscopy Center of South Jersey
