Rheumatoid arthritis, new standards of care: Nursing implications of infliximab

Abstract

The apparent central role of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis suggests that anti-TNFα therapy may provide prolonged therapeutic benefits. This article describes the use of Infliximab (REMICADE®, Centocor, Inc. Malvern, PA), a chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds with high affinity and specificity to TNFα. Patient management and education, infusion preparation, dosing and administration, and patient monitoring are all explored in relation to nursing care. Finally, the health care professional's perspective is given. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.