CLINICAL EFFICACY OF REMICADE IN CBD

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD) is an immune system disorder caused by the inhalation of beryllium particles. Exposures and disease occurs in workplaces in which beryllium and beryllium alloys are used, producing disease in 2-6% of workers. Prednisone is the most commonly prescribed treatment for CBD. Cessation of the drug usually leads to relapse of the disease symptoms. Restarting steroid treatment usually improves the patient's condition, however, continual use of prednisone can cause a variety of side effects. Even with steroid treatment, many patients still continue to worsen. The treatment may slow the clinical progression of disease, but often does not halt that progression. In some patients CBD does not respond to prednisone or other therapy and can be fatal if diagnosed at intermediate or late stages. As such, there is a need to test promising new therapies for this disorder. This research study is designed to test the clinical effectiveness of a drug called infliximab in CBD. This drug may reduce a substance called TNF-alpha, which is associated with more severe disease and inflammation in the lung. Receiving infliximab may help with symptoms and may improve clinical testing, such as breathing tests. Baseline and follow up testing will look for improvements in breathing tests (Pulmonary Function Testing), exchange of oxygen in the lungs (exercise test), chest x-ray, and lung inflammation.