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Anti-TNF-alpha therapy for sight threatening uveitis
E W Lindstedt1, G S Baarsma, R W A M Kuijpers
1The Eye Hospital Rotterdam, Erasmus University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Netherlands. elindstedt@oogziekenhuis.nl
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|April 19, 2005
Summary
Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF-alpha) therapy effectively suppressed ocular inflammation in patients with sight-threatening uveitis. Visual acuity improved or remained stable in most patients, including those with Behçet's disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Uveitis is a serious condition causing sight-threatening ocular inflammation.
- Conventional treatments may not be sufficient for severe cases, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of additional anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF-alpha) therapy in patients with severe, sight-threatening uveitis.
- To assess the impact on ocular inflammation and visual acuity.
Main Methods:
- A case series of 13 patients with sight-threatening uveitis was analyzed.
- Patients received infliximab (anti-TNF-alpha) infusions, with repeat doses based on clinical response.
- Ocular inflammation, inflammatory signs, and visual acuity were monitored.
Main Results:
- Infliximab treatment led to effective suppression of ocular inflammation in all 13 patients.
- Visual acuity improved or remained stable in 6 of 8 non-Behçet's disease uveitis patients.
- Visual acuity improved or remained stable in 5 of 6 Behçet's disease patients.
Conclusions:
- Anti-TNF-alpha therapy, specifically infliximab, shows promise in managing sight-threatening uveitis.
- This treatment can suppress ocular inflammation and vasculitis, improving vision in most patients, particularly those with Behçet's disease.
- Further investigation via a controlled masked study is recommended.