Related Experiment Videos
[Alternatives to steroid therapy in chronic uveitis]
S Klein1, H J Fricke, B Fricke
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenkrankheiten, Bereiches Medizin der Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Jena.
Fortschritte Der Ophthalmologie : Zeitschrift Der Deutschen Ophthalmologischen Gesellschaft
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Dialyzable leukocyte extract (DLE) effectively reduced recurrences in corticosteroid-resistant uveitis. Cyclosporin A also showed promising results, particularly in retinal vasculitis, with minimal side effects observed for both treatments.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Idiopathic uveitis often requires alternative treatments beyond corticosteroids and cytostatics.
- Corticosteroid resistance presents a significant challenge in managing uveitis.
- Exploring novel therapeutic agents is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy of dialyzable leukocyte extract (DLE), 5-fluorouracil, and cyclosporin A as alternative therapies for corticosteroid-resistant idiopathic uveitis.
- To compare the effectiveness and side effect profiles of these agents in various forms of uveitis.
Summary:
- Dialyzable leukocyte extract (DLE) demonstrated a reduction in recurrence rates and prolonged inflammation-free intervals in patients with anterior, posterior, and intermediate uveitis, with no observed side effects.
- Subconjunctival 5-fluorouracil showed efficacy in intermediate uveitis with vitreous infiltration but was associated with frequent corneal erosion.
- Low-dose cyclosporin A (5 mg/kg/day) yielded positive results in 14 out of 17 patients, particularly effective for retinal vasculitis, with no serious adverse events reported.
Impact:
- These findings suggest DLE and cyclosporin A as viable therapeutic options for corticosteroid-resistant uveitis, offering potential benefits with manageable side effect profiles.
- The study highlights the need for tailored treatment approaches based on uveitis subtype and patient characteristics.
- Further research into these alternative therapies could lead to improved management strategies for refractory uveitis cases.