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The Effect of Infliximab Therapy on Maculopathy in Behcet's Panuveitis: A Case Report
1Department of Ophthalmology, Middle East Technical University Health Center, Ankara, Turkey.
Case Reports in Ophthalmology
|January 6, 2012
Summary
This study shows that long-term infliximab treatment effectively manages Behcet's disease-related inflammatory maculopathy, improving vision. The tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor proved safe and beneficial for patients refractory to other therapies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Behcet's disease can cause severe ocular inflammation, including panuveitis and maculopathy.
- Conventional immunosuppressive therapies are often insufficient for managing refractory cases.
- Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors represent a potential therapeutic option.
Observation:
- A case of Behcet's panuveitis and unilateral inflammatory maculopathy refractory to standard treatment was observed.
- Intravenous infliximab infusion therapy was administered for 54 weeks.
- Patient's visual acuity, ocular inflammation, and macular thickness were monitored.
Findings:
- Long-term infliximab treatment led to significant improvement in best corrected visual acuity.
- Resolution of inflammatory signs was confirmed through clinical examinations and optical coherence tomography.
- No significant systemic side effects were reported during the treatment period.
Implications:
- Long-term infliximab therapy is a safe and effective treatment for refractory inflammatory maculopathy in Behcet's disease.
- Early initiation of infliximab may preserve and improve visual acuity in affected patients.
- This case adds to the evidence supporting the use of infliximab for Behcet's panuveitis.
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