SUBCONJUNCTIVAL INTERFERON α-2A APPLICATION IN A CASE WITH SERPIGINOUS CHOROIDOPATHY

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Immunology
• Inflammatory Diseases

Background:

• Serpiginous choroidopathy (SC) is a chronic inflammatory eye condition characterized by recurrent episodes leading to vision loss.
• Current treatments often involve immunosuppressive regimens with potential side effects, limiting therapeutic options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of interferon alfa-2a (INF α-2a) as an alternative treatment for serpiginous choroidopathy (SC).
• To assess the potential of subconjunctival INF α-2a injections in managing SC, particularly in cases with contraindications to standard immunosuppression.

Main Methods:

• A case study of a 38-year-old female patient with SC in the right eye after a severe episode in the left eye.
• Initial treatment with antituberculosis medications was unsuccessful.
• Subconjunctival injections of interferon (INF) α-2a were administered, with a tapering frequency over 12 months.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced no major side effects from INF α-2a therapy during the 12-month follow-up.
• SC in the right eye remained inactive, with the macula unaffected.
• Visual acuity in the right eye improved to 20/20, while the left eye vision remained light perception.

Conclusions:

• Interferon α-2a (INF α-2a) is an effective treatment for serpiginous choroidopathy (SC), avoiding immunosuppression-related adverse events.
• Subconjunctival administration of INF α-2a appears to be a safe and promising therapeutic approach for SC management.