Drug-induced Sarcoid Uveitis with Biologics

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Rheumatology
• Immunology

Background:

• Biologic agents are increasingly used to treat autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
• Uveitis, or intraocular inflammation, can be a side effect of systemic therapies.
• Understanding drug-induced uveitis is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate new-onset or reactivated uveitis in patients receiving biologic agents.
• To characterize the clinical features of biologic treatment-induced uveitis.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter, retrospective case series.
• Inclusion criteria: patients on biologic therapy who developed new uveitis or a change in previous uveitis pattern.
• Data collected on underlying conditions, biologic agents, and uveitis characteristics.

Main Results:

• Sixteen patients were identified with uveitis associated with biologic therapy.
• Common underlying conditions included ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Behçet's Disease.
• Biologic agents implicated: etanercept, adalimumab, abatacept, infliximab, and golimumab. Five patients were diagnosed with sarcoidosis, and seven others showed features suggestive of sarcoid uveitis.

Conclusions:

• Biologic treatment-induced uveitis frequently manifests as a granulomatous condition.
• Sarcoid uveitis is a notable presentation in patients on certain biologic therapies.
• Early recognition and characterization are key for managing this adverse event.