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Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis: An Intraocular Inflammatory Mouse Model
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Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis: An Intraocular Inflammatory Mouse Model

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Tocilizumab effectiveness in paediatric non-infectious uveitis: data from the International AIDA Network Registries

Jurgen Sota1, Luciana Breda2, Maria Pia Paroli3

  • 1Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, Rheumatology Unit, University of Siena and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese [European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory, and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) Center], Siena, Italy.

The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|May 24, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Tocilizumab (TCZ) significantly reduced relapses in children with refractory non-infectious uveitis. This treatment demonstrated a notable steroid-sparing effect and good drug retention rates.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Refractory non-infectious uveitis in children poses significant challenges.
  • Limited treatment options exist for pediatric patients with severe uveitis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of tocilizumab (TCZ) in managing refractory non-infectious uveitis in pediatric patients.
  • To assess key outcomes including relapse rates, steroid-sparing effects, and drug retention.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 15 children with refractory non-infectious uveitis treated with TCZ.
  • Evaluation of ocular relapse frequency, corticosteroid dosage, and TCZ drug survival.
  • Assessment of macular edema, fluorangiographic findings, and ocular complications.

Main Results:

  • Mean ocular relapses decreased from 314 to 106 per 100 eyes/year (p=0.016).
  • A significant steroid-sparing effect was observed (p=0.037).
  • TCZ drug survival was 77.4% at 6 months, decreasing to 61.9% at 36 months. Macular edema and retinal vasculitis resolved in all affected eyes.

Conclusions:

  • Tocilizumab is an effective treatment for refractory non-infectious uveitis in children.
  • TCZ offers a significant reduction in relapses and allows for steroid dose reduction.
  • The drug demonstrates favorable retention rates and resolution of key inflammatory markers.

Keywords:
Uveitis

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