Roos A W Wennink1, Viera Kalinina Ayuso1, Lieuwe A de Vries2, Sebastiaan J Vastert3, Joke H de Boer1. 1. Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. 2. Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Centre Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. 3. Department of Pediatric Immunology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Abstract
Purpose: To describe the results of tocilizumab treatment in children with refractory non-anterior uveitis. Methods: A case series of seven children with refractory non-anterior uveitis (onset ≤16 years) with leakage on fluorescein angiogram (FA) were treated with tocilizumab intravenously every 4 weeks (eight mg/kg). Minimum follow-up was 6 months. Reported outcomes are changes in BCVA, central macular thickness (CMT) on OCT image, FA scores, dose of systemic steroids, complications and side effects. Results: In all patients, there was an improvement of macular edema and capillary leakage on FA. The median FA score decreased from 14 (10-18) at baseline to 8 (2-9) after 6 months of treatment (p = .018). The CMT decreased from 321 (314-384) to 295 (255-312) (p = .043). BCVA improved in five eyes and worsened in one eye due to cataract. No systemic or ocular complications were reported. Conclusion: Tocilizumab is an effective therapeutic option for reducing disease activity in children with refractory non-anterior uveitis.
Purpose: To describe the results of tocilizumab treatment in children with refractory non-anterior uveitis. Methods: A case series of seven children with refractory non-anterior uveitis (onset ≤16 years) with leakage on fluorescein angiogram (FA) were treated with tocilizumab intravenously every 4 weeks (eight mg/kg). Minimum follow-up was 6 months. Reported outcomes are changes in BCVA, central macular thickness (CMT) on OCT image, FA scores, dose of systemic steroids, complications and side effects. Results: In all patients, there was an improvement of macular edema and capillary leakage on FA. The median FA score decreased from 14 (10-18) at baseline to 8 (2-9) after 6 months of treatment (p = .018). The CMT decreased from 321 (314-384) to 295 (255-312) (p = .043). BCVA improved in five eyes and worsened in one eye due to cataract. No systemic or ocular complications were reported. Conclusion: Tocilizumab is an effective therapeutic option for reducing disease activity in children with refractory non-anterior uveitis.