Luca De Simone1, Alessandro Invernizzi2,3, Raffaella Aldigeri4, Valentina Mastrofilippo1, Chiara Marvisi5, Fabrizio Gozzi1, Elena Bolletta1, Chantal Adani1, Nicolò Pipitone6, Francesco Muratore6, Luigi Fontana7, Carlo Salvarani5,6, Luca Cimino1. 1. Ocular Immunology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy. 2. Eye Clinic, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science "L. Sacco", Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. 3. Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. 4. Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy. 5. Division of Rheumatology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy. 6. Department of Rheumatology, Azienda USL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy. 7. Ophthalmology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To report long term results of biologic treatment of severe and refractory Behçet's uveitis (BU) choosing a different biologic agent according to the uveitis clinical features. METHODS: Retrospective cohort of patients with BU refractory to conventional therapy, who received Interferon (IFN) alpha-2a or Infliximab (IFX) for at least 3 months. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included (mean age 29 ± 10 years, 63% males); Fifteen received IFN and 7 IFX, for a mean treatment period of 30 ± 24(SD) months. Twenty (90%) patients discontinued treatment, in most cases for complete remission (77%). Seven patients (32%) showed relapses during treatment and five (23%) after discontinuation. Visual acuity improved significantly in IFN group and all eyes showed a significant decrease in central macular thickness at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Both IFX and IFN Alpha-2a were effective and well tolerated in the treatment of refractory BU using a customized approach based on the uveitis features.
PURPOSE: To report long term results of biologic treatment of severe and refractory Behçet's uveitis (BU) choosing a different biologic agent according to the uveitis clinical features. METHODS: Retrospective cohort of patients with BU refractory to conventional therapy, who received Interferon (IFN) alpha-2a or Infliximab (IFX) for at least 3 months. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included (mean age 29 ± 10 years, 63% males); Fifteen received IFN and 7 IFX, for a mean treatment period of 30 ± 24(SD) months. Twenty (90%) patients discontinued treatment, in most cases for complete remission (77%). Seven patients (32%) showed relapses during treatment and five (23%) after discontinuation. Visual acuity improved significantly in IFN group and all eyes showed a significant decrease in central macular thickness at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Both IFX and IFN Alpha-2a were effective and well tolerated in the treatment of refractory BU using a customized approach based on the uveitis features.