The Effect of Anti-TNF-alpha on Refractory Uveitis.

Choi, Suk Kyue; Roh, Young Jung; Kim, Min Ho

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society 2007;48(2):273-278.
Published online February 28, 2007.

The Effect of Anti-TNF-alpha on Refractory Uveitis.

Suk Kyue Choi, Young Jung Roh, Min Ho Kim

¹Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. youngjungroh@hanmail.net
²Apgusung St. Mary's Eye Hospital, Seoul, Korea.

난치성 포도막염에서 종양괴사인자항체의 치료효과

최석규¹,노영정¹,김민호²

Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea¹, Seoul, Korea Apgusung St. Mary`s Eye Hospital², Seoul, Korea

Correspondence: Suk Kyue Choi, M.D.¹

Abstract

PURPOSE
To investigate the effects of Anti-TNF-alpha (infliximab, Remicade(R), Shering-Plough) on refractory uveitis. METHODS: A retrospective observational survey was conducted on 12 eyes of 10 patients with refractory uveitis. These patients had no response to immunosuppresants or systemic steroid therapy and were intolerable due to drug toxicity. After an intravenous injection of Anti-TNF-alpha, best corrected visulal acuity was measured. Improvement in inflammation was then observed at the first, third and last month of follow-up. RESULTS: Patients were observed for a mean period of 15 months. They received anti-TNF-alpha intravenously, ranging from one to eleven infusions. After infusion with Anti-TNF-alpha, remission of intraocular inflammation was evident in all patients within 9.7 days. Best corrected visual acuity also improved at the first, third, and last month of follow-up. Two patients were infected by tuberculosis and mumps respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There was an effect on refractory uveitis with anti-TNF-alpha therapy. Many participants may also require further evaluation after treatment.

Key Words: TNF (Tumor necrosis factor);Refractory uveitis