Effectiveness of Infliximab and Interferon Alpha-2a for the Treatment of Behçet’s Uveitis: Customizing Therapy according to the Clinical Features
Luca De Simone, Alessandro Invernizzi, Raffaella Aldigeri, Valentina Mastrofilippo, Chiara Marvisi, Fabrizio Gozzi, Elena Bolletta, Chantal Adani, Nicolò Pipitone, Francesco Muratore, Luigi Fontana, Carlo Salvarani, Luca Cimino
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.