Infliximab therapy in Behçet's uveitis

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of infliximab (IFX) therapy in patients with Behçet's uveitis (BU) refractory to conventional immunomodulatory treatment (IMT).

Materials and methods: This study, trial registration number TCTR20200806007, included cases of BU with a minimum of 18 months follow-up on IFX treatment. Demographic characteristics, ophthalmological examination findings, control of ocular inflammation with IFX, response to treatment and the rate of clinical remission were analyzed in this study.

Results: Sixty-two eyes of 35 patients on IFX therapy were included in the study. The mean follow-up was 49.5±25.9months. The mean frequency of recurrences during the IMT was 1.47±0.78 (attacks/year), decreasing to 0.31±0.40 (attacks/year) with IFX (P<0.001). Visual acuity improved significantly in the 1st month of IFX treatment (P=0.026). Partial response to treatment was achieved in 91.4% of cases.

Conclusion: IFX is a safe and effective treatment in cases of BU refractory to conventional IMT.

Keywords: Anti tumor necrosis factor; Behçet's disease; Facteur anti nécrotique tumoral; Maladie de Behçet; Non infectieux; Noninfectious; Uveitis; Uvéite; İnfliximab.