Anti-tumor necrosis factor-α agents in noninfectious uveitis

Dev Ophthalmol. 2012:51:63-78. doi: 10.1159/000336187. Epub 2012 Apr 17.

Abstract

Anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF-α) agents represent a major breakthrough for the therapeutic management of different autoimmune conditions. Noninfectious uveitis may lead to various sight threatening complications. Hence, from extrapolation of the benefit observed in autoimmune systemic diseases, anti-TNF-α agents are widely used in the treatment of noninfectious uveitis. However, their use remains mostly 'off-label' in this indication, and the lack of evidence from randomized controlled studies limits a rationale choice. This review gives an update on the management of uveitis with TNF-α inhibitors, highlighting important issues, including initiation time, type of molecule, duration of therapy but also major adverse events.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmunity*
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism
  • Uveitis / drug therapy*
  • Uveitis / immunology
  • Uveitis / metabolism

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha