Safety and efficacy of infliximab therapy in active behcet's uveitis: an open-label trial

Rheumatol Int. 2008 Nov;29(1):53-7. doi: 10.1007/s00296-008-0606-8. Epub 2008 May 22.

Abstract

In this open-label trial, ten male patients with active Behcet's uveitis were enrolled. Initially, two infliximab infusions (5 mg/kg) were given at weeks 0 and 2. The patients continued to receive conventional therapy on recurrence of severe uveitis (RSU) attack. The patients with further attack were regularly given infliximab infusions every 8 weeks. In cases of further RSU attacks, the infusion interval was reduced to 6 weeks. The total follow-up period was 3 years. The patients were monitored for RSU, visual acuity and adverse effects. Reduction in the doses of prednisolone was also monitored. After receiving two infliximab infusions at weeks 0 and 2, three patients remained attack-free and seven patients had another RSU attack between 8th and 47th week. These patients were regularly given infliximab at 8-week intervals. Five out of seven patients remained attack-free. In two patients who had further attack, infusion frequency was increased to 6 weeks. There was a remarkable improvement in visual acuity with no significant adverse reaction except mild respiratory tract infection (two patients), headache (one patient) and mild infusion reaction (one patient). Infliximab is a safe and effective drug for the management of Behcet's uveitis. Selection of optimal dose and frequency of infusion required standardization for individual patient.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Behcet Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Behcet Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Humans
  • Infliximab
  • Male
  • Recurrence
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Uveitis, Anterior / drug therapy*
  • Uveitis, Anterior / physiopathology
  • Visual Acuity / drug effects
  • Visual Acuity / physiology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Infliximab