LONG-TERM EFFICACY OF SYSTEMIC INFLIXIMAB IN RECALCITRANT RETINAL VASCULITIS. Issue 12 (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sharma, Pramod K.; Markov, Gueorgui T.; Bajwa, Asima; Foster, C. Stephen
• Is Part Of: Retina. Volume 35:Issue 12(2015:Dec.)
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: retinal vasculitis -- infliximab -- immunomodulatory therapy -- ocular inflammatory disease -- uveitis -- corticosteroid-sparing therapy; Retina -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Retinal Diseases; Vitreous Body; 617.735
• DOI: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000000624
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0275-004X

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of systemic infliximab for the induction of remission in patients with retinal vasculitis, inadequately responsive to other immunomodulatory therapy, based on fluorescein angiography grading for retinal vasculitis evaluation. Methods: We analyzed 60 patients with retinal vasculitis, from the Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution in Cambridge, MA. Response to therapy was based on analysis of serial fluorescein angiography and fundus photography, including a baseline angiogram before initiation of infliximab. Results: Sixty patients received infliximab therapy between July 2007 and July 2012 at Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution for a diagnosis of retinal vasculitis. All had previously showed a poor clinical response to other immunomodulatory regimens, or ceased therapy due to intolerable side effects. The initial dose of infliximab was 5 mg/kg in all patients and remained at this dose for the extent of treatment in 57 (95%) patients. At 6 months, 45 of 51 (88.23%) patients were maintaining remission with therapy, 5 (9.8%) were in partial remission, and 1 patient had failed. At 12 months, 39 of 39 (100%) patients were maintaining remission with therapy. Conclusion: Infliximab is effective for the treatment of recalcitrant noninfectious retinal vasculitis, refractory to conventional immunomodulatory therapy. Abstract : Infliximab therapy may be a viable alternative for patients with retinal vasculitis who are recalcitrant to other classic immunomodulatory therapies.