Interferon Alpha-2a Treatment for Post-Uveitic Refractory Macular Edema. (17th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De Simone, L.; Sangiovanni, A.; Aldigeri, R.; Mastrofilippo, V.; Bolletta, E.; Invernizzi, A.; Fares, L.; Pipitone, N.; Fontana, L.; Salvarani, C.; Cimino, L.
• Is Part Of: Ocular immunology and inflammation. Volume 28:Number 2(2020)
• Page Start: 322
• Page End: 328
• Publication Date: 2020-02-17
• Subjects: IFN -- Interferon alpha-2a -- macular edema -- post-uveitic -- uveitis; Eye -- Diseases -- Immunological aspects -- Periodicals; Eye -- Inflammation -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2019.1589526
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0927-3948

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Purpose : To assess the efficacy of interferon (IFN) alpha-2a in the treatment of post-uveitic refractory macular edema (ME). Methods : Retrospective cohort of patients with post-uveitic refractory ME, who received subcutaneous IFN alpha-2a injections for at least 3 months. Baseline central macular thickness (CMT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were compared with those at follow-up visits up to 12 months. Results : Thirty-seven patients were included. Treatment duration (median [interquartile range]) was 14[8–24] months with a follow-up of 17[10–38] months. CMT (mean [standard deviation]) decreased from 438[140] to 335[119] μm after 1 month (p < 0.0001) and remained significantly lower up to 12 months (286[98] μm, p = 0.001). BCVA (0.48[0.33] logMAR at baseline) improved by 0.26[0.33] logMAR (p = 0.001) at 12 months. There were 14 recurrences. Seven patients had treatment side effects, without serious adverse events. Conclusions : IFN alpha-2a was effective, safe, and well tolerated in treating post-uveitic refractory ME.