Efficacy of B Cell Depletion Therapy with Rituximab in Refractory Chronic Recurrent Uveitis Associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease. (3rd April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abu El-Asrar, Ahmed M.; Dheyab, Abdulsalam; Khatib, Dina; Struyf, Sofie; Van Damme, Jo; Opdenakker, Ghislain
• Is Part Of: Ocular immunology and inflammation. Volume 30:Number 3(2022)
• Page Start: 750
• Page End: 757
• Publication Date: 2022-04-03
• Subjects: B cells -- biologics -- rituximab -- uveitis -- Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease; Eye -- Diseases -- Immunological aspects -- Periodicals; Eye -- Inflammation -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2020.1820531
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0927-3948

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of B cell depletion therapy with the chimeric mouse/human anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab for refractory chronic recurrent granulomatous uveitis associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease. Methods: Retrospective study of 9 patients (18 eyes) who failed to respond to conventional combination immunosuppressive therapy. Results: All the patients received 3 rituximab infusions. The follow-up period after initiation of rituximab therapy ranged from 9 to 36 months (mean ±SD, 19.2 ± 10.1). All patients achieved remission and visual acuity significantly improved ( p < .001). Rituximab provided corticosteroid-sparing effect along with control of inflammation. No rituximab-related complications were observed. Conclusions: Rituximab is effective for the treatment of refractory chronic recurrent granulomatous uveitis associated with VKH disease.