Early versus late initiation of infliximab for refractory uveitis in a cohort of Egyptian BD patients

Abstract

Introduction Behçet’s syndrome is a multisystem inflammatory disease characterized by recurrent oral aphthous ulcers, genital ulcers, skin lesions, and uveitis. Ocular involvement, occurring roughly in 50% of patients, is one of the most feared complications of Behçet’s syndrome. Recurrent severe uveitis leads to irreversible severe vision loss. Purpose The main goals in the management of patients with Behçet’s uveitis are rapid resolution of intraocular inflammation, prevention of recurrent attacks, and achievement of complete remission and preservation of vision. Corticosteroids are generally used for the treatment of acute episodes of inflammation. According to the updated EULAR recommendations for the management of BS ‘any patient with BS and inflammatory eye disease affecting the posterior segment should be on a treatment regime such as azathioprine, cyclosporine-A, interferon alpha or monoclonal tumor necrosis factor alpha antagonists. Methods Infliximab has been increasingly used in the treatment of Behçet’s syndrome patients with uveitis when they are refractory to conventional immunosuppressive therapy. However, there is no consensus on the best time to start anti- tumor necrosis factor alpha therapy. In our study we evaluated the outcome of early initiation of infliximab for refractory uveitis in cohort of Egyptian Behçet’s syndrome patients. Conclusion Early administration of Intravenous Infliximab therapy for severe sight-threatening uveitis and chorioretinitis in Egyptian Behçet’s syndrome patients has a favorable value regarding BCVA. Multidisciplinary approach in managing Behçet’s uveitis is mandatory to reach better functional visual outcome.