Effect of infliximab on sight-threatening panuveitis in Behçet's disease.

Abstract

Permanent loss of vision resulting from relapsing ocular inflammation occurs frequently in patients with Behçet's disease, despite intensive, chronic immunosuppressive therapy. Since tumour necrosis factor (TNF) might have an important pathogenetic role in Behçet's disease, we decided to give a single infusion of infliximab-a monoclonal antibody against TNF-to five patients with relapsing panuveitis, at the immediate onset of last relapse. Remission of ocular inflammation was evident within the first 24 h, and complete suppression was seen 7 days after treatment in all patients. No side-effects were noted. We suggest that infliximab is a rapid and effective new therapy for sight-threatening ocular inflammation in Behçet's disease.

• Authors: P P Sfikakis, P G Theodossiadis, C G Katsiari, P Kaklamanis, N N Markomichelakis
• Journal: Lancet (London, England) (Lancet) Vol. 358 Issue 9278 Pg. 295-6 (Jul 28 2001) ISSN: 0140-6736 [Print] England
• PMID: 11498218 (Publication Type: Letter)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Antirheumatic Agents
• Infliximab

Topics

• Adult
• Antibodies, Monoclonal (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Antirheumatic Agents (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Behcet Syndrome (complications)
• Female
• Humans
• Infliximab
• Infusions, Intravenous
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Panuveitis (drug therapy, etiology)
• Visual Acuity (drug effects)