Long-term effectiveness and safety of Biologic Therapy in Behçet's uveitis: our experience
Purpose
To assess the long-term effectiveness and safety of Biologic Therapy for the treatment of severe and refractory Behçet's uveitis.
Methods
Retrospective cohort of patients with severe and refractory Behçet’s uveitis who received Biologic therapy with Interferon (IFN) Alpha-2a, Infliximab or Adalimumab between 2003 and 2019. Relapse-free interval during and after the discontinuation of treatment and adverse effects were recorded.
Results
Forty-two patients were included. 25 out of 42 (59.5%) were treated with IFN Alpha-2a, 13 (31%) with Infliximab and 4 (9,5%) with Adalimumab. The mean age at initiation of treatment was 31±11 years, and the mean(± SD) treatment duration was 27.2±22.2 months. Uveitis relapse rate was 23.8%. The relapse-free interval during treatment was 15±10.9 months. The treatment was discontinued for disease remission in 22 out of 42 patients (52,4%). The relapse-free interval after treatment discontinuation was 23.8±30.9 months. Four patients had treatment side effects, without serious adverse events.
Conclusion
Biologic Therapy was effective to induce long-term remission of Behçet's uveitis and was generally well tolerated without serious adverse events.
Conflict of interest
No
Author 1
Last name
DE SIMONE
Initials of first name(s)
L
Department
Ocular Immunology Unit , Azienda USL-IRCCS
City
Reggio Emilia
Country
Italy
Author 2
Last name
MASTROFILIPPO
Initials of first name(s)
V
Department
Ocular Immunology Unit , Azienda USL-IRCCS
City
Reggio Emilia
Country
Italy
Author 3
Last name
MARVISI
Initials of first name(s)
C
Department
Rheumatology Unit , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
City
Modena
Country
Italy
Author 4
Last name
BOLLETTA
Initials of first name(s)
E
Department
Ocular Immunology Unit , Azienda USL-IRCCS
City
Reggio Emilia
Country
Italy
Author 5
Last name
GOZZI
Initials of first name(s)
F
Department
Ocular Immunology Unit , Azienda USL-IRCCS
City
Reggio Emilia
Country
Italy
Author 6
Last name
SALVARANI
Initials of first name(s)
C
Department
Division of Rheumatology , Azienda USL-IRCCS
City
Reggio Emilia
Country
Italy
Author 7
Last name
CIMINO
Initials of first name(s)
L
Department
Ocular Immunology Unit , Azienda USL-IRCCS
City
Reggio Emilia
Country
Italy
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