To study the efficacy of systemic anti-TNF agents in the treatment of Mooren´s ulcer.
Methods
Retrospective, consecutive case series. Eight eyes of five patients with Mooren´s ulcer recalcitrant to conventional treatment (high dose systemic corticosteroids, conventional DMARDS, topical cyclosporine A, surgical intervention) were included. All individuals received subsequently anti-TNF treatment. We reviewed the charts of patients with progressive corneal ulceration and report on clinical characteristics and outcome.
Results
During a mean follow-up of 32 months (range 9-76) months relief of symptoms and arrest of corneal melting was observed in all eyes. All progressive ulcers had resolved completely with various degrees of vascularization. Systemic corticosteroid treatment could be discontinued in one patient and continuously reduced to threshold levels in four patients. One individual developed anti-drug antibodies and has been successfully switched to other biologic therapies. No adverse effects attributable to bDMARDs were observed.
Conclusion
Severe progressive cases of Mooren's ulcer are still a blinding disease. Our results suggest that bDMARD are an effective approach in Mooren’s ulceration that are unresponsive to conventional treatment. Therefore, more targeted immunomodulatory approaches might be considered as an effective first line therapy in the future.
Conflict of interest
No
Authors 1
Last name
PLEYER
Initials of first name(s)
Uwe
Department
Charité – Universitaetsmedizin Berlin,
City
Berlin
Country
Germany
Authors 2
Last name
Xia
Initials of first name(s)
Anni
Department
Charité – Universitaetsmedizin Berlin
City
Berlin
Country
Germany
Authors 3
Last name
Dietrich-Ntoukas
Initials of first name(s)
Tina
Department
Charité – Universitaetsmedizin Berlin
City
Berlin
Country
Germany
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.
Learn more