Abstract

Aim: To discuss the available data regarding the off-label uses of anti-TNF agents in non-infectious uveitis. Data source: A literature search was performed in Medline through PubMed from January 2001 to January 2014. Study selection and data extraction: English-language articles about uveitis treatment with anti-TNF drugs in adult patients were reviewed. Data synthesis: The use of anti-TNF-α drugs for treatment of several refractory manifestations of refractory uveitis in adult patients is increasing. However, due to the lack of evidence from randomized controlled trials, the use of anti-TNF in uveitis remains “off-label” in most countries. There is no trial-based evidence to support it except for the experience provided by cases and case series. This experience, which is continuously increasing, has yielded encouraging results. Anti-TNF-α drugs, such as infliximab, adalimumab, and golimumab, are reasonably effective for controlling ocular inflammation and sparing patients corticosteroid treatment in non-infectious refractory uveitis. Approximately 80% of patients on infliximab, adalimumab, or golimumab were able to achieve sustained control of inflammation by 6 months. Conclusion: Anti-TNF-α therapy is effective in inducing clinical remission for refractory uveitis, with a relatively low rate of treatment-ending adverse events. However, randomized and controlled trials are required to adequately assess the maintained clinical efficacy and safety profile in the long term of anti-TNF agents for non-infectious refractory uveitis.

Author Details

Authors

• Joaquín Borrás-Blasco¹
• Dolores-Elvira Casterá¹
• Xavier Cortes²
• F. Javier Abad¹
• J. Dolores Rosique-Robles¹
• Lucia Gimeno Mallench¹

Departments

• ¹ Pharmacy Department, and
• ² Internal Medicine Department, Hospital de Sagunto, Valencia, Spain

Address

Dr. Joaquín Borrás-Blasco
Pharmacy Department, Hospital de Sagunto
Avda Ramon y Cajal s/n, 46520 Sagunto, Valencia, Spain
Email: [email protected]

Citation