Abstract
Purpose:
To evaluate the relationship of length of time on immunomodulator therapy (IMT) and relapse of uveitis upon IMT discontinuation.
Methods:
1100 charts were reviewed at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary from the years 2004-2006. Inclusion criteria included patients who were on Methotrexate or Cellcept for at least 1 year and had a minimum 3 year follow-up period once the medication was discontinued. Three groups were formed: those who were on IMT for 1-2 years, 2-3 years, and greater than 3 years. The first 30 patients who met the inclusion criterion were included in each group. The length of time from IMT discontinuation to relapse was noted.
Results:
About half of the patients in the 1-2 year IMT group eventually had a relapse. There was no statistically difference between the 2-3 year and 3 year or greater IMT group.
Conclusions:
This pilot study suggests that patients should be treated for a minimum of two years with IMT to minimize the risk of uveitic relapse in the future.
Keywords: 432 autoimmune disease