Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of patients with chronic ocular inflammatory disease treated with mycophenolate mofetil as an immunosuppressive and steroid sparing agent. Method: Charts of all patients with ocular inflammatory disease treated with mycophenolate mofetil between 1998 and 2001 at the Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Service at the Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary were reviewed. Our main outcome measures included control of inflammation, steroid-sparing effect, visual acuity and adverse reactions. Results: A total of 54 patients were evaluated. Control of ocular inflamamtion with mycophenolate mofetil as monotherapy was achieved in 35 patients (75%) and in 67 eyes (77%). A steroid-sparing effect was achieved in 10 of 24 patients who had previously been treated with systemic prednisone. Visual acuity was maintained or improved in 51 patients (94%) and in 97 eyes (97%). Side effects requiring discontinuation of medication occured in 10 patients (18%). There was neither long-term morbidity nor mortality due to mycophenolate mofetil. Conclusion: Mycophenolate mofetil is effective in the treatment of patients with steroid dependent or resistant chronic ocular inflammatory disorders, which fail to respond to conventional steroid treatment. It is a safe and effective steroid-sparing immunomodulatory agent, and can be considered an important addition to our armamentarium in the care of patients with ocular inflammatory disease.
Keywords: 435 immunomodulation/immunoregulation • 611 uvea • 357 clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: treatment/prevention assessment/controlled clinical trials