Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Interferon alfa (IFN-alfa) is a very potent drug with immunomodulatory, antiproliferative and antiinflammatory properties which can also be toxic with effective systemic doses. We used IFN-alfa given subconjunctivally in a low dose regimen to treat refractory cases of uveitis who did not benefit from standart therapeutical procedures. Methods: We treated eleven uveitis-patients with IFN-alfa with subconjunctival administration. Two patients had herpetic anterior uveitis and one patient had pars planitis. Four patients were diagnosed with posterior uveitis (2 cases of serpiginous choroidopathy, 1 case of toxoplasmic chorioretinitis, 1 case of presumed ocular histoplasmosis) whereas four patients had panuveitis (2 cases with Behçet disease). We used 1 M IU IFN -alfa two to three times in a week to a total of 20 to 30 subconjunctival injections repeated as necessary. Five patients were using topical and/or local steroids during IFN-alfa applications. Results: All patients showed varying degree of uveitis regression. Two patients with panuveitis and three patients with posterior uveitis had complete regression of uveitis (follow-up time: 3 to 8 years). Other patients had remarkable suppression of the uveitic reactions for 6 to 30 months. Conclusion: Interferon alfa administred subconjunctivally in a lower dose regimen seems to be safe and effective to modulate uveitic reactions of the eye.
Keywords: 380 cytokines/chemokines • 612 uveitis-clinical/animal model • 437 inflammation