Adalimumab is effective uveitis treatment

Adalimumab is an effective treatment for patients with active non-infectious uveitis, according to a recent investigation.

Dr Bianca Carola Dobner et al., Department of Ophthalmology, Interdisciplinary Uveitis Centre, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany, conducted a retrospective study on 60 patients who were treated with adalimumab.

Outcome measures for efficacy were reduction of macular oedema by optic coherence tomography, visual acuity, anterior chamber cells, reduction of frequency of flares and reduction of prednisone dose during the treatment.

Of the patients assessed, 49 improved while the remaining 11 were administered additional or alternative immunosuppressive treatment. At the last follow-up 47 patients still received adalimumab treatment.

Side effects, including liver enzyme elevation and furunculosis, occurred in three patients. Treatment was stopped in 13 patients due to inefficacy, in three patients due to side effects, one pregnant patient and one patient who died.

Overall, the results of this study demonstrated that adalimumab is effective for the treatment of uveitis in up to 80% of patients. To read the abstract please visit the British Journal of Ophthalmology.