1
|
Bernal-Morales C, Ramanan AV, Pavesio C. Use of immunomodulators in non-infectious uveitis: lights and shadows. Eye (Lond) 2024:10.1038/s41433-024-03294-9. [PMID: 39160332 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-024-03294-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-infectious uveitis (NIU) is one of the leading causes of sight impairment worldwide. Corticosteroids are the mainstay treatment for acute NIU, although their known systemic and ocular side effects limit their long-term use. The most common types of immunosuppressants used as steroid-sparing treatment are non-biologic drugs, particularly antimetabolites (methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, and azathioprine) and biologic drugs, mainly TNF-α inhibitors such as Adalimumab or Infliximab. Antimetabolites have shown their effectiveness in the treatment of NIU in individual and comparative studies, being methotrexate and mycophenolate mofetil usually preferred over azathioprine. The choice of which antimetabolite to use at first is not well defined, and decisions usually depend on the patient's characteristics and the physician's preferences. Treatment of NIU with biologic drugs, and particularly TNF-α inhibitors, has significantly increased in the last years and is considered an important alternative in patients not responding to first-line immunomodulators such as antimetabolites. However, data regarding how different immunomodulators or biologic drugs perform in different NIU is still limited, and little is known about the optimization of both biologic and non-biologic drugs when used in NIU. Further randomized clinical trials and comparative studies are required to achieve more understanding and better results when addressing complicated NIU. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the use of non-biologic and biologic drugs in NIU, which may be useful for clinicians in their daily practice, and to address those aspects that are less known about these treatments as well as their weaknesses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Bernal-Morales
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
- Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Athimalaipet V Ramanan
- Bristol Royal Hospital for Children & Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Carlos Pavesio
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Institute of Ophthalmology, UCL, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Leal I, Steeples LR, Wong SW, Giuffrè C, Pockar S, Sharma V, Green EKY, Payne J, Jones NP, Chieng ASE, Ashworth J. Update on the systemic management of noninfectious uveitis in children and adolescents. Surv Ophthalmol 2024; 69:103-121. [PMID: 36682467 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Noninfectious uveitis (NIU) in children and adolescents is a rare but treatable cause of visual impairment in children. Treatments for pediatric NIU and their side effects, along with the risks of vision loss and the need for long-term disease monitoring, pose significant challenges for young patients and their families. Treatment includes local and systemic approaches and this review will focus on systemic therapies that encompass corticosteroids, conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARD), and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARD). Treatment is generally planned in a stepwise approach. Methotrexate is well-established as the preferential csDMARD in pediatric NIU. Adalimumab, an antitumor necrosis factor (TNF) agent, is the only bDMARD formally approved for pediatric NIU and has a good safety and efficacy profile. Biosimilars are gaining increasing visibility in the treatment of pediatric NIU. Other bDMARD with some evidence in literature for the treatment of pediatric NIU include infliximab, tocilizumab, abatacept, rituximab and, more recently, Janus kinase inhibitors. Important aspects of managing children on these systemic therapies include vaccination issues, risk of infection, and psychological distress. Also, strategies need to address regarding primary nonresponse/secondary loss of response to anti-TNF treatment, biological switching, and monitoring regimens for these drugs. Optimal management of pediatric uveitis involves a multidisciplinary team, including specialist pediatric uveitis and rheumatology nurses, pediatric rheumatologists, psychological support, orthoptic and optometry support, and play specialists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inês Leal
- Ophthalmology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal; Visual Sciences Study Centre, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Laura R Steeples
- Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Shiao Wei Wong
- Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Chiara Giuffrè
- Centro Europeo di Oftalmologia, Palermo, Italy; Ophthalmology Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, University Vita-Salute, Milan, Italy
| | - Sasa Pockar
- Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Vinod Sharma
- Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Elspeth K Y Green
- Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Janine Payne
- Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Nicholas P Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Jane Ashworth
- Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; Division of Evolution & Genomic Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Teo AYT, Betzler BK, Hua KLQ, Chen EJ, Gupta V, Agrawal R. Intermediate Uveitis: A Review. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2022:1-20. [PMID: 35759636 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2022.2070503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This review aims to provide an update on the clinical presentation, etiologies, complications, and treatment options in intermediate uveitis (IU). METHODS Narrative literature review. RESULTS IU affects all age groups with no clear gender predominance and has varied etiologies including systemic illnesses and infectious diseases, or pars planitis. In some instances, IU may be the sole presentation of an underlying associated condition or disease. Management of IU and its complications include administration of corticosteroids, antimetabolites, T-cell inhibitors, and/or biologics, along with surgical interventions, with varying degrees of effectiveness across literature. In particular, increasing evidence of the safety and efficacy of immunomodulatory agents and biologics has seen greater adoption of these therapies in clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS IU is an anatomical description of uveitis, involving intraocular inflammation of the vitreous, peripheral retinal vasculature, and pars plana. Various treatment options for intermediate uveitis are currently used in practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Keith Low Qie Hua
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Vishali Gupta
- Advanced Eye Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rupesh Agrawal
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Duke NUS Medical School, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Long-Term Outcomes of Pediatric Idiopathic Intermediate Uveitis. Am J Ophthalmol 2022; 237:41-48. [PMID: 34780797 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the course of childhood-onset intermediate uveitis without associated systemic disease, and investigate determinants of outcomes. DESIGN A retrospective clinical cohort study METHODS: This study was conducted in an institutional setting. A total of 125 children (221 eyes) aged 16 years and less participated. Outcomes of interest were visual acuity, severity of inflammation, and the occurrence of sight-threatening complications. Variables examined included age and clinical findings at presentation, treatment, and duration of follow-up. Multivariable analysis was undertaken to investigate potential predictors of outcomes. RESULTS The median follow-up duration was 57 months. At presentation, best-corrected visual acuity worse than 20/160 was recorded in 11 (4.4%) eyes and significant vitreous haze (≥2+Standardisation of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN)) in 35 (14%) eyes. Corticosteroid-sparing agents were used in 41 children (33%), with methotrexate most commonly used (27 children, 21.6%). The most frequent complications were raised intraocular pressure (n = 65; 29.4%), cataract (n = 41; 18.5%), and cystoid macular edema (n = 29; 13.1%). At the last visit, 116 (92.8%) patients achieved best-corrected vision of 20/40 or better with quiescent uveitis. The absence of the use of a steroid-sparing immunomodulatory agent was the strongest predictive factor for the development of new macular edema (odds ratio = 6.3, 95% CI = 2.3-16.9, P < .001) or glaucoma (odds ratio = 6.6, 95% CI = 2.5-17.9, P < .001) over the period of observation. CONCLUSIONS The visual outcomes of childhood-onset idiopathic intermediate uveitis are favorable. The frequency of sight-threatening sequelae of inflammation, which confer a lifelong risk of further visual loss, is high. The use of immunomodulatory therapy is associated with a lower risk of developing macular edema and ocular hypertension.
Collapse
|
5
|
Kate A, Basu S. Systemic Immunosuppression in Cornea and Ocular Surface Disorders: A Ready Reckoner for Ophthalmologists. Semin Ophthalmol 2021; 37:330-344. [PMID: 34423717 DOI: 10.1080/08820538.2021.1966059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Many diseases of the cornea and ocular surface are manifestations of an underlying autoimmune process and require systemic immunosuppression for their management. These cases often present to a general ophthalmologist before being referred to an ocular immunologist or rheumatologist. However, the patients do need to be followed by the ophthalmologist to assess disease progression or for management of ocular co-morbidities and for taking care of ocular complications of the disease. Undeniably, there is a certain hesitance to promptly initiate them on systemic therapy because the literature regarding the indications, dosages, and side effects of this group of drugs is vast and dispersed.The aim of this review is to provide a source of ready reference for the general ophthalmologist as well as trainees and residents, on systemic immunosuppression for corneal and ocular surface disease. Methods: This review included 153 studies which were published as randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, or as nonrandomized comparative studies (cohort or case-control series) on the topic of systemic immunosuppression in cornea and ocular surface disorders.Results: This review provides a concise summary of both the types of drugs and the common indications where they would be indicated, along with treatment and monitoring algorithms for each specific disease condition. The most used group of drugs are corticosteroids, which have significant side effects, particularly when administered systemically or for longer periods of time. To overcome this, steroid-sparing immunosuppressants are recommended. The four main classes of immunosuppressants used today are antimetabolites, T-cell inhibitors, alkylating agents and biologic agents. This review details the use of these drugs in ocular surface inflammation, including the dosing schedule, side effects and monitoring in allergic conjunctivitis, mucous membrane pemphigoid, peripheral ulcerative keratitis, immunological rejection against corneal allografts, anterior scleritis and aqueous deficiency dry eyes. Conclusions: This review provides an uncluttered and wholesome understanding of systemic immunosuppression in cornea and ocular surface diseases, with the hope that this will serve as a ready reckoner and help bridge the gap between ophthalmology and rheumatology for the betterment of our patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anahita Kate
- The Cornea Institute, KVC Campus, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Vijayawada, India
| | - Sayan Basu
- The Cornea Institute, KAR Campus, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre (BHERC), LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
|
7
|
Anvari B. Methotrexate Hepatotoxicity in Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Analysis of the Physicians’ Policy. Curr Rheumatol Rev 2020; 16:67-73. [DOI: 10.2174/1573397115666190618124407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background::
Methotrexate hepatotoxicity could be a reason for the discontinuation or
dose reduction in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA); however, the consequence of different
policies in this situation is unclear and the physicians need to know what would happen after their
decision.
Objective::
To demonstrate the consequence of multiple approaches towards transaminitis management
in patients with RA receiving Methotrexate (MTX).
Method::
Data were obtained from the previous work (2006) on 295 patients with RA undergoing
MTX treatment. Those who developed transaminitis at least one time were selected for this study.
Then, the physicians’ decisions regarding discontinuing, decreasing, or prescribing a fixed dose of
MTX along with the effect of each decision on the next liver enzyme were evaluated.
Results::
Strategies of decreasing dose or discontinuing MTX were adopted in 31.4% of patients
and prescribing fixed dose was done in 53.9% of patients, leading to 93% and 65% next enzyme
normalization, respectively. Thirty-four patients had definite MTX induced transaminitis and
55.9% of the physicians decided to decrease MTX dose for them, causing normalization of the next
enzyme in 83% of these patients. In contrast, continuing MTX, even with the same dose, in definite
MTX induced transaminitis cases led to consecutive enzyme elevations in 88.9% of these patients
(p=0.001).
Conclusion::
Normalization of liver enzymes was observed after decreasing dose or discontinuing
MTX, suggesting this policy as the best practice for the management of MTX induced transaminitis.
However, the trend to improvement, despite the type of physicians’ decision, was observed.
This trend was not found in definite MTX induced transaminitis, revealing the prominence of the
physician’s policy in this situation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bita Anvari
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Reiff A. Clinical Presentation, Management, and Long-Term Outcome of Pars Planitis, Panuveitis, and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease in Children and Adolescents. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2019; 72:1589-1596. [PMID: 31444859 DOI: 10.1002/acr.24056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chronic uveitis is a common manifestation of pediatric rheumatologic conditions and may result in irreversible blindness and long-term disability. While chronic anterior uveitis is the most commonly encountered ocular manifestation of rheumatic disease, little is known about the clinical presentation, management, and long-term outcome of more complex eye conditions such as pars planitis (PP), panuveitis (PU), and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKH). The present study was undertaken to comprehensively assess the long-term safety and efficacy of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics for the treatment of pediatric and adolescent patients with PP, PU, and VKH. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of 75 children and adolescents with idiopathic PP (n = 50), PU (n = 12), and VKH (n = 14) followed by the Pediatric Rheumatology Core at Children's Hospital Los Angeles and evaluated referral patterns, clinical presentation, treatment response, and long-term clinical outcome. RESULTS Patients were followed for an average of 52 months. Their mean age at disease onset was 10 years. Bilateral eye involvement was seen in 87% of the patients. At first presentation to an ophthalmologist, glaucoma was noted in 21% of patients and vision loss (<20/40) in 87% of patients, while legal blindness (≤20/200 in the better-seeing eye) was diagnosed in 18 of 75 (24%) of patients (PP 22%, PU 36%, and VKH 21%). The average referral time to a pediatric rheumatologist was 13 months (range 1-96 months). Topical steroids were used in all patients, but 98% of patients required additional DMARDs, and 73% required therapy with biologics. After a mean of 52 months, 35% of patients across all disease groups had significant vision loss or were blind, and only 28% were in clinical remission without medications. The worst outcome was observed in children with PU. Regression analysis, young age at onset, delayed referral to a pediatric rheumatologist, and chronic disease were strong predictors for the risk of long-term blindness. CONCLUSION PP, PU, and VKH involve a high risk of permanent vision loss and should be managed by a skilled rheumatologist as early and as aggressively as possible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Reiff
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles and University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Heiligenhaus A, Minden K, Tappeiner C, Baus H, Bertram B, Deuter C, Foeldvari I, Föll D, Frosch M, Ganser G, Gaubitz M, Günther A, Heinz C, Horneff G, Huemer C, Kopp I, Lommatzsch C, Lutz T, Michels H, Neß T, Neudorf U, Pleyer U, Schneider M, Schulze-Koops H, Thurau S, Zierhut M, Lehmann HW. Update of the evidence based, interdisciplinary guideline for anti-inflammatory treatment of uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2018; 49:43-55. [PMID: 30595409 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uveitis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIAU) is frequently associated with the development of complications and visual loss. Topical corticosteroids are the first line therapy, and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are commonly used. However, treatment has not been standardized. METHODS Interdisciplinary guideline were developed with representatives from the German Ophthalmological Society, Society for Paediatric Rheumatology, Professional Association of Ophthalmologists, German Society for Rheumatology, parents' group, moderated by the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany. A systematic literature analysis in MEDLINE was performed, evidence and recommendations were graded, an algorithm for anti-inflammatory treatment and final statements were discussed in a consensus meeting (Nominal Group Technique), a preliminary draft was fine-tuned and discussed thereafter by all participants (Delphi procedure). RESULTS Consensus was reached on recommendations, including a standardized treatment strategy according to uveitis severity in the individual patient. Thus, methotrexate shall be introduced for uveitis not responding to low-dose (≤ 2 applications/day) topical corticosteroids, and a TNFalpha antibody (preferably adalimumab) used, if uveitis inactivity is not achieved. In very severe active uveitis with uveitis-related deterioration of vision, systemic corticosteroids should be considered for bridging until DMARDs take effect. If TNFalpha antibodies fail to take effect or lose effect, another biological should be selected (tocilizumab, abatacept or rituximab). De-escalation of DMARDs should be preceded by a period of ≥ 2 years of uveitis inactivity. CONCLUSIONS An interdisciplinary, evidence-based treatment guideline for JIAU is presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Heiligenhaus
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guideline of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG), St. Franziskus Hospital, Hohenzollernring 74, 48145 Muenster, Germany.
| | - K Minden
- The Society for Paediatric Rheumatology (GKJR), Germany
| | - C Tappeiner
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guideline of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG), St. Franziskus Hospital, Hohenzollernring 74, 48145 Muenster, Germany
| | - H Baus
- The Participation of the Following Bodies: Parents' Group for Children with Uveitis and their Families, Germany
| | - B Bertram
- Professional Association of Ophthalmologists (BVA), Germany
| | - C Deuter
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guideline of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG), St. Franziskus Hospital, Hohenzollernring 74, 48145 Muenster, Germany
| | - I Foeldvari
- The Society for Paediatric Rheumatology (GKJR), Germany
| | - D Föll
- The Society for Paediatric Rheumatology (GKJR), Germany
| | - M Frosch
- The Society for Paediatric Rheumatology (GKJR), Germany
| | - G Ganser
- The Society for Paediatric Rheumatology (GKJR), Germany
| | - M Gaubitz
- German Society of Rheumatology (DGRh), Germany
| | - A Günther
- The Society for Paediatric Rheumatology (GKJR), Germany
| | - C Heinz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guideline of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG), St. Franziskus Hospital, Hohenzollernring 74, 48145 Muenster, Germany
| | - G Horneff
- The Society for Paediatric Rheumatology (GKJR), Germany
| | - C Huemer
- The Society for Paediatric Rheumatology (GKJR), Germany
| | - I Kopp
- Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF), Germany
| | - C Lommatzsch
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guideline of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG), St. Franziskus Hospital, Hohenzollernring 74, 48145 Muenster, Germany
| | - T Lutz
- The Society for Paediatric Rheumatology (GKJR), Germany
| | - H Michels
- The Society for Paediatric Rheumatology (GKJR), Germany
| | - T Neß
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guideline of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG), St. Franziskus Hospital, Hohenzollernring 74, 48145 Muenster, Germany
| | - U Neudorf
- The Society for Paediatric Rheumatology (GKJR), Germany
| | - U Pleyer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guideline of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG), St. Franziskus Hospital, Hohenzollernring 74, 48145 Muenster, Germany
| | - M Schneider
- German Society of Rheumatology (DGRh), Germany
| | | | - S Thurau
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guideline of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG), St. Franziskus Hospital, Hohenzollernring 74, 48145 Muenster, Germany
| | - M Zierhut
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guideline of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG), St. Franziskus Hospital, Hohenzollernring 74, 48145 Muenster, Germany
| | - H W Lehmann
- The Society for Paediatric Rheumatology (GKJR), Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wieringa WG, Armbrust W, Legger GE, Los LI. Efficacy of High-Dose Methotrexate in Pediatric Non-Infectious Uveitis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2018; 27:1305-1313. [PMID: 30346845 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2018.1529800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: To analyze the efficacy of high dose (≥ 15mg/m2/week) methotrexate (MTX) versus low dose (<15mg/m2/week) MTX in relation to time to remission on medication.Methods: Retrospective observational cohort study of pediatric patients with auto-immune uveitis with or without underlying systemic disease treated with MTX at the University Medical Center Groningen (the Netherlands) between 1990 and 2014. Primary outcome was time to remission on medication, which was defined as an observable inactive disease in the affected eye for longer than 3 months without the use of systemic corticosteroids.Results: A total of 42 patients were included. Mean age at uveitis diagnosis was 6.5 years (range 1.7 - 14.4), and 22 (52.4%) patients were male. Bilateral disease was found in 33 patients. Most patients (n=25) had anterior uveitis. JIA was the underlying systemic disease in 21 patients. Overall, 28 (66.7%) patients reached remission on medication in (median) 22.5 months (IQR 10.4- 45). Time to remission on medication in the low dose group (median 35.2, IQR 20.5 - 72.1 months) was significantly longer than in the high dose group (median 16.6, IQR 7.8 - 22.5 months) (p= 0.01). No statistically significant differences in ocular complications, steroid-sparing effect, cumulative dosage and side effects of MTX were found between the high and low dose groups.Conclusion: In this retrospective study on pediatric auto-immune uveitis, high dose MTX was associated with a shorter time to remission on medication as compared to low dose MTX, while side effects were comparable in both groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wietse G Wieringa
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Wineke Armbrust
- Department of Children's Rheumatology and Immunology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - G Elizabeth Legger
- Department of Children's Rheumatology and Immunology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Leonoor I Los
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.,W.J. Kolff Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ferrara G, Mastrangelo G, Barone P, La Torre F, Martino S, Pappagallo G, Ravelli A, Taddio A, Zulian F, Cimaz R. Methotrexate in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: advice and recommendations from the MARAJIA expert consensus meeting. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2018; 16:46. [PMID: 29996864 PMCID: PMC6042421 DOI: 10.1186/s12969-018-0255-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conventional pharmacological therapies for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) consist of non-biological, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, among which methotrexate (MTX) is the most commonly prescribed. However, there is a lack of consensus-based clinical and therapeutic recommendations for the use of MTX in the management of patients with JIA. Therefore, the Methotrexate Advice and RecommendAtions on Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (MARAJIA) Expert Meeting was convened to develop evidence-based recommendations for the use of MTX in the treatment of JIA. METHODS The preliminary executive committee identified a total of 9 key clinical issues according to the population, intervention, comparator, outcome (PICO) approach, and performed an evidence-based, systematic, literature review. During the subsequent Expert Meeting, the relevant evidence was assessed and graded, and 10 recommendations were made. RESULTS Recommendations relating to the efficacy, optimal dosing and route of administration and duration of treatment with MTX in JIA, and to the issue of folic acid supplementation to prevent MTX side effects, use of MTX in the treatment of chronic JIA-associated uveitis, combination treatment with biologic agents, and the use of vaccinations in patients with JIA were developed. The selected topics were considered to represent clinically important issues facing clinicians caring for patients with JIA. Evidence was insufficient to formulate recommendations for the use of biomarkers predictive of treatment response. CONCLUSIONS These consensus recommendations provide balanced and evidence-based recommendations designed to have broad value for physicians and healthcare clinicians involved in the clinical management of patients with JIA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Greta Mastrangelo
- Rheumatology Unit, Anna Meyer Children Hospital and University of Florence, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Patrizia Barone
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco La Torre
- Pediatric Rheumatology Section, Pediatric Onco-Hematology Unit, Vito Fazzi Hospital, Lecce, Italy
| | - Silvana Martino
- Clinica Pediatrica Università di Torino, Day-Hospital Immunoreumatologia, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Angelo Ravelli
- Pediatria II – Reumatologia, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, and Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Taddio
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, and University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco Zulian
- Department of Pediatrics, Rheumatology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Rolando Cimaz
- Rheumatology Unit, Anna Meyer Children Hospital and University of Florence, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - On behalf of the Rheumatology Italian Study Group
- University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Rheumatology Unit, Anna Meyer Children Hospital and University of Florence, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Pediatric Rheumatology Section, Pediatric Onco-Hematology Unit, Vito Fazzi Hospital, Lecce, Italy
- Clinica Pediatrica Università di Torino, Day-Hospital Immunoreumatologia, Turin, Italy
- Epidemiology & Clinical Trials Office, General Hospital, Mirano VE, Italy
- Pediatria II – Reumatologia, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, and Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, and University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Rheumatology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sood AB, Angeles-Han ST. An Update on Treatment of Pediatric Chronic Non-Infectious Uveitis. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN RHEUMATOLOGY 2017; 3:1-16. [PMID: 28944162 PMCID: PMC5604477 DOI: 10.1007/s40674-017-0057-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There are no standardized treatment protocols for pediatric non-infectious uveitis. Topical corticosteroids are the typical first-line agent, although systemic corticosteroids are used in intermediate, posterior and panuveitic uveitis. Corticosteroids are not considered to be long-term therapy due to potential ocular and systemic side effects. In children with severe and/or refractory uveitis, timely management with higher dose disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic agents is important. Increased doses earlier in the disease course may lead to improved disease control and better visual outcomes. In general, methotrexate is the usual first-line steroid-sparing agent and given as a subcutaneous weekly injection at >0.5 mg/kg/dose or 10-15 mg/m2 due to better bioavailability. Other DMARDs, for instance mycophenolate, azathioprine, and cyclosporine are less common treatments for pediatric uveitis. Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha agents, primarily infliximab and adalimumab are used as second line agents in children refractory to methotrexate, or as first-line treatment in those with severe complicated disease at presentation. Infliximab may be given at a minimum of 7.5 mg/kg/dose every 4 weeks after loading doses, up to 20 mg/kg/dose. Adalimumab may be given up to 20 or 40 mg weekly. In children who fail anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha agents, develop anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha antibodies, experience adverse effects, or have difficulty with tolerance, there is less data available regarding subsequent treatment. Promising results have been noted with tocilizumab infusions every 2-4 weeks, abatacept monthly infusions and rituximab.
Collapse
|
13
|
Hersh AO, Cope S, Bohnsack JF, Shakoor A, Vitale AT. Use of Immunosuppressive Medications for Treatment of Pediatric Intermediate Uveitis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2016; 26:642-650. [PMID: 27960602 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2016.1255340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the treatment and outcomes of a cohort of pediatric intermediate uveitis (IU) patients, with a particular focus on the use of immunomodulatory therapy (IMT). METHODS The disease course, treatment, and outcomes of 39 pediatric IU patients treated in the Uveitis Clinic at the University of Utah from 1999 to 2012 were reviewed, retrospectively. RESULTS Mean age at presentation was 7.7 years (SD 3.1). In total, 95% had bilateral involvement. Out of 77 total eyes involved, the most frequent disease complications were ocular hypertension (0.71 events per person year, PPY), cataracts (events PPY = 0.39), and cystoid macular edema (events PPY = 0.33). A total of 20 patients received IMT; 19/20 were tapered off systemic corticosteroids without a uveitis recurrence; 75% of eyes had inactive disease at final follow-up (mean 37 months). CONCLUSIONS The use of IMT, including biologic therapies, may effectively manage disease inflammation and reduce steroid dosages in pediatric IU patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aimee O Hersh
- a Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics , University of Utah School of Medicine , Salt Lake City , Utah , USA
| | - Spencer Cope
- b University of Texas San Antonio, Center for Health Sciences , San Antonio , Texas , USA
| | - John F Bohnsack
- a Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics , University of Utah School of Medicine , Salt Lake City , Utah , USA
| | - Akbar Shakoor
- c Department of Ophthalmology , John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine , Salt Lake City , Utah , USA
| | - Albert T Vitale
- c Department of Ophthalmology , John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine , Salt Lake City , Utah , USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Keino H, Watanabe T, Taki W, Nakayama M, Nakamura T, Yan K, Okada AA. Clinical features of uveitis in children and adolescents at a tertiary referral centre in Tokyo. Br J Ophthalmol 2016; 101:406-410. [DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2015-308194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
|
15
|
Henderson LA, Zurakowski D, Angeles-Han ST, Lasky A, Rabinovich CE, Lo MS. Medication use in juvenile uveitis patients enrolled in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2016; 14:9. [PMID: 26879972 PMCID: PMC4755024 DOI: 10.1186/s12969-016-0069-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is not yet a commonly accepted, standardized approach in the treatment of juvenile idiopathic uveitis when initial steroid therapy is insufficient. We sought to assess current practice patterns within a large cohort of children with juvenile uveitis. METHODS This is a cross-sectional cohort study of patients with uveitis enrolled in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRAnet) registry. Clinical information including, demographic information, presenting features, disease complications, and medications were collected. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to assess for associations between medications and clinical characteristics. RESULTS Ninety-two children with idiopathic and 656 with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis were identified. Indication (arthritis or uveitis) for medication use was not available for JIA patients; therefore, detailed analysis was limited to children with idiopathic uveitis. In this group, 94 % had received systemic steroids. Methotrexate (MTX) was used in 76 % of patients, with oral and subcutaneous forms given at similar rates. In multivariable analysis, non-Caucasians were more likely to be treated initially with subcutaneous MTX (P = 0.003). Of the 53 % of patients treated with a biologic DMARD, all received a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor. TNF inhibitor use was associated with a higher frequency of cataracts (52 % vs 21 %; P = 0.001) and antinuclear antibody positivity (49 % vs 29 %; P = 0.04), although overall complication rates were not higher in these patients. CONCLUSION Among idiopathic uveitis patients enrolled in the CARRAnet registry, MTX was the most commonly used DMARD, with subcutaneous and oral forms equally favored. Patients who received a TNF inhibitor were more likely to be ANA positive and have cataracts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A. Henderson
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, 1 Blackfan Circle, Karp Building, 10th Floor, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - David Zurakowski
- Departments of Anesthesia and Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Sheila T. Angeles-Han
- Department of Pediatrics and Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Andrew Lasky
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - C. Egla Rabinovich
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke Children’s, Durham, NC USA
| | - Mindy S. Lo
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, 1 Blackfan Circle, Karp Building, 10th Floor, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Anterior uveitis (AU), inflammation of the iris, choroid or ciliary body, can cause significant eye morbidity, including visual loss. In the pediatric age group, the most common underlying diagnosis for AU is juvenile idiopathic associated uveitis and idiopathic AU, which are the focus of this paper. AU is often resistant to medications such as topical corticosteroids and methotrexate. In the past 15 years, biologic agents (biologics) have transformed treatment. In this review, we discuss those in widespread use and those with more theoretical applications for anterior uveitis. Tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors (anti-TNFα) have been available the longest and are used widely to treat pediatric uveitis. The effects of anti-TNFα in children are described mostly in small retrospective case series. Together, the literature suggests that the majority of children treated with anti-TNFα achieve decreased uveitis activity and reduced corticosteroid burden. However, many will have disease flares even on treatment. Only a few small studies directly compare outcomes between alternate anti-TNFα (infliximab and adalimumab). The use of different uveitis grading systems, inclusion criteria, and outcome measures makes cross-study comparisons difficult. Whether the achievement and maintenance of inactive disease occurs more frequently with certain anti-TNFα remains controversial. Newer biologics that modulate the immune system differently (e.g., interfere with Th17 activation through IL-17a and IL-6 blockade, limit T lymphocyte costimulation, and deplete B lymphocytes), have shown promise for uveitis. Studies of these agents are small and include mostly adults. Additional biologics are also being explored to treat uveitis. With their advent, we are hopeful that outcomes will ultimately be improved for children with AU. With many biologics available, much work remains to identify the optimal inflammatory pathway to target in AU.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Lerman
- Division of Rheumatology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Abramson Research Center Suite 1102, 3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA,
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Uveitis is a group of inflammatory ocular conditions that cause significant visual morbidity around the world. Many of the cases of blindness secondary to uveitis can be avoided with adequate and aggressive management of the intraocular inflammation. Steroids have been utilized in the treatment of noninfectious uveitis for more than 60 years, but their chronic use is associated with severe ocular and systemic side-effects. Ophthalmologists are often not familiar with the systemic steroid-sparing agents available for the management of ocular inflammation and depend primarily on the use of corticosteroids. In this article, we review the most common agents utilized in the treatment of uveitis and their side-effect profiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Uchiyama
- Department of Ophthalmology , Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts , USA and
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Mackensen F, Baydoun L, Garweg J, Heiligenhaus A, Hudde T. Uveitis intermedia. Ophthalmologe 2014; 111:1033-40. [DOI: 10.1007/s00347-014-3198-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
19
|
Reiff A, Kadayifcilar S, Özen S. Rheumatic Inflammatory Eye Diseases of Childhood. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2013; 39:801-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2013.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
20
|
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to highlight evidence about the medical and surgical management of intermediate uveitis (IU). Updated understandings of the immunopathology of IU were reviewed in this retrospective literature review. Literature selection for this review was based on the PubMed database (National Library of Medicine) and OVID database (Wolters Kluwer). Articles deemed relevant were selected and highlighted. Intermediate uveitis is most often a benign form of uveitis. Since intermediate uveitis has been described in association with different systemic disorders, the initial diagnostic evaluation should serve to exclude masquerade syndromes and infectious diseases in which immunosuppression may be ineffective or contraindicated. Although the pathogenesis of intermediate uveitis is not fully understood, identification of proinflammatory molecules involved in the IU has contributed to the development and implementation of new therapies. Studies about the use of various immunosuppressants, biological agents and surgical treatment on IU have provided more evidence for managing IU. Nevertheless, corticosteroids remain the mainstay of treatment. The treatment options of intermediate uveitis are evolving, with the development of various immunosuppressants and biological agents. The management of intermediate uveitis should be tailored individually, based on specific causes of the disease and associated complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frank H P Lai
- From the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, The People's Republic of China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Simonini G, Paudyal P, Jones GT, Cimaz R, Macfarlane GJ. Current evidence of methotrexate efficacy in childhood chronic uveitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2012; 52:825-31. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kes186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
|
22
|
EFFECT OF INTRAVITREAL METHOTREXATE AND AQUEOUS HUMOR CYTOKINE LEVELS IN REFRACTORY RETINAL VASCULITIS IN BEHCET DISEASE. Retina 2012; 32:1395-402. [DOI: 10.1097/iae.0b013e31823496a3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
23
|
Woo SJ, Kim MJ, Park KH, Lee YJ, Hwang JM. Resolution of recalcitrant uveitic optic disc edema following administration of methotrexate: two case reports. KOREAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2012; 26:61-4. [PMID: 22323889 PMCID: PMC3268173 DOI: 10.3341/kjo.2012.26.1.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2010] [Accepted: 11/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A 13-year-old male and a 15-year-old female presented with optic disc edema associated with chronic recurrent uveitis. While the ocular inflammation responded to high doses of oral prednisolone, the disc edema showed little improvement. After oral administration of methotrexate, the disc edema and ocular inflammation were resolved, and the dose of oral corticosteroid could be reduced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Se Joon Woo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
PURPOSE To ascertain the effect of treatment with methotrexate (MTX) on the visual prognosis of birdshot chorioretinopathy (BSCR). METHODS Retrospective case series of 76 consecutive patients with HLA-A29-positive BSCR, of whom 46 were followed for at least 5 years and 18 for longer than 10 years. A review of the medical records of 76 patients with BSCR. Treatment regimens were subdivided into the following groups: 1) No systemic immunomodulatory treatment; 2) Treatment with systemic corticosteroids; and 3) Treatments which comprised MTX. First, we calculated eye-years for the different therapeutic regimens and second, we subdivided the patients according to their initial treatment regimen and assessed visual outcomes. RESULTS Mean visual acuity increased over time in the MTX-treated patients; remained unchanged in patients on systemic corticosteroids and decreased in the patients without systemic treatment (yearly change in LogMar -0.020, -0.034 and 0.028 with P = 0.034, P = 0.71 and P = 0.006 respectively). In the group treated initially with MTX, VA gradually increased in contrast to the remaining groups of patients (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION In this series, treatment comprising MTX showed better visual outcomes than the untreated patients and corticosteroid-based treatment regimens.
Collapse
|
25
|
Heiligenhaus A, Michels H, Schumacher C, Kopp I, Neudorf U, Niehues T, Baus H, Becker M, Bertram B, Dannecker G, Deuter C, Foeldvari I, Frosch M, Ganser G, Gaubitz M, Gerdes G, Horneff G, Illhardt A, Mackensen F, Minden K, Pleyer U, Schneider M, Wagner N, Zierhut M. Evidence-based, interdisciplinary guidelines for anti-inflammatory treatment of uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Rheumatol Int 2011; 32:1121-33. [DOI: 10.1007/s00296-011-2126-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2011] [Accepted: 08/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
26
|
Kondo Y, Fukuda K, Suzuki K, Nishida T. Chronic noninfectious uveitis associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease treated with low-dose weekly systemic methotrexate. Jpn J Ophthalmol 2011; 56:104-6. [PMID: 22042569 DOI: 10.1007/s10384-011-0092-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2010] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
27
|
Relapse rate of uveitis post-methotrexate treatment in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Am J Ophthalmol 2011; 151:217-22. [PMID: 21145533 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2010.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2010] [Revised: 08/10/2010] [Accepted: 08/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy of methotrexate (MTX) and the effect of its withdrawal on relapse rate of uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). DESIGN Retrospective case series. METHODS Data of 22 pediatric JIA patients who were being treated with MTX for active uveitis were studied retrospectively. Relapse rate after the withdrawal of MTX was established. Anterior chamber (AC) inflammation, topical steroid use during the first year of MTX treatment, and associations of relapses after the withdrawal were evaluated statistically. Duration of MTX treatment and its withdrawal was determined individually in collaboration with a rheumatologist with an intention to continue the treatment for at least 1 year and to withdraw in case of inactivity of uveitis and arthritis. Inactivity of uveitis was defined as the presence of ≤0.5+ cells in the AC. RESULTS Eighteen patients (18/22; 82%) showed improvement of their uveitis with a significant decrease in activity of AC inflammation after a minimal period of 3 months of MTX treatment. A topical steroid-sparing effect was observed when MTX was administered for a period of 3 to 9 months. MTX was discontinued because of inactive uveitis in 13 patients. In 9 patients (8/13; 69%) a relapse of uveitis was observed after a mean time of 7.5 months (± SD 7.3). Six patients (6/13; 46%) had a relapse within the first year after the withdrawal. Relapse-free survival after withdrawal of MTX was significantly longer in patients who had been treated with MTX for more than 3 years (P = .009), children who were older than 8 years at the moment of withdrawal (P = .003), and patients who had an inactivity of uveitis of longer than 2 years before withdrawal of MTX (P = .033). Longer inactivity under MTX therapy was independently protective for relapses after the withdrawal (hazard ratio = 0.07; 95% confidence interval 0.01-0.86; P = .038), which means that 1-year increase of duration of inactive uveitis before the withdrawal of MTX results in a decrease of hazard for new relapse of 93%. CONCLUSIONS A high number of patients with inactive uveitis relapse quickly after the withdrawal of MTX. Our results suggest that a longer period of inactivity prior to withdrawal and a longer treatment period with MTX reduce the chance of relapse after withdrawal.
Collapse
|
28
|
Pato E, Muñoz-Fernández S, Francisco F, Abad MA, Maese J, Ortiz A, Carmona L. Systematic Review on the Effectiveness of Immunosuppressants and Biological Therapies in the Treatment of Autoimmune Posterior Uveitis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2011; 40:314-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2010.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2010] [Revised: 05/17/2010] [Accepted: 05/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
29
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Uveitis is a challenging disease covering both infectious and noninfectious conditions. The current treatment strategies are hampered by the paucity of randomized controlled trials and trials comparing the efficacy of different agents. AREAS COVERED This review describes the current and future treatments of uveitis. A literature search was performed in PUBMED from 1965 to 2010 on drugs treating ocular inflammation with emphasis placed on more recent, larger studies. Readers should gain a basic understanding of current treatment strategies beginning with corticosteroids and transitioning to steroid sparing agents. Steroid sparing agents include antimetabolites such as methotrexate, azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil; calcineurin inhibitors which include cyclosporine, tacrolimus; alkylating agents which include cyclophosphamide and chlorambucil; and biologics which include the TNF-α inhibitors infliximab, adalimumab and etanercept and daclizumab, IFN-α(2a) and rituximab. EXPERT OPINION Newer agents are typically formulated from existing drugs or developed based on new advances in immunology. Future treatment will require a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in autoimmune diseases and better delivery systems in order to provide targeted treatment with minimal side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Larson
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
|
31
|
Abstract
Intermediate uveitis (IU) is described as inflammation in the anterior vitreous, ciliary body and the peripheral retina. In the Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) working group's international workshop for reporting clinical data the consensus reached was that the term IU should be used for that subset of uveitis where the vitreous is the major site of the inflammation and if there is an associated infection (for example, Lyme disease) or systemic disease (for example, sarcoidosis). The diagnostic term pars planitis should be used only for that subset of IU where there is snow bank or snowball formation occurring in the absence of an associated infection or systemic disease (that is, “idiopathic”). This article discusses the clinical features, etiology, pathogenesis, investigations and treatment of IU.
Collapse
|
32
|
Gangaputra S, Newcomb CW, Liesegang TL, Kaçmaz RO, Jabs DA, Levy-Clarke GA, Nussenblatt RB, Rosenbaum JT, Suhler EB, Thorne JE, Foster CS, Kempen JH. Methotrexate for ocular inflammatory diseases. Ophthalmology 2009; 116:2188-98.e1. [PMID: 19748676 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2009.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2008] [Revised: 04/04/2009] [Accepted: 04/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the outcome of treatment with methotrexate for noninfectious ocular inflammation. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS Patients with noninfectious ocular inflammation managed at 4 tertiary ocular inflammation clinics in the United States observed to add methotrexate as a single, noncorticosteroid immunosuppressive agent to their treatment regimen, between 1979 and 2007, inclusive. METHODS Participants were identified from the Systemic Immunosuppressive Therapy for Eye Diseases Cohort Study. Demographic and clinical characteristics, including dosage, route of administration of methotrexate, and main outcome measures, were obtained for every eye of every patient at every visit via medical record review by trained expert reviewers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Control of inflammation, corticosteroid-sparing effects, and incidence of and reason for discontinuation of therapy. RESULTS Among 384 patients (639 eyes) observed from the point of addition of methotrexate to an anti-inflammatory regimen, 32.8%, 9.9%, 21.4%, 14.6%, 15.1%, and 6.3%, respectively, had anterior uveitis, intermediate uveitis, posterior or panuveitis, scleritis, ocular mucous membrane pemphigoid, and other forms of ocular inflammation. In these groups, complete suppression of inflammation sustained for >or=28 days was achieved within 6 months in 55.6%, 47.4%, 38.6%, 56.4%, 39.5%, and 76.7%, respectively. Corticosteroid-sparing success (sustained suppression of inflammation with prednisone <or=10 mg/d) was achieved within 6 months among 46.1%, 41.3%, 20.7%, 37.3%, 36.5%, and 50.9%, respectively. Overall, success within 12 months was 66% and 58.4% for sustained control and corticosteroid sparing (<or=10 mg), respectively. Methotrexate was discontinued within 1 year by 42% of patients. It was discontinued owing to ineffectiveness in 50 patients (13%); 60 patients (16%) discontinued because of side effects, which typically were reversible with dose reduction or discontinuation. Remission was seen in 43 patients, with 7.7% remitting within 1 year of treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that adding methotrexate to an anti-inflammatory regimen not involving other noncorticosteroid immunosuppressive drugs is moderately effective for management of inflammatory activity and for achieving corticosteroid-sparing objectives, although many months may be required for therapeutic success. Methotrexate was well tolerated by most patients, and seems to convey little risk of serious side effects during treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sapna Gangaputra
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fundus Photograph Reading Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Abstract
Pediatric non-infectious uveitis remains a rare but potentially sight-threatening group of diseases. However, early screening and treatment can improve outcomes. No single agent has proven to be efficacious in all cases. A wide variety of long-term immunomodulatory treatments are available; these agents differ in both their potency and side effect profiles. Corticosteroids remain an extremely valuable form of treatment in the short-term management of uveitis. Other major groups of immunomodulatory treatments include the calcineurin inhibitors and antimetabolites such as methotrexate, which is frequently used as the first-line agent. The biologics, including anti-tumor necrosis factor agents and interferons, are newer and potentially very useful therapies although side effects limit their use. Successful outcomes may be achieved with appropriate immunosuppressant therapy given early in the disease, although clinical trials are required to define the true efficacy of this strategy.
Collapse
|
34
|
Pavesio C, Jones N. Uveitis Related to HLA-B27 and Juvenile Arthritis. Ophthalmology 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-04332-8.00133-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
|
35
|
Galor A, Jabs DA, Leder HA, Kedhar SR, Dunn JP, Peters GB, Thorne JE. Comparison of Antimetabolite Drugs as Corticosteroid-Sparing Therapy for Noninfectious Ocular Inflammation. Ophthalmology 2008; 115:1826-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2008.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2007] [Revised: 03/27/2008] [Accepted: 04/18/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
|
36
|
|
37
|
Methotrexate: an option for preventing the recurrence of acute anterior uveitis. Eye (Lond) 2008; 23:1130-3. [PMID: 18688259 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2008.198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate the efficacy of methotrexate (MTX) in preventing the recurrence of acute anterior uveitis (AAU). METHODS This prospective, open, longitudinal study included patients from June 2002 to March 2005 who had either three or more episodes of AAU in the previous year, or a recurrence of AAU within 3 months before starting the trial. We excluded uveitis of infectious origin, masquerade syndromes, and patients with contraindications to MTX. The response criteria were defined as an absence of symptoms and the presence of a normal ophthalmologic examination. The study outcome compared the number of flare-ups of uveitis over an MTX-treated for 1 year to the number of flare-ups of the same group during the previous year without MTX. RESULTS A total of 571 patients with uveitis were evaluated during the period of the study, and 10 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. One patient refused the treatment, and nine completed the study. The mean number of recurrences in the pre-MTX year was 3.4 (SD: 0.52), which was significantly reduced to 0.89 (SD: 1.17) in the year of treatment (P=0.011). CONCLUSION MTX treatment seems to reduce the number of flare-ups in patients with recurrent AAU.
Collapse
|
38
|
García-Aparicio A, Leal M, Platero M, Beneyto P. Réplica: «Neuro-Behçet y neurotoxicidad por ciclosporina». Rev Clin Esp 2008. [DOI: 10.1157/13117048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
39
|
Retrospective review of methotrexate therapy in the treatment of chronic, noninfectious, nonnecrotizing scleritis. Am J Ophthalmol 2008; 145:487-492. [PMID: 18282493 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2007.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2007] [Revised: 11/07/2007] [Accepted: 11/09/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the effectiveness and steroid-sparing capabilities of methotrexate in the treatment of chronic, noninfectious, nonnecrotizing scleritis. DESIGN Retrospective chart review. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients treated for scleritis between January 1, 2000 and July 31, 2005 at the Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science at New Jersey Medical School of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Outcome measures included inflammation, corticosteroid and methotrexate dosages, visual acuity, and reported side effects. RESULTS Eighteen patients, with a total of 27 affected eyes, were included in the study: 15 women and three men with a mean age of 52 years. Inflammation control was achieved in 11 patients, nine women and two men. Successful corticosteroid sparing was achieved in 10 of the 11 patients, with three patients completely discontinuing corticosteroid use. Visual acuity was maintained or improved in 21 (78%) of 27 affected eyes. Eight patients reported adverse effects, with one patient discontinuing treatment because of unbearable fatigue. The dose of methotrexate ranged from 7.5 to 35 mg weekly. The mean duration of methotrexate therapy was 19 months (standard deviation, 11 months). There were no serious adverse reactions or long-term morbidity caused by methotrexate therapy. CONCLUSIONS Methotrexate seems to be a well-tolerated therapy that can reduce inflammation successfully and can decrease the corticosteroid requirement in the treatment of chronic, noninfectious, and nonnecrotizing scleritis.
Collapse
|
40
|
Imrie FR, Dick AD. Nonsteroidal drugs for the treatment of noninfectious posterior and intermediate uveitis. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2007; 18:212-9. [PMID: 17435428 DOI: 10.1097/icu.0b013e3281107fef] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review summarizes current nonsteroidal drug therapies for noninfectious posterior and intermediate uveitis. RECENT FINDINGS Continuing evidence shows that second-line agents including antimetabolites, T-cell inhibitors and alkylating agents, are effective in many patients, allowing reduction in steroid dose and preservation of visual function. There is an increased use of mycophenolate mofetil. Biologic therapies, including the antitumour necrosis factor-alpha agents and interferons, have demonstrated a high degree of efficacy in controlling uveitis refractory to immunosuppressants. SUMMARY There are an increasing number of treatment options. As the vast majority of published studies in uveitis are case series or nonrandomized trials, there remains a lack of level 1 evidence to guide the choice and duration of therapy. Standard initial treatment for steroid-resistant disease is to add a single immunosuppressant to the regime, with additional agents being substituted or added as required. Combination of two immunosuppressants in addition to steroids may be indicated especially in chronic uveitis. High cost and limited long-term experience with biologic agents have restricted their use to uveitis refractory to immunosuppressants, but evidence suggests a potential therapeutic role earlier in Bechet's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fraser R Imrie
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, University of Bristol and Bristol Eye Hospital, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
Ocular involvement is common in pediatric rheumatologic diseases, supporting the concept that these conditions cannot be understood simply as isolated entities, but rather as multisystem disorders. The reasons for the breach of the eye-brain barrier and the targeting of the usually well-shielded eye during a pan-inflammatory process remains unclear. Pediatric rheumatologists should become familiar with these ocular disorders, because as important members of the treatment team, they manage more serious cases of inflammatory eye disease. A close collaboration between the treating rheumatologist and the ophthalmologist is essential to prevent potentially devastating outcomes. Therapeutic interventions such as topical steroids, systemic immunosuppressants, and biologics must balance the necessity of controlling ocular inflammation and the adverse effects of these treatments on a growing child.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Reiff
- Division of Rheumatology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Le Thi Huong D, Cassoux N, Lebrun-Vignes B, Wechsler B, Bodaghi B, Lehoang P, Piette JC. [Therapy of chronic non infectious uveitis]. Rev Med Interne 2006; 28:232-41. [PMID: 17275966 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2006.10.326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2006] [Revised: 10/07/2006] [Accepted: 10/09/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chronic non infectious uveitis represents two-thirds of the causes of chronic uveitis referred in tertiary referral ophthalmology centre. One case out of 5 may evolve towards blindness. Therapy should be discussed on the basis of the uveitis severity and the diagnosis; it uses topics or systemic drugs, mainly corticosteroids and immunosuppressors. CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS Besides corticosteroids and ciclosporin, use of immunosuppressors and biotherapy in chronic non infectious uveitis is not an indication of the Autorisation de Mise sur le Marché. However, immunosuppressors and biotherapy were the subjects of several studies, although controlled studies are scarce. Controlled studies concerned cyclosporine, azathioprine and intravenous cyclophosphamide in Behçet's disease, ciclosporine and tacrolimus in uveitis of various causes. Therapy of chronic non infectious uveitis was recently enriched by new drugs: mycophenolate mofetil, initially used in transplantation, has its indications extended to systemic diseases; TNF inhibitors initially used in therapy of systemic diseases; interferon efficacy revealed in Behçet's disease is now used in uveitis due to other causes. FUTURE PROSPECTS AND PROJECTS Controlled studies are suitable in order to determinate the respective part of immunosuppressors and biotherapies in the treatment of chronic non infectious uveitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Le Thi Huong
- Service de médecine interne, groupe hospitalier de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, 83, boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75651 Paris cedex 13, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
Many exciting developments in the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) have emerged recently, including new tools to assess the results of clinical trials (eg, the definition of remission and a radiologic scoring tool). New controlled studies examined the equivalence of meloxicam to naproxen, the efficacy of leflunomide but the superiority of methotrexate, and the use of infliximab in polyarthritis JIA. Initial studies have shown the potential of anti-interleukin (IL)-1 and anti-IL-6 receptor antibody therapy for systemic JIA. Corticosteroid-sparing medications including the use of "biologic modifiers" for JIA-associated uveitis have been described. Evidence-based guidelines for the main subtypes of JIA have been published. However, good evidence on the treatment of several disease subtypes is still lacking. Studies of new medications and the use of combination therapy, including aggressive induction therapy early in the disease course, are necessary to continue improving the outcome of JIA patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Hashkes
- Department of Rheumatic Diseases A50, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Jordan A, McDonagh JE. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: the paediatric perspective. Pediatr Radiol 2006; 36:734-42. [PMID: 16688446 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-006-0165-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2005] [Revised: 09/05/2005] [Accepted: 09/08/2005] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Paediatric rheumatology is a relatively new specialty that has developed rapidly over the last 30 years. There have been major advances, which have included improvements in the classification and management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The former has led to enhanced international collaboration with disease registries, multicentre research and the development of new therapeutic agents. This has resulted in improved disease control and remission induction in many. There is, however, still significant morbidity associated with JIA during childhood, adolescence and adulthood, and challenges for the future include early identification of those with a poorer prognosis, appropriate administration of safe therapies and optimizing outcomes as young people move through adolescence into adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alison Jordan
- Department of Adolescent Rheumatology, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|