Efficacy of tocilizumab in two patients with anti-TNF-alpha refractory uveitis

Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2011 Oct;19(5):382-3. doi: 10.3109/09273948.2011.606593.

Abstract

Purpose: To report on two patients with refractory uveitis treated with tocilizumab; a new humanized monoclonal antibody against the interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R).

Design: Retrospective interventional case series.

Methods: Both patients received a monthly infusion of tocilizumab 8 mg/kg; associated with corticosteroids. Outcome measures were visual acuity and central retinal thickness evaluated with optical coherence tomography.

Results: An improvement in visual acuity and a decrease in macular edema were observed in these two patients.

Conclusions: Tocilizumab seems to be a promising treatment in refractory uveitis. A prospective study is needed to evaluate the role of this new agent in the management of refractory uveitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Macular Edema / drug therapy
  • Receptors, Interleukin-6 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Retina / anatomy & histology
  • Retina / drug effects
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Uveitis / drug therapy*
  • Visual Acuity / drug effects

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Receptors, Interleukin-6
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • interleukin-6 receptor alpha
  • tocilizumab