Tocilizumab for the treatment of birdshot uveitis that failed interferon alpha and anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha therapy: two cases report and literature review

Clin Rheumatol. 2018 Mar;37(3):849-853. doi: 10.1007/s10067-018-4007-4. Epub 2018 Feb 3.

Abstract

Biotherapies appear as potential drugs for the treatment of inflammatory noninfectious uveitis. In this report, we show that tocilizumab, an anti-IL-6 agent, greatly improved two patients with birdshot chorioretinopathy refractory to conventional immunosuppressive drugs, interferon α2a, and anti-TNFα agents. After a follow-up of 22 months, patients exhibited an improvement of both visual acuity and macular edema. A corticosteroid-sparing effect was achieved in both cases.

Keywords: Birdshot chorioretinopathy; Interferon α2a; Macular edema; Tocilizumab.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Birdshot Chorioretinopathy
  • Chorioretinitis / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use*
  • Retreatment
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Uveitis / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • tocilizumab