Study suggests mycophenolate mofetil effective for pediatric uveitis

A study by researchers in Germany found that most children with uveitis who were treated with mycophenolate mofetil were able to discontinue or reduce their steroidal treatment without significant side effects.

Deshka Doycheva and colleagues at the University Eye Hospital Tuebingen reviewed outcomes of 17 children who received a minimum 6-month course of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for non-infectious uveitis at an average age of 8 years. All children were taking steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs before beginning MMF therapy, according to the study.

At 3 years mean follow-up, MMF had a steroid-sparing effect in 88% of children, with 41% of children discontinuing oral prednisolone and 47% reducing their daily dose to 5 mg or less, the authors said.

Also at 3 years, 24% of children had not experienced a relapse, and relapse rates reduced in all other patients except one; 76% had maintained or improved visual acuity, they noted.

Mild side effects occurred in 41% of children, including headache, rash and gastrointestinal discomfort, but only one child discontinued MMF therapy due to side effects, according to the study.

The study is published in the February issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology.