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Immunosuppressant shows promise in managing inflammation in birdshot retinochoroidopathy
Infliximab managed inflammation in patients with treatment-refractory birdshot retinochoroidopathy, according to a study.
Forty-four eyes of 22 patients with refractory birdshot retinochoroidopathy received 4 mg/kg to 5 mg/kg of infliximab at intervals of 4 to 8 weeks. All patients underwent prior unsuccessful conventional immunosuppressive therapy.
Fifteen patients were taking infliximab at 1 year. Inflammation control was attained in nine of 11 patients (81.8%) at 6 months after initial treatment with infliximab and in eight of nine patients (88.9%) at 1 year.
Visual acuity of 20/40 or better was noted in 34 eyes (84.1%) at initial treatment. At 6 months, 33 of 36 eyes (91.7%) were 20/40 or better, and at 1 year, 29 of 30 eyes (96.7%) were 20/40 or better.
Ten of 44 eyes (22.7%) had cystoid macular edema at baseline, which improved to five of 36 eyes (13.9%) at 6 months and two of 30 eyes (6.7%) at 1 year.
During follow-up, treatment was discontinued in seven patients. Six patients experienced side effects, including neuropathy, drug-induced lupus, allergic reaction or fungal infection. Treatment was ineffective in one patient.