Effectiveness of TNF-α blockade in the treatment of refractory non-infectious scleritis: a multicentre study

To evaluate the efficacy of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors in refractory non-infectious scleritis. We carried out a retrospective study assessing the efficacy of TNF-α inhibitors in the treatment of scleritis, scleritis relapses, glucocorticoid (GC)-sparing effect, impact on best-correcte...

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Published in:Clinical and experimental rheumatology 2020-11, Vol.38 (6), p.1138-1144
Main Authors: Fabiani, Claudia, Sota, Jurgen, Sainz-de-la-Maza, Maite, Pelegrín, Laura, Emmi, Giacomo, Lopalco, Giuseppe, Iannone, Florenzo, Vannozzi, Lorenzo, Guerriero, Silvana, Frediani, Bruno, Tosi, Gian Marco, Hernández-Rodríguez, José, Cantarini, Luca
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Humans
Retrospective Studies
Scleritis - diagnosis
Scleritis - drug therapy
Treatment Outcome
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
Visual Acuity
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Summary:To evaluate the efficacy of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors in refractory non-infectious scleritis. We carried out a retrospective study assessing the efficacy of TNF-α inhibitors in the treatment of scleritis, scleritis relapses, glucocorticoid (GC)-sparing effect, impact on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and safety profile. Nineteen patients (28 eyes) were eligible for analysis. Scleritis inflammatory grading significantly improved from baseline to the last follow-up (median ± IQR 2±4 and 0±0 respectively, p=0.0006). Scleritis relapses significantly decreased between the 12 months preceding and following biologic therapy (p=0.001). Mean GC dosage decreased from baseline (19.00±13.56 mg) to the last follow-up (7.59±5.56 mg) (p=0.003). No significant differences regarding BCVA were observed. Two AEs were recorded (1 severe urticaria and 1 case of pneumonia and paradoxical psoriasis). TNF-α inhibitors are effective in the treatment of scleritis while allowing a GC-sparing effect and preserving BCVA.
ISSN:0392-856X