Long-term Efficacy and Safety of Low-dose Interferon Alpha2a Therapy in Severe Uveitis Associated With Behçet Disease

Uveitic macular edema

“…62 The efficacy of IFN-α has also been shown in more than 75% of Behcet's uveitis patients. [63][64][65] A sixfold decrease in mean uveitis attack rate has been observed on treatment compared with previous treatment phases. [64][65][66] The efficacy of IFNs has been suggested in non-Behcet ME such as BRC 67 and idiopathic uveitis.…”

“…[63][64][65] A sixfold decrease in mean uveitis attack rate has been observed on treatment compared with previous treatment phases. [64][65][66] The efficacy of IFNs has been suggested in non-Behcet ME such as BRC 67 and idiopathic uveitis. 68,69 For example, among 12 patients treated with daily IFN-α, 83% presented a response and 100% of ME resolved.…”

A 29‐year‐old woman with headache, fever, right leg numbness, and dysphagia

“…Many authorities on Behçet's syndrome now regard TNF inhibition combined with glucocorticoids as the first-line approach to treatment in these scenarios (23,24). Although long-term treatment outcome studies are required, it is possible that this approach will control the inflammatory process more effectively than conventional treatment regimens, with fewer adverse effects.…”

“…These immunomodulatory agents have not been shown to be beneficial in sarcoidosis, the VKH syndrome, or Behçet's syndrome. (IFN2␣, which is an effective agent in Behçet's syndrome [23], is a different compound functionally from the other IFN agents).…”

Arida A, Fragiadaki K, Giavri E, Sfikakis PP (2010) Anti-TNF Agents for Behçet´s disease: analysis of published data on 369 patients. Semin Arthritis Rheum [PMID:21168186]

“…Whereas the response rate using either IFN (88% to 98%) [4][5][6][7][8][9] or infliximab (89%) is comparable, longterm remission differs: after discontinuation of infliximab treatment, 40% of patients achieved long-term remission of ocular inflammation varying from 6 months to 3 years. In comparison, 57% to 68 % of the IFN-treated (high-dose regimen) patients could discontinue their treatment and were free of relapses during a follow-up period of 1.5 to 13 years [4,5].…”