The Results of Interferon-Alpha Treatment in Behçet Uveitis

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To assess the efficacy and tolerability of interferon alpha (IFN-α) treatment in patients with refractory Behçet uveitis (BU).

Methods: The patients with BU who were treated with subcutaneous IFN-α were divided into groups according to treatment response. Demographic features, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT) value, and fluorescein angiography (FA) scores were compared between the groups.

Results: Twenty-one (84%) of the 25 patients responded to IFN-α treatment. Active inflammation resolved at the first month’s visit in all patients. The improvement in mean BCVA and CMT achieved at the first month’s visit in all groups; however, the improvement in mean CMT in the non-responder group could not be maintained at the last visit. Main FA score significantly decreased in both the complete and partial remission group; however, it decreased minimally in the non-responder group.

Conclusion: IFN-α seems an effective and safe treatment option in the management of refractory BU.

KEYWORDS:

• Behçet disease
• Behçet uveitis
• interferon-alpha

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.