Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Interferon Alpha-2a in the Treatment of Chinese Patients with Behçet’s Uveitis Not Responding to Conventional Therapy

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of interferon alpha-2a (IFNα-2a) in Chinese patients with Behçet’s uveitis (BU) refractory to conventional therapy.

Methods: In a prospective observational cohort study, 127 patients were treated with an initial dosage of 3 million units per day in the first three months, followed by gradual tapering of the dose.

Results: After 3 months of treatment, IFNα-2a was shown to be effective in 115 cases (91%). At the end of the 1-year follow-up, the frequency of ocular relapses decreased to 1.59 ± 1.68 per year (ranging 0–6) (p < 0.001), as compared to 5.09 ± 2.51 per year (ranging 3–15). Moreover, the frequency of oral ulcer relapses also decreased to 2.49 ± 1.84 per year (ranging 0–6) (p < 0.001), as compared to 8.20 ± 3.72 per year (ranging 2–10). Visual improvement or stability was observed in 32 patients (59%) in these 54 patients. During a mean follow-up of 11 months (range 3–33), the mean final VA (logMAR) had progressed from 1.0 logMAR to 0.8 logMAR in all treated patients.

Conclusions: Long-term low dose of IFNα-2a is useful in treating Chinese BU patients who do not respond adequately to conventional therapy.

Keywords:

• Behçet’s uveitis
• Biological agent
• Interferon alpha-2a (IFNα-2a)
• Systemic corticosteroids
• Treatment

Declaration of interest

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

FUNDING

This work was supported by the National Key Clinical Specialties Construction Program of China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology [CSTC, 2008CA5003]; Chongqing Science & Technology Platform and Base Construction Program [cstc2014pt-sy10002].

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Key Clinical Specialties Construction Program of China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology [CSTC, 2008CA5003]; Chongqing Science & Technology Platform and Base Construction Program [cstc2014pt-sy10002].