Effect of Janus Kinase Inhibitor Treatment on Anterior Uveitis and Associated Macular Edema in an Adult Patient with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To report a case of effective Janus kinase inhibitor treatment in a case of anterior uveitis complicated by macular edema in a patient with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Case report: A 22-year-old woman suffering from JIA-associated anterior uveitis since the age of 2 years presented with recurrent active uveitis and macular edema in both eyes responding only to intraocular dexamethasone implants in the past while several other DMARD therapies including biologicals failed to control activity and edema. After starting treatment with tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily arthritis, uveitis, and macular edema were controlled without any further steroid implants.

Conclusion: In this case, Janus kinase inhibitor represented a successful strategy for severe refractory uveitis and ME and therefore Janus kinase inhibitor may be an option in selected cases not responding properly to conventional synthetic and biologic DMARDs or to intraocular steroid implants.

Keywords:

• Janus Kinase inhibitor
• juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• macular edema
• uveitis

Declaration of Interest

Patricia Bauermann has no conflict of interest. Arnd Heiligenhaus received honoraria from AbbVie, Alimera Sciences, Allergan, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Pfizer, Santen, and Xoma and research grants from Pfizer and Novartis. Carsten Heinz received honoraria from AbbVie, Novartis, Allergan, and Alimera sciences.

Informed consent was obtained from the individual described in this case report.