Efficacy of Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2a in Uveitic Macular Edema Refractory to Biologic Agents

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To report the efficacy of pegylated interferon alpha-2a (Roferon, Hoffmann-La Roche brands, Switzerland) in uveitic macular edema refractory to biologic agents.

Methods

Herein, we present two cases of non-infectious uveitis with cystoid macular edema (CME) who were unresponsive to immunosuppressant treatment, and whose uveitis and macular edema recurrences were prevented with subcutaneous injections of pegylated interferon α-2a.

Results

Two young males (27- and 30-year-old) diagnosed with non-infectious uveitis and CME were on immunosuppressive treatment. Although both received systemic steroids and biologic agents, macular edema persists. After initiation of pegylated interferon alpha-2a (Pegasys, Genentech, USA) CME regressed significantly and did not occur during their follow-ups of 14 and 12 months.

Conclusion

Pegylated interferon-alpha-2a can be used as an effective alternative to interferon alpha-2a in uveitic macular edema cases, resistant to other immunosuppressive agents.

KEYWORDS:

• Macular edema
• pegylated interferon alpha-2a
• uveitis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported that there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.