Antithymocyte globulin treatment of orbital Wegener granulomatosis: a follow-up study.

PURPOSE: To describe the follow-up of patients with orbital Wegener granulomatosis after antithymocyte globulin treatment.

METHODS

Patients with ocular/orbital Wegener granulomatosis refractory to standard treatment were selected for immunotherapy with rabbit antithymocyte globulin intravenously. The specific ocular/orbital symptoms were monitored in patients with a vision-threatening form of Wegener granulomatosis or a life-threatening form with ocular symptoms.

RESULTS

One patient had a complete remission, two patients had remissions but still needed additional treatment, and one patient remained refractory.

CONCLUSIONS

In selected patients, antithymocyte globulin immunotherapy may present an alternative when vision or life is threatened by orbital Wegener granulomatosis.