Long-term treatment with golimumab for severe uveitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of golimumab in patients with severe recalcitrant uveitis who had inadequate response to previous biologics.

METHODS

Retrospective study (13 patients with JIA, 4 with HLA-B27-associated uveitis). Indication for treatment was active uveitis despite biologics. Golimumab dosing was 50 mg monthly/subcutaneously.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: uveitis activity, visual acuity improvement, reduction of systemic therapy (corticosteroids/immunosuppressants), adverse events.

RESULTS

Of 17 patients (34 affected eyes), response to golimumab was seen in 14 patients; at last visit uveitis was inactive in 12 patients. Three patients were nonresponders. Mean follow-up time on golimumab was 21.9 months. Visual acuity remained stable in 26 eyes, improved in 7, and worsened in 1. Mean systemic prednisolone dose before and after golimumab was 12.5-3.5 mg/day. One patient developed pulmonary infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Golimumab may be a promising new therapeutic option for severe uveitis patients who have not responded to other biologics.