Azathioprine in the management of autoimmune uveitis

Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2008 Jul-Aug;16(4):161-5. doi: 10.1080/09273940802204519.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the role of azathioprine as an immunosuppressive for steroid-resistant autoimmune uveitis (AIU).

Methods: Patients using oral prednisolone for active AIU without clinical response were recruited. A standard protocol of oral prednisolone and azathioprine was used.

Results: Twenty-seven patients participated in the study: 3 with anterior uveitis, 1 pars planitis, 4 idiopatic panuveitis, 8 Vogt-Koyonagi-Harada syndrome, 3 Behcet disease, and 8 choroidoretinopathies. Complete response was observed in 92%. Eleven patients had well-tolerated minor side effects.

Conclusion: Azathioprine is safe and effective in controlling steroid-resistant AIU.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Autoimmune Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Azathioprine / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Resistance
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Uveitis / drug therapy*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Prednisolone
  • Azathioprine