Regression of neovascular age-related macular degeneration following infliximab therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the effects of the antitumor necrosis factor (TNF) monoclonal antibody Infliximab systemic therapy on choroidal neovacularisation (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).


METHODS
Prospective, noncomparative series of three patients.


METHODS
A subretinal membrane secondary to AMD was documented by fluoroangiography at baseline in three elderly patients scheduled to receive Infliximab therapy for inflammatory arthritis (infusions of 5 mg/kg at weeks 0, 2, 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter). Follow-up was performed at three months post-baseline, as well as during 18 months of continuing treatment in the first patient.


RESULTS
CNV regressed partially at three months and resolved at six months in the first patient. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) increased from 0.05 to 0.2; this effect was sustained at 18 months. Regression of subretinal membrane and increase of BCVA was also documented in the other patients. No ocular or extra-ocular side effects were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest a plausible pathogenetic role of TNF in CNV secondary to AMD. Additional patients should be studied to confirm the promising clinical results.
Markomichelakis
Nikos N
NN
Ocular Inflammation and Immunology Service, Gennimatas Hospital, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece.
Theodossiadis
Panagiotis G
PG
Sfikakis
Petros P
PP
D000368:Aged; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006801:Humans; D000069285:Infliximab; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000276:immunology*; D014792:Visual Acuity
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D000069285:Infliximab