Azathioprine in the management of autoimmune uveitis.
OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Azathioprine is safe and effective in controlling steroid-resistant AIU.
Pacheco
Patricio A
PA
MRCOphth, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK. patricio.pacheco@moorfields.nhs.uk
Taylor
Simon R J
SR
Cuchacovich
Miguel T
MT
Diaz
Gonzalo V
GV
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004351:Drug Resistance; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014605:Uveitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D055815:Young Adult
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D011239:Prednisolone; D001379:Azathioprine