Intercellular adhesion molecule inhibitors as potential therapy for refractory uveitic macular edema.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the bioactivity of an intercellular adhesion molecule inhibitor (efalizumab) in a patient with refractory uveitic macular edema.


METHODS
A 55-year-old man presented with idiopathic autoimmune uveitis and associated macular edema, which could not be controlled by regional and systemic corticosteroid and selected immunomodulatory therapy. Efalizumab was administered as subcutaneous injections.


RESULTS
After 37 weekly injections of efalizumab, the uveitic macular edema was successfully eliminated. Six months following discontinuation of efalizumab, there were no signs of recurrent inflammation.


CONCLUSIONS
Further investigation of the role of intercellular adhesion molecule inhibitors in the management of uveitic macular edema is indicated.
Wang
Jianmin
J
Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
Ibrahim
Mohamed
M
Turkcuoglu
Peykan
P
Hatef
Elham
E
Khwaja
Afsheen
A
Channa
Roomasa
R
Do
Diana V
DV
Nguyen
Quan Dong
QD
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008269:Macular Edema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015866:Uveitis, Posterior / Q000150:complications*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; C472181:efalizumab