title: Effect of interferon α2a in cystoid macular edema due to intraocular infection.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Cystoid macular edema (CME) is a severe complication and a major cause of visual loss in patients with intraocular infection. In this type of CME, therapeutic strategies remain controversial. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of interferon (IFN)-α2a in cystoid macular edema caused by intraocular infection.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series, 5 patients (6 eyes) who were diagnosed with intraocular infection with chronic CME were included. Interferon-α2a (3 million units 3 times a week) was administered subcutaneously. Clinical observations were recorded before and after treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average duration of CME before treatment with IFN-α was 26 months. According to the preset criteria, IFN-α2a therapy was shown to be effective in 2 patients (3 eyes), effective dose-dependent in 2 patients, and partly effective in 1 patient, and was well-tolerated in 4 patients. The most common side effect was flu-like symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Interferon α-2a may be an effective alternative treatment for CME due to intraocular infection that is resistant to other treatment. Studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm this conclusion.
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, University Pierre et Marie Curie Paris VI, Vision and Handicap DHU, Reference Center in Rare Diseases, Paris - France.
authors: Zhuyun
authors: Z
authors: Qian
authors: Christine
authors: C
authors: Fardeau
authors: Joao Nobre
authors: JN
authors: Cardoso
authors: Badr
authors: B
authors: Jellab
authors: Xianqun
authors: X
authors: Fan
authors: Phuc
authors: P
authors: LeHoang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015828:Eye Infections, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008269:Macular Edema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D014792:Visual Acuity; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins