title: Infliximab in the treatment of refractory ocular inflammatory diseases.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Infliximab is frequently used in the treatment of refractory rheumatic diseases. We report our initial local experience at a tertiary eye center in Hong Kong in using infliximab as treatment of various refractory ocular inflammatory diseases that have failed with conventional corticosteroid and immunosuppressant therapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a retrospective, interventional case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed all the medical records of patients who had refractory ocular inflammatory diseases and received infliximab as part of their treatment. We collected data regarding the visual acuity, status of inflammation, and any complications arising from the treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seven eyes from 3 male and 2 female patients were recruited. Two patients had peripheral ulcerative keratitis, whereas the remaining patients had uveitis. Two patients had bilateral diseases, and the rest were unilateral. All patients achieved quiescence after 3 doses of infliximab infusions during the period of 3 months. Most of the patients retained a useful visual acuity of 20/70 or better at the end of the study. There were no serious adverse effects or complications encountered from the infliximab therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Infliximab is a valuable and potent option that may be considered in the management of various refractory ocular inflammatory diseases. However, larger controlled studies are needed to evaluate the safety profile, optimal treatment schedule, and adverse effects of long-term infliximab therapy.
authors.affiliation: From the *Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and †Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
authors.forename: Ka Wai
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Kam
authors.forename: Lai Shan
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Tam
authors.forename: Mang Kwan Patrick
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Tam
authors.forename: Alvin L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Young
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006801:Humans; D000069285:Infliximab / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007634:Keratitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014605:Uveitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014792:Visual Acuity
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000069285:Infliximab