Evaluation of efficacy of infliximab for retinal vasculitis and extraocular symptoms in Behçet disease.

PURPOSE: We evaluated ocular symptoms and activity of retinal vasculitis of Behçet disease before and after infliximab therapy, using Behçet disease ocular attack score 24 (BOS24) and fluorescein angiography (FA) score. We also analyzed the efficacy of infliximab for ocular and extraocular symptoms.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study.

SUBJECT AND METHODS: Using medical records, we analyzed FA and BOS24 to evaluate the association between the efficacy of infliximab therapy and FA as well as BOS24 scores. Further, we evaluated the association between FA scores and extraocular symptoms.

RESULTS: After 2 years of infliximab therapy, 6-month BOS24 was significantly reduced compared to that before treatment (PreBOS24-6M). After 4 years of infliximab therapy, 6-month BOS24 was also significantly reduced compared to preBOS24-6M. After 2 years of infliximab therapy, FA score median (interquartile range) decreased significantly compared to that before treatment [FA-2Y vs. preFA: 0 (0-0) vs.15.5 (12-24); P < 0.0001; n = 38]. The FA-4Y score in subjects followed for at least 4 years was also significantly lower than the preFA score [0 (0-0) vs.16.5 (12-24.5); P < 0.0001; n = 28]. Among 38 patients, extraocular symptoms were resolved following treatment in 29 cases (76.3%). No significant correlation was observed between the improvement in FA-2Y and FA-4Y scores and the occurrence and persistence of extraocular symptoms (P = 0.33; n = 38 or P = 0.4; n = 28).

CONCLUSION: Infliximab therapy is effective for the treatment of ocular and extraocular involvement of Behçet disease. BOS24 and FA scores are useful for evaluating the efficacy of infliximab therapy.