Investigators describe the use of infliximab in pediatric patients with noninfectious uveitis who failed to respond to adalimumab.

Study design

The authors performed a retrospective review of 13 children with noninfectious uveitis who failed to achieve steroid-free remission on adalimumab (Humira). They were treated with infliximab (Remicade) for a minimum of 6 months.

Outcomes

All patients in the cohort responded to treatment with infliximab. The number of patients with persistent steroid dependence reduced drastically from 100% to 15% after transitioning from adalimumab to infliximab (P<0.001). The average time to steroid-free remission was 8.7 months.

Limitations

This was a relatively small study. In addition, more than half of the cohort was Hispanic.

Clinical significance

These findings suggest infliximab may be an effective rescue medication for patients who fail to respond to other anti-TNF alpha agents.