Effect of infliximab on sight-threatening panuveitis in Behcet's disease

Permanent loss of vision resulting from relapsing ocular inflammation occur s frequently in patients with Behcet's disease, despite intensive, chronic Immunosuppressive therapy. Since tumour necrosis factor (TNF) might have an Important pathogenetic role in Behcet's disease, we decided to give a sing le Infusion of infliximab-a monoclonal antibody against TNF-to five patient s with relapsing panuveitis, at the immediate onset of last relapse. Remiss ion of ocular Inflammation was evident within the first 24 h, and complete suppression was seen 7 days after treatment In ail patients. No side-effect s were noted. We suggest that Infliximab is a rapid and effective new thera py for sight-threatening ocular inflammation in Behcet's disease.