Subcutaneous tocilizumab in the management of non-infectious uveitis in children: a brief report.
Pediatr Rheumatol Online J
; 21(1): 99, 2023 Sep 12.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37700264
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Tocilizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that acts as an IL-6 receptor antagonist. Intravenous tocilizumab is considered an option for children with anti-TNF refractory juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis. In contrast, the potential of subcutaneous drug use with this indication is more controversial. Due to the decreased availability of intravenous tocilizumab during the COVID-19 pandemic, we started using the subcutaneous formulation of the drug in children with anti-TNF refractory uveitis. The study analyzes the serum concentration of tocilizumab and its clinical response in patients with anti-TNF refractory uveitis who started or switched to subcutaneous administration from intravenous use.METHODS:
Five patients with non-infectious uveitis were treated with subcutaneous tocilizumab. Ocular inflammation was evaluated on slit lamp examination during clinical control. Serum tocilizumab concentrations were determined by ELISA.RESULTS:
The mean blood concentration of tocilizumab was 61.4 µg/mL (range 2.7-137.0.), with higher values than levels recorded in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with intravenous tocilizumab. Three patients entered clinical remission. One patient developed a mild relapse and was treated with topical steroids. Only one patient did not respond to therapy. The medication was well tolerated without severe infection or other adverse events.CONCLUSION:
Our results support a possible role of subcutaneous tocilizumab in anti-TNF refractory uveitis.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Uveíte
/
COVID-19
Tipo de estudo:
Etiology_studies
Limite:
Adult
/
Child
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Pediatr Rheumatol Online J
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Itália