Infliximab in the Treatment of Wegener’s Granulomatosis: Case Report
Svozílková P.1, Říhová E.1, Brichová M.1, Diblík P.1, Kuthan P.1, Poch T.2
1Oční klinika VFN a 1. LF UK Praha, přednosta doc. MUDr. B. Kalvodová, CSc. 2Oddělení klinické imunologie VFN a 1. LF UK Praha, přednosta doc. MUDr. I. Šterzl, CSc. |
|
Summary:
Purpose: to evaluate the efficacy of monoclonal anti-tumor necrosis factor
alpha antibody infliximab in treatment of refractory Wegene’s granulomatosis.
Clinical manifestations of Wegener’s granulomatosis at the time of infliximab
initiation were: proptosis of both eyes due to progressive retrobulbar
granulomas, visual impairment, optic disc edema, progressive diplopia, sinus
and renal involvement. The disease was refractory to a treatment with various
immunosuppressants, including intravenous cyclophosphamide or high doses
of mycophenolate mofetil in combination with corticosteroids.
Methods: observational case report. Results: the patient received six infusions of infliximab (3mg/kg) in addition to
low doses of oral cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids. The interval between
the first two infusions was 1 week. The interval between the second and third
infusions was 4 weeks, thereafter 8, 12 and 34 weeks. Following the third
infusion of infliximab the remission of Wegener’s granulomatosis was seen.
After the regression of retrobulbar granulomas visual acuity increased, ocular
motility improved, diplopia and optic disc edema decreased. Remission has
been maintained for 17 months. Infliximab was well tolerated during the shortterm
follow-up.
Conclusion: Infliximab successfully induced remission in case of sightthreatening
Wegener’s granulomatosis in our patient. It seems that infliximab
provides more effective therapeutic option in treatment of
Wegener’s granulomatosis refractory to standard immunosuppression and
offers better perspectives for patients with previously poor prognosis.
Furthermore, it enables reducing the exposure to immunosuppressive drugs.
Key words:
infliximab, TNF-α, Wegener’s granulomatosis
|