A Case of Improved Refractory Uveitis in Behcet's Disease after Infliximab Therapy / 대한류마티스학회지

ABSTRACT

Behcet's disease is a multisystemic, chronic relapsing inflammatory disease characterized by vasculitides, mucocutaneous lesions, thrombophlebitis, arthritis. Among them, the ocular involvement is usual (50~70%) and the most serious morbidity is blindness (20~25% of those of affected). Immunosuppressive treatment is currently the main therapy in chronic relapsing uveitis, but many patients experience recurrent sight-threatening uveitis. T lymphocytes play an important role in the pathogenesis of uveitis by releasing cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha. There are some reports that the anti-TNFalpha treatment is effective in refractory Behcet's uveitis, but it has not been reported in Korea. We report a case of refractory uveitis in Behcet's disease which is improved after anti-TNFalpha therapy.