Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of adalimumab in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis.
Methods: Retrospective observational study of 20 patients with JIA and chronic uveitis on adalimumab treatment. The ocular inflammation and improvement was assessed according to the Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature criteria.
Results: At the initiation of adalimumab, the mean age of patients was 13.4 yrs and the mean duration of uveitis 8.7 yrs. Seventeen (85%) patients had polyarticular JIA and 19 (95%) had previously been on anti-TNF treatment. The mean duration of adalimumab therapy was 18.7 months. Of the 20 patients, 7 (35%) showed improved activity, 1 (5%) worsening activity and in 12 (60%) no change was observed in the activity of uveitis. Those with improved activity were younger and had shorter disease duration. The mean number of flares/yr decreased from 1.9 to 1.4 during adalimumab treatment. Serious adverse events or side-effects were not observed. Seven patients discontinued adalimumab during the follow-up: six because of inefficacy and one because of inactive uveitis.
Conclusion: Adalimumab is a potential treatment option in JIA-associated uveitis, even in patients non-responsive to previous other anti-TNF therapy.