Mycophenolate mofetil may be an alternative for maintenance therapy of Behçet syndrome uveitis: a single-center retrospective analysis


UÇAR D., ESATOĞLU S. N., Cerme E., BATU OTO B., Hamuryudan V., SEYAHİ E., ...More

Rheumatology International, vol.43, no.11, pp.2099-2106, 2023 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 43 Issue: 11
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s00296-023-05420-4
  • Journal Name: Rheumatology International
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.2099-2106
  • Keywords: Behçet syndrome, Eye involvement, Mycophenolate, Treatment, Uveitis
  • Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Experience with mycophenolate in uveitis due to Behçet syndrome (BS) is limited. Twelve patients with panuveitis or posterior uveitis who were started mycophenolate were included. Data on demographic characteristics, therapies, ocular attacks, and adverse events were extracted from patient charts. Seven patients with BS uveitis were prescribed mycophenolate for remission induction, of which 6 were refractory/intolerant to conventional immunosuppressives. Mycophenolate was combined with anti-TNFs in 3 patients, resulting in no further ocular attacks. Mycophenolate had to be stopped in the fourth patient due to adverse events. The remaining 3 patients continued to have ocular attacks and were switched to other agents without any drop in visual acuity. Among the 5 patients who were prescribed mycophenolate for maintenance, 2 were relapse free, but 3 experienced ocular attacks. One patient had an exacerbation of mucocutaneous lesions, and 2 experienced adverse events. Mycophenolate monotherapy may not be adequate for remission induction of refractory BS uveitis, but it can be a safe and effective alternative when combined with a biologic agent. It may also be an option for maintenance therapy.