Long-term control of non-infectious paediatric panuveitis refractory to traditional immunesuppressive therapy, successfully treated with Adalimumab (HumiraTM).

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to present two cases of severe idiopathic non-infectious paediatric panuveitis, unresponsive to traditional therapy, successfully treated with Adalimumab (HumiraTM, Abbott Pharmaceutical Inc.) in the long term. METHODS: The data of the two cases are presented and the literature is reviewed. RESULTS: At base line, case 1 had 0.2 in the RE and 0.5 in the LE, while case 2 had 0.5 and 0.4 in the RE and LE, respectively. The anterior chamber (AC) of case 1 had 3+ cells and 3+ flare in both eyes, as well as diffuse keratic precipitates (Kps). Case 2 presented 2+ cells and 3+ flare in both eyes, as well as tiny Kps in the inferior part of the endothelium. The Binocular Indirect Ophthalmoscopy (BIO) score was +2 in both eyes of case 1 and case 2 at first examination. After Adalimumab initiation, both patients presented a dramatic resolution of the ocular inflammation, as well as a rapid improvement of the BCVA. Case 1 had 0.8 and 1.0 in the RE and the LE, respectively, while case 2 presented 1.0 in both eyes. At the last visit, both patients presented a quiet uveitis and stable BCVA: case 1 had 0.8 and 1.0 in the RE and the LE, respectively, while case 2 presented 1.0 in both eyes. No side effects were recorded during this time. CONCLUSIONS: Adalimumab can be a promising drug for the therapy of severe, refractory paediatric uveitis, although further studies are needed on its application in uveitis.