J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2016 Feb;57(2):283-289. 10.3341/jkos.2016.57.2.283.

Mycophenolate Mofetil for Chronic Uveitis in Koreans

• Ahn MW
• Kim HW
• Lee JE

• KMID: 2213670
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/jkos.2016.57.2.283

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on chronic uveitis in Korean patients.
METHODS
This study included 25 patients with chronic uveitis who used MMF and were followed up more than 6 months in 2 referral centers from 2010 to 2014. The medical records were analyzed retrospectively. The therapeutic effect was assessed based on control of inflammation, corticosteroid sparing effects, and discontinuation of MMF, and the safety was assessed based on side effects. Control of inflammation was defined as no active inflammation observed on at least 2 consecutive visits 28 days apart or more.
RESULTS
The 25 patients consisted of 18 males and 7 females. The mean age of the patients was 47.52 years. The etiology of uveitis was as follows: Behcet's disease in 15 patients (60%), Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease in 4 (16%), sympathetic ophthalmia in 2 (8%), systemic lupus erythematosus in 1 (4%), and idiopathic uveitis in 3 (12%). Anatomic classification was anterior uveitis in 20% and posterior uveitis or panuveitis in 80% of patients. Complete control of inflammation was achieved in 44% and 50% of patients within 6 months and 1 year, respectively. Systemic corticosteroid dosage was reduced to 10 mg of prednisone or less while maintaining sustained control of inflammation in 36% and 45% of patients for 6 months and 1 year, respectively. MMF was discontinued in 3 patients (12%) due to side effects and in 2 patients (8%) due to lack of effectiveness.
CONCLUSIONS
MMF was effective and side effects were uncommon when managing chronic uveitis in Korean patients.

Keyword

Chronic uveitis; Mycophenolate mofetil

MeSH Terms

Classification
Female
Humans
Inflammation
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic
Male
Medical Records
Ophthalmia, Sympathetic
Panuveitis
Prednisone
Referral and Consultation
Retrospective Studies
Uveitis*
Uveitis, Anterior
Uveitis, Posterior
Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome
Prednisone

Figure

• 

  Figure 1. Visual acuity before and after treatment of MMF at 6 months (A) and 12 months (B). All data points located below the bi-secting line represent an improvement or maintenance in visual acuity. VA = visual acuity; MMF = mycophenolate mofetil.

• 

  Figure 2. Kaplan-Meier curve: probability of MMF discontinuation due to ineffectiveness and side effects. The vertical ticks: mark censored patients. MMF = mycophenolate mofetil.

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