Anti-tumor necrosis factor-α monoclonal antibody agents have been widely applied in the management of autoimmune diseases. Among them, Adalimumab and Infliximab have been used for years in clinical practice in treating non-infectious uveitis and achieved satisfactory effects and safety. However, no guideline or expert consensus for their usage is available in China currently. It hopefully promotes standardized clinical application of anti-tumor necrosis factor -α monoclonal antibody in treating non-infectious uveitis, together with other senior experts in uveitis, the Ocular Immunology Group of Immunology and Rheumatology Academy in Cross-Straits Medicine Exchange Association form this evidence-based recommendations for clinicians’ reference.
As a new treatment option after conventional corticosteroids and immunomodulatory drugs, biologics have been widely used in the clinical management of non-infectious uveitis in many countries due to their approved efficacy and safety. Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha monoclonal antibody is the most commonly used one. However, the guidance on its standardized application is lacking. The Ocular Immunology Group of Immunology and Rheumatology Academy in Cross-Straits Medicine Exchange Association compiled the Chinese expert consensus on treatment of non-infectious uveitis with anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha monoclonal antibody. This evidence-based consensus is made according to the principle of consensus building and combines the clinical experience of the experts. Twelve recommendations are formatted on the application of Adalimumab and Infliximab. The interpretation of this consensus point will help improve the normative and effective application of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha monoclonal antibody in ophthalmologists, rheumatologists and immunologists.
Children’s uveitis is an inflammatory disease involving iris, ciliary body and choroid. Compared with adult uveitis, children's uveitis has insidious onset and is easy to delay treatment. In recent years, biological agents have made remarkable progress in the treatment of non-infectious uveitis in children. Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha drugs represented by Adalimumab have shown good effects in the control of inflammation, the saving of glucocorticoids, the frequency of uveitis attacks and the improvement of visual prognosis. At the same time, other biologics such as B cell antagonists, T cell antagonists, interleukin-6 antagonists and Jinus kinase inhibitors were also gradually tested in children with non-infectious uveitis, bringing good news to children who failed to respond to anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha drugs. With the in-depth understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of NIU children by clinicians, as well as the characteristics and therapeutic application of various biological agents, it is helpful to develop a more diversified and individualized treatment plan for children, so as to save the vision of children and children's families.