Short-term Effects and Side Effects of Tacrolimus for Behcet's Uveitis.
10.3341/jkos.2007.48.12.1654
- Author:
Jun Woong MOON
1
;
Su Jeong SONG
;
Bo Kyung KOO
;
Young Min CHO
;
Hyeong Gon YU
Author Information
1. Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine and Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea. hgonyu@snu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Behcet's uveitis;
Cyclosporine;
Tacrolimus
- MeSH:
Anterior Chamber;
Aspartic Acid;
Azathioprine;
Cholesterol;
Creatinine;
Cyclosporine;
Diabetes Mellitus;
Glucose;
Glucose Tolerance Test;
Humans;
Hyperglycemia;
Inflammation;
Insulin;
Plasma;
Prospective Studies;
Tacrolimus*;
Uveitis*;
Uveitis, Posterior;
Visual Acuity
- From:Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society
2007;48(12):1654-1662
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical effects and side effects of Tacrolimus for ocular Behcet's disease. METHODS: Eight patients (male: 5, age: 35+/-7.5 (25-48) years) with Behcet's uveitis, refractory posterior uveitis unresponsive to combination treatment with cyclosporine, azathioprine, and oral steroid or significant cyclosporine-related adverse effects were recruited prospectively, and cyclosporine was switched to Tacrolimus. Visual acuity, degree of anterior chamber, and vitreous haze were compared before the conversion and three months after. Oral glucose tolerance, plasma insulin, cholesterol, creatinine, and aspartate (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured to monitor systemic effects. RESULTS: Visual acuity did not change significantly after conversion to Tacrolimus. Anterior chamber (seven patients) and vitreous (four patients) inflammation were found before conversion and decreased or disappeared after conversion. Overall plasma levels of glucose, insulin, creatinine, and AST/ALT were similar before and after conversion. However, cholesterol was significantly decreased after conversion (p=0.028). One patient developed diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSIONS: Tacrolimus may be effective for Behcet's uveitis unresponsive to or intolerable of traditional treatments. In addition, periodic monitoring for side effects, such as hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus, may be necessary.
