Non-infectious pediatric uveitis: An update on immunomodulatory management

Pediatric non-infectious uveitis remains a rare but potentially sight-threatening group of diseases. However, early screening and treatment can improve outcomes. No single agent has proven to be efficacious in all cases. A wide variety of long-term immunomodulatory treatments are available; these agents differ in both their potency and side effect profiles. Corticosteroids remain an extremely valuable form of treatment in the short-term management of uveitis. Other major groups of immunomodulatory treatments include the calcineurin inhibitors and antimetabolites such as methotrexate, which is frequently used as the first-line agent. The biologics, including anti-tumor necrosis factor agents and interferons, are newer and potentially very useful therapies although side effects limit their use. Successful outcomes may be achieved with appropriate immunosuppressant therapy given early in the disease, although clinical trials are required to define the true efficacy of this strategy. © 2009 Adis Data Information BV. All rights reserved.