Adalimumab (Humira (R)) effectively prevents uveitis flares in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS)

Abstract

Objective: To investigate effects of adalimumab on uveitis episodes in AS. Methods: AS patients with BASDAI≥4 despite ≥1 NSAID received open-label adalimumab 40 mg every other week for 12 weeks (RHAPSODY). History of uveitis (≥1 prior uveitis fl are) was documented and characterized as acute (AU) or chronic (persistent uveitis with symptom-free interval <3 months to next relapse). Uveitis episodes within past year prior to baseline were reported as “0 fl ares,” “1–2 fl ares,” or “≥3 fl ares.” Rates of previous fl ares per 100-patient years (100-PYs) during the past year were calculated using mean of 1–2 fl ares (1.5) and minimum of ≥3 (3.0) fl ares. Rate of uveitis fl ares reported as AEs was calculated as events per 100- PYs. Uveitis fl ares/100-PYs before vs. during adalimumab therapy were compared. Results: Of 1,250 patients, 25 (2%) reported 27 AU fl ares. Of 274 who had a history of uveitis, 23 (8%) reported 25 AU fl ares. Of 106 patients with symptomatic AU in the past year, 19 (18%) reported 21 AU fl ares. Of 28 with active AU at baseline, 9 (32%) reported 10 AU fl ares. New-onset uveitis occurred in 2 males. Of 274 with prior uveitis, 43 had chronic uveitis; 10 fl ares occurred during adalimumab therapy in this group.