Does etanercept induce uveitis?

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A 44 year old HLA B27+ve woman taking methotrexate (15 mg weekly) and phenylbutazone for resistant ankylosing spondylitis of 23 years’ duration developed worsening of arthritic symptoms. She had never suffered from uveitis in the past. She was started on a 6 month trial of Enbrel (Immunex Corporation, Seattle, WA, USA) 25 mg subcutaneous injections twice a week. Three weeks later she presented with anterior non-granulomatous uveitis in the right eye, which settled in about 8 weeks with intensive topical steroids. Her arthritic symptoms showed a very good response to Enbrel. A severe flare up of joint disease 8 weeks after stopping the treatment necessitated restarting Enbrel. Three weeks later she presented with severe bilateral anterior non-granulomatous uveitis. Oral prednisolone was needed to control the uveitis. Enbrel was stopped and the uveitis resolved. A complicated cataract developed a few months later and was successfully treated with IOL implantation. Cystoid macular oedema in the operated eye has left her with a vision of 6/18.