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Objectives To evaluate the outcome of TNF-alpha inhibition (anti-TNFα) for pediatric uveitis. Methods We retrospectively assessed children (≤18 years) with non-infectious uveitis receiving anti-TNFα at five uveitis centers and one pediatric-rheumatology center. Incident treatment success was defined as minimal or no uveitis activity at ≥2 consecutive ophthalmological exams ≥28 days apart while taking no oral and ≤2 eyedrops/day of corticosteroids. Eligible children had active uveitis and/or were taking higher corticosteroid doses. Results Among 56 eligible children followed over 33.73 person-years, 52% had juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and 75% had anterior uveitis (AU). The Kaplan-Meier estimated proportion achieving treatment success within 12 months was 75% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 62–87%). Complete absence of inflammatory signs with discontinuation of all corticosteroids was observed in an estimated 64% by 12 months (95% CI: 51–76%). Diagnoses of JIA or AU were associated with greater likelihood of success, as was the oligoarticular subtype amongst JIA cases. In a multivariable model, compared to those with JIA-associated AU, those with neither or with JIA or AU alone had a 75–80% lower rate of achieving quiescence under anti-TNFα - independent of the number of immunomodulators previously or concomitantly prescribed. Uveitis re-activated within 12 months of achieving quiescence in 14% of those continuing anti-TNFα (95% CI: 6–31%). The incidence of discontinuation for adverse effects was 8%/year (95% CI: 1–43%). Conclusion Treatment with anti-TNFα was successful and sustained in a majority of children with non-infectious uveitis and treatment-limiting toxicity was infrequent. JIA-associated AU may be especially responsive to anti-TNFα.

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In the index study, the employment of MMF has decreased frequency of attacks in recurrent PIC. FAF may be employed to monitor and predict the response to treatment.

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