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Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-a activity reduces inflammation in patients with Graves’ eye disease
The background of the study. Graves’ eye
disease is characterized by inflammation of the extraocular muscles
and soft tissue. The cause is not known, but it is likely that products
of inflammatory cells (cytokines) are involved in both its initiation
and perpetuation. Tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) is one such cytokine.
In this study, the effect of inhibition of TNF-a activity with etanercept
was evaluated in patients with Graves’ eye disease.
How the study was done. The study subjects were 10 patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism and active eye disease. All had been treated with an antithyroid drug. They were treated with 25 mg of etanercept given subcutaneously twice weekly for 12 weeks. At base line and at 6 and 12 weeks, the patients were evaluated using a Clinical Activity Score and an Ophthalmopathy Index, and eye protrusion (proptosis) was measured.
The results of the study. All 10 patients completed the study. The patients’ Clinical Activity Score and Ophthalmopathy Index decreased, but proptosis did not change. At base line, six patients had double vision, which improved in three, and all patients reported some subjective improvement.
The conclusions of the study. Treatment with etanercept, an inhibitor of TNF-a activity, for 12 weeks decreases eye inflammation, but not proptosis, in patients with Graves’ eye disease.
The original article. Paridaens D, van den Bosch WA, van der Loos TL, Krenning EP, van Hagen PM. The effect of etanercept on Graves’ ophthalmopathy: a pilot study. Eye 2005;19:1286-9.
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| Thyroid Digest Index | | | March 2006 Thyroid Digest |
