TNRF:Fc to Treat Eye Inflammation in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2003-03-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
This study will investigate the safety and effectiveness of the drug TNFR:Fc to treat uveitis
(eye inflammation) in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. In other studies, TNFR:Fc
significantly reduced joint pain and swelling in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis,
and the Food and Drug Administration has approved the drug for that use. Because medicines
for arthritis often help patients with eye inflammation, this study will examine whether
TNFR:Fc can help patients with uveitis.
Patients with uveitis who are not responding well to standard treatment, such as steroids,
and patients who have side effects from other medicines used to treat their uveitis or have
refused treatment because of possible side effects may be eligible for this study. Candidates
will be screened with a medical history, physical examination, and eye examination. The eye
exam includes a check of vision and eye pressure, examination of the back of the eye
(retina), and front of the eye, including measurements of protein and inflammation.
Candidates will also undergo fluorescein angiography-a procedure in which photographs are
taken of the retina to see if there is any leakage in the eye's blood vessels. A blood test
and joint evaluation will also be done.
Study participants will be given a shot of TNFR:Fc twice a week for up to 12 months and may
continue other medicines they may be taking, such as prednisone or methotrexate. They will
have follow-up examinations at week two and months one, two, three and four. Those who wish
to continue treatment after the fourth month can receive the drug for another eight months
and will have follow-up exams at months six, nine and 12, and one month after treatment ends.
Each follow-up visit will include a repeat of the screening exams and an evaluation of side
effects or discomfort from the medicine.