Intercellular adhesion molecule inhibitors as potential therapy for refractory uveitic macular edema.

Purpose: To describe the bioactivity of an intercellular adhesion molecule inhibitor (efalizumab) in a patient with refractory uveitic macular edema.

Methods: A 55-year-old man presented with idiopathic autoimmune uveitis and associated macular edema, which could not be controlled by regional and systemic corticosteroid and selected immunomodulatory therapy. Efalizumab was administered as subcutaneous injections.

Results: After 37 weekly injections of efalizumab, the uveitic macular edema was successfully eliminated. Six months following discontinuation of efalizumab, there were no signs of recurrent inflammation.

Conclusion: Further investigation of the role of intercellular adhesion molecule inhibitors in the management of uveitic macular edema is indicated.