Antithymocyte globulin treatment of orbital Wegener granulomatosis: a follow-up study

Am J Ophthalmol. 1999 Jun;127(6):738-9. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(98)00425-5.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the follow-up of patients with orbital Wegener granulomatosis after antithymocyte globulin treatment.

Methods: Patients with ocular/orbital Wegener granulomatosis refractory to standard treatment were selected for immunotherapy with rabbit antithymocyte globulin intravenously. The specific ocular/orbital symptoms were monitored in patients with a vision-threatening form of Wegener granulomatosis or a life-threatening form with ocular symptoms.

Results: One patient had a complete remission, two patients had remissions but still needed additional treatment, and one patient remained refractory.

Conclusions: In selected patients, antithymocyte globulin immunotherapy may present an alternative when vision or life is threatened by orbital Wegener granulomatosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antilymphocyte Serum / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Immunotherapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Orbital Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Orbital Diseases / therapy*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antilymphocyte Serum
  • Immunosuppressive Agents