The role of biologic agents in the management of pediatric-onset noninfectious posterior scleritis

Registry-based observational prospective study aimed at describing the use of biologic drugs in pediatric-onset scleritis. Data were collected at baseline, at 3-, 6-, 12-month follow-up and at last assessment. Scleral inflammation was graded according to Sen classification. Five patients (9 eyes) treated with adalimumab, infliximab, abatacept and secukinumab were included. All patients were previously treated with conventional immunosuppressors and glucocorticoids. Median biologic treatment duration was 28 (IQR = 118) months. At 6-months, scleritis resolved in all eyes. At 12-months, complete disease control was observed in 7/9 eyes (77.8%). The number of relapses 12 months before and after treatment initiation was 17 and 2, respectively. Mean BCVA was 0.83 (range 0.3–1.0) at baseline and 1.0 for all eyes after 12 months. Glucocorticoids had been withdrawn in 4/5 patients. In conclusion, biological agents proved to be effective in pediatric-onset scleritis, allowing a noticeable steroid-sparing effect and preserving visual function and bulbar integrity.