To investigate the safety and efficacy of chicken type II collagen in treating uveitis associated with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA).
A prospective dose-ranging (60 and 540 microg) pilot study of orally administered chicken type II collagen in 13 participants, aged 2-18 years, with JRA and uveitis and without prior exposure to collagens. Anterior chamber cells, flare, vitreous haze, visual acuity, and concomitant anti-inflammatory medications were the ophthalmic outcomes. Arthritis outcomes included the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) core set.
No serious or related adverse events were reported. Four participants (2 low dose, 2 high dose) experienced improvement in ophthalmic outcome, while two participants (1 in each group) worsened (p > 0.5). According to ACR criteria, six participants showed improvement in JRA.
Although appearing safe, clearly demonstrating the efficacy of this treatment for JRA or uveitis remains a challenge. Based on the results from this pilot study, a large positive treatment effect on uveitis is unlikely.