Changing patterns in uveitis of childhood

Visual Impairment at Presentation in Pediatric Uveitis: A Multicentric Study in 477 Children Across Southern and Eastern India

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate visual impairment (VI) at presentation in pediatric uveitis cases in southern and eastern India.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 477 children across four tertiary centers (2015-2020). Best-documented visual acuity (ETDRS letters) in the better eye was used to categorize VI.

RESULTS

Mean age at presentation was 11 ± 3.7 years; 43.8% were females, and 64.8% bilateral. Of 205 patients with complete investigations, 32.7% were undifferentiated uveitis, 31.7% infectious, 25.7% juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis, and 10.2% other non-infectious uveitis. At presentation, 79.0% had none to mild VI, 12.6% moderate VI, and 8.4% severe VI to blindness. On generalized estimating equations analysis for individual eyes, prior oral steroids and older age were risk factors, while female gender, prior topical corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy were protective against moderate and/or severe VI.

CONCLUSIONS

Over a fifth of pediatric uveitis cases present with moderate/severe VI, especially in older age or with prior oral corticosteroid therapy.

Prevalence of Ocular Toxoplasmosis in the General Population and Uveitis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

The present study aimed to estimate the global prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis in the general population and patients with uveitis.

METHODS

Four electronic databases were searched and 130 studies for evaluating the prevalence of OT among the general population and uveitis patients were included.

RESULTS

The pooled prevalence of OT among the general population was estimated at 2% (95% CI, 2-3%; 762/486 051). The highest prevalence rate was observed in America 6% (95% CI, 1-11%). In uveitis patients, a prevalence rate of 9% (95% CI, 8-10%; 5668/88 006) was reported. The countries with a lower middle income had higher prevalence rates. The prevalence of OT in posterior uveitis 33% (95%CI, 24-42%) was substantially higher than in panuveitis 7% (95% CI, 5-8%).

CONCLUSION

Our results provide a new perspective on the prevalence of OT. Knowledge of international and regional patterns of disease is essential for the establishment of precise diagnostic protocols and control programs.

Epidemiology of Pediatric Uveitis in Argentina

PURPOSE

To explore the geographic variability of the epidemiology of pediatric uveitis, which, although rare in children, carries a significant risk of morbidity.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review conducted at two tertiary referral centers in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Demographic and clinical data of patients younger than 16 years diagnosed as having uveitis between January 1, 2006 and October 1, 2014 were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 257 patients (380 eyes) were included in the study. Cases tended to be unilateral (134, 52.1%), granulomatous (146, 56.8%), and localized to the posterior segment (121, 47.1%). Toxoplasmosis was the most common etiology (98, 38.1%).

DISCUSSION

The spectrum of pediatric uveitis in Buenos Aires most closely resembles that of Colombia. Understanding these geographic variations is important to aid providers who are caring for children in an increasingly globalized world. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2024;61(3):183-187.].

Epidemiology of Pediatric Uveitis

Uveitis is uncommon in children and its diagnosis and treatment are challenging. Little is known of the epidemiology of pediatric uveitis. Indeed, population-based studies in the literature are rare. However, there are many tertiary referral center reports that describe the patterns of uveitis in childhood, although few are from developed countries, and their comparison presents some issues. Anterior uveitis is the most frequent entity worldwide, especially in Western countries, where juvenile idiopathic arthritis is diffuse. Most cases of intermediate uveitis do not show any association with infectious or noninfectious systemic diseases. In low- and middle-income countries, posterior uveitis and panuveitis are prevalent due to the higher rates of infectious etiologies and systemic diseases such as Behçet disease and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease. In recent decades, idiopathic uveitis rate has decreased thanks to diagnostic improvements.

Clinical Features of Pediatric Uveitis at a Tertiary Referral Center in the Western Region of Japan

PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess the clinical features of pediatric uveitis at a tertiary referral center in Western Japan.

METHODS

One hundred forty eyes of 80 patients aged <20 years at the time of uveitis onset, who visited Kyushu University Hospital between January 2010 and December 2019 were included in this study. Clinical records were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, clinical findings, treatments, and visual prognoses were compared between the disease groups.

RESULTS

Of 80 patients, 32 were males and 48 were females. The average age of onset was 12.5 ± 4.8 (0-19) years. Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) were the most frequent causes, accounting for 11.3% and 10% of cases, respectively, followed by sarcoidosis (5%), Behçet's disease, acute anterior uveitis, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease, and juvenile chronic iridocyclitis (3.8% each). Infectious uveitis accounted for 7.6% of the cases: cytomegalovirus was the most frequent agent. Of these cases, 43.8% were unclassified. Systemic therapies were administered to 87.5% of the patients with JIA, 33.3% of those with TINU, and 28.6% of the other diagnostic groups. In the unclassified group, 80% of the patients were followed up with only topical corticosteroids. LogMAR visual acuity of 0 or less accounted for more than 80% in the final examination.

CONCLUSION

TINU and JIA were the most common causes of pediatric uveitis. Although each required systemic therapy, most unclassified cases of pediatric uveitis were managed by topical corticosteroids alone with good visual prognosis. Accurate diagnosis is important for pediatric uveitis management.

Etiology of Pediatric Uveitis in a Tertiary Pediatric Eye Hospital in Egypt

PURPOSE

To report the causes of childhood-onset uveitis in a tertiary pediatric ophthalmology hospital in Egypt.

METHODS

Retrospective study of the medical records of all uveitis patients following up at a tertiary pediatric ophthalmology hospital in Egypt from January 2017 to December 2020.

RESULTS

The present study included 388 patients. The most common anatomical category was intermediate uveitis (30.4%), and around half of these children had pars planitis. This was followed by panuveitis (25.5%), posterior uveitis (23.5%), and anterior uveitis (20.6%), in decreasing frequency. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, toxoplasmosis, and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome were the most common causes of anterior uveitis, posterior uveitis, and panuveitis respectively. Cataract (40.5%), glaucoma (33.8%), and cystoid macular edema (31.6%) were the most frequent ocular complications.

CONCLUSION

The present report provides the relative prevalence of the different anatomical types of uveitis, as well as their main causes in a cohort of Egyptian patients with childhood-onset uveitis.

Pediatric Non-Infectious Uveitis: Long-Term Outcomes and Complications

PURPOSE

To describe the long-term prevalence of ocular complications and visual prognosis in patients with pediatric uveitis.

METHODS

Demographics, etiology and location of uveitis, type of complications, treatment and visual outcomes were recorded in 296 children at first examination and at 1-, 2-, 3-, 5- and 10-year time points.

RESULTS

Αnterior uveitis represented 53.4% of cases, followed by intermediate (28.0%), posterior uveitis (11.1%) and panuveitis (7.4%). The leading diagnoses were idiopathic uveitis (31.1%), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (27.0%) and pars planitis (22.6%). Posterior synechiae was the most frequent complication of anterior uveitis and panuveitis, cystoid macular edema and disc edema of intermediate and posterior uveitis respectively. Posterior uveitis and panuveitis had more severe final vision loss (23.1% and 20% respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides clinical characteristics and main complications in a longitudinal long-term follow-up of a large non-infectious pediatric uveitis Greek population. Early diagnosis and close monitoring remain of fundamental importance.

Evaluation of Uveitis Induced in Rats by a Type I Collagen Peptide as a Model for Childhood Arthritis-associated Uveitis

Chronic asymptomatic and acute symptomatic anterior uveitis are forms of ocular inflammation associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) Chronic JIA-associated uveitis is characterized by young age of onset, female predilection, oligoarthritis, and antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity. Acute JIA-associated uveitis predominantly affects older male juveniles who also develop enthesitis. A type I collagen-derived peptide (melanin-associated antigen [MAA]) induces anterior uveitis in rodents. In this study, we evaluated MAA-induced uveitis in rats as a potential model for JIA-uveitis. We characterized MAA-induced uveitis by assessing its relationship to age and sex; tracking the occurrence of arthritis, enthesitis, and ANA positivity; and measuring vitreous fluid inflammatory biomarkers. Juvenile and adult and male and female Lewis rats (Rattus norvegicus) were inoculated with MAA. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and joint examinations were performed 3 times weekly. Rats were euthanized at 4 wk after MAA inoculation, and plasma ANA testing, vitreous inflammatory biomarker assays, and globe histopathology assessments were conducted. Uveitis, arthritis, ANA status, levels of inflammatory biomarkers, histopathology, and joint tomographic images were assessed in relation to age and sex and compared with nonuveitic controls. All MAA-immunized rats developed uveitis characterized by anterior chamber fibrin, iridal vessel dilation, and miosis, and uveal and choroidal lymphocytic infiltration. Levels of the vitreous fluid biomarker CCL5 were higher in uveitic rats compared with control rats. Time to uveitis onset, clinical uveitis scores, and biomarker levels did not differ based on age or sex. None of the MAA-exposed rats had arthritis, enthesitis, or ANA. None of the rats inoculated with MAA that had been treated with matrix metallopeptidase 1 had clinical, histologic, or immunohistochemical evidence of ocular inflammation. In contrast to JIA-associated uveitis in humans, MAA-induced uveitis in rats is not associated with age or sex predilections and MAA is not arthritogenic.

Causal analysis of serum polyunsaturated fatty acids with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and ocular comorbidity

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

To investigate the causal effects of plasma Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on the risk of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and ocular comorbidity through Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

METHODS

Genetic variants (formerly single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs) that are strongly associated with PUFAs levels (P < 5×10-8) were selected as instrumental variables. Summary-level MR was performed with outcome estimates for JIA (n = 31,142) and JIA associated iridocyclitis (n = 94,197). The inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method was employed as the main approach to combine the estimation for each SNP. Two set of models with summary statistics were conducted and multiple sensitivity analyses were applied for testing of pleiotropic bias.

RESULTS

In model 1, genetically predicted n-6 PUFAs linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA) were associated with lower and higher risk of JIA associated iridocyclitis using IVW (ORLA = 0.940, 95% CI: 0.895-0.988, P = 0.015; ORAA = 1.053, 95% CI: 1.007-1.101, P = 0.024). No such association was observed between each plasma PUFAs and JIA susceptibility (P > 0.05). In further MR analysis, results from model 2 also showed a consistent trend. Besides, multiple sensitivity analyses revealed that there was no obvious evidence for unknown pleiotropy (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our MR study provides genetic evidence on the possible causality that plasma LA level might protect against JIA associated iridocyclitis, whereas AA was responsible for opposite effect.

Comparative study of laser flare photometry versus slit-lamp cell measurement in pediatric chronic non-infectious anterior uveitis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the role of laser flare photometry (LFP) for monitoring the course of intraocular inflammation in children with chronic anterior uveitis.

METHODS

Seventy-six eyes of 43 children with non-infectious chronic anterior uveitis were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 48.6 ± 23.1 months. Patients on immunosuppressive treatment at last follow-up, showed significantly higher flare values than patients who discontinued treatment (20.47 ± 15.49 vs. 6.33 ± 4.87 p < 0.001). The higher LFP values were correlated with the duration of immunosuppressive treatment, total duration of topical corticosteroid use and the risk for development of ocular complications at all follow-ups (all p < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between the AC cell grades and the duration of immunosuppressive treatment, topical corticosteroid use and the prevalence of complications.

CONCLUSION

LFP measurements have a predictive value of monitoring the course of uveitis and the occurrence of ocular complications, and it should be considered as a primary modality to monitor intraocular inflammation in children with chronic anterior uveitis.

Long-Term Outcomes of Pediatric Idiopathic Intermediate Uveitis

PURPOSE

To describe the course of childhood-onset intermediate uveitis without associated systemic disease, and investigate determinants of outcomes.

DESIGN

A retrospective clinical cohort study METHODS: This study was conducted in an institutional setting. A total of 125 children (221 eyes) aged 16 years and less participated. Outcomes of interest were visual acuity, severity of inflammation, and the occurrence of sight-threatening complications. Variables examined included age and clinical findings at presentation, treatment, and duration of follow-up. Multivariable analysis was undertaken to investigate potential predictors of outcomes.

RESULTS

The median follow-up duration was 57 months. At presentation, best-corrected visual acuity worse than 20/160 was recorded in 11 (4.4%) eyes and significant vitreous haze (≥2+Standardisation of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN)) in 35 (14%) eyes. Corticosteroid-sparing agents were used in 41 children (33%), with methotrexate most commonly used (27 children, 21.6%). The most frequent complications were raised intraocular pressure (n = 65; 29.4%), cataract (n = 41; 18.5%), and cystoid macular edema (n = 29; 13.1%). At the last visit, 116 (92.8%) patients achieved best-corrected vision of 20/40 or better with quiescent uveitis. The absence of the use of a steroid-sparing immunomodulatory agent was the strongest predictive factor for the development of new macular edema (odds ratio = 6.3, 95% CI = 2.3-16.9, P < .001) or glaucoma (odds ratio = 6.6, 95% CI = 2.5-17.9, P < .001) over the period of observation.

CONCLUSIONS

The visual outcomes of childhood-onset idiopathic intermediate uveitis are favorable. The frequency of sight-threatening sequelae of inflammation, which confer a lifelong risk of further visual loss, is high. The use of immunomodulatory therapy is associated with a lower risk of developing macular edema and ocular hypertension.

Chronic Uveitis in Children

OBJECTIVE

To describe the experience of managing chronic childhood uveitis from a tertiary care center in India.

METHODS

All children diagnosed as chronic uveitis between January 2005 and December 2012 and on follow-up in Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic and Uveitis Clinic, were eligible for enrollment. Information regarding demographics, type of uveitis, treatment, complications, and surgical procedures was obtained from clinic records. All the enrolled patients were assessed for outcome prospectively and underwent a detailed ophthalmological examination to document visual acuity, refraction, intraocular pressure (IOP), slit lamp examination, fundus examination, and vitreous haze findings.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven children with chronic uveitis were enrolled in the study. Anterior uveitis was the commonest type seen in 45 children. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was the commonest known etiology and diagnosis of uveitis was made during routine screening in a majority of the JIA patients. No cause could be identified in 43% patients. After a mean follow-up period of 3.95 ± 1.99 y, only 16% eyes were in remission and off therapy. Prolonged oral glucocorticoids were required, besides other immunosuppressants, to control inflammation in 50% patients. Ocular complications were seen in 87% cases with posterior synechiae, band-shaped keratopathy and cataracts being the commonest complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with chronic uveitis, 43% had no identifiable cause. JIA was the commonest known cause. Significant ocular complications were common. Even after a mean follow-up of 3.95 ± 1.99 y, a vast majority continued to need immunosuppression for control of disease activity.

Cataract Surgery with or without Intraocular Lens Implantation in Pediatric Uveitis: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses

PURPOSE

To systematically review the results of comparative studies of modern cataract surgery in pediatric uveitis with or without intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and to perform comparative meta-analyses to compare visual acuity outcomes and complication rates.

METHODS

On 12 November 2020, we systematically searched the Cochrane Central, PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and all affiliated databases of the Web of Science. Two authors independently reviewed studies and extracted data. Studies were reviewed qualitatively in text and quantitatively with meta-analyses. Outcome measures were preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), inflammation control, and rates of postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Ten studies of 288 eyes were eligible for review of which the majority were eyes with juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis. Summary estimates revealed that the BCVA was better in pseudophakic eyes vs. aphakic eyes (1-year postoperative: -0.23 logMAR, 95% CI: -0.43 to -0.03 logMAR, P=0.027; 5-year postoperative: -0.35 logMAR, 95% CI: -0.51 to -0.18 logMAR, P=0.000036). Pseudophakic eyes had more visual axis opacification (OR 6.76, 95% CI: 2.73 to 16.8, P=0.000036) and less hypotony (OR 0.19, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.95, P=0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

In modern era cataract surgery on eyes with pediatric uveitis with IOL implantation leads to satisfactory and superior visual outcomes and no differences in complication rates apart from an increased prevalence of visual axis opacification and a decreased prevalence of hypotony when compared to aphakia. However, limitations of the retrospective design and the presence of selection bias necessitate a careful interpretation.

Immunological tests and their interpretation in uveitis

Uveitis is a complex disorder including both infectious and non-infectious etiologies. Clinical diagnosis is a challenge because many diseases share common clinical signs. Laboratory support is crucial for confirming the clinical diagnosis. Laboratory diagnosis includes direct tests and indirect tests. For example smear, culture, and molecular diagnostics demonstrate the pathogens, hence they are direct tests. Immunologic tests employ an antigen to detect presence of antibodies to a pathogen, or an antibody to detect the presence of an antigen, of the pathogen in the specimens. The immunological tests used in laboratories are made by producing artificial antibodies that exactly “match” the pathogen in question. When these antibodies come into contact with a sample they bind to the matching pathogen if found in the sample. Hence they are grouped under indirect evidence. There are several investigations in uveitis to reach the confirmed diagnosis including microbiological, immunological, imaging and molecular diagnostic testing. In this section we will discuss immunological investigations of infectious and non-infectious uveitis.

Epidemiology of Childhood Uveitis in a Tertiary Care Center: A 20-Year Study

PURPOSE

To investigate demographics and causes of pediatric uveitis in a Swiss tertiary reference center over a 20-year period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective cohort study on patients with uveitis aged less than 16 years seen at Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2019.

RESULTS

Out of 2846 patients with uveitis seen in the Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital Ocular Immune-Infectiology Department, 317 (11.1%) were under 16 years of age and were included in this study. Median age at onset of the uveitis was 8.9 years (range 0 - 16). Anterior uveitis was the most frequent presentation (45.1%) followed by posterior uveitis in 26.2%, intermediate uveitis in 23.3%, and panuveitis in 5.4%. The inflammation was most frequently bilateral and non-granulomatous. A systemic inflammatory disease was found in 34% of the cases and an infectious cause in 24%.

CONCLUSION

The repartition of the location of the uveitis was similar to previous reports from Western countries. Uveitis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most frequent etiology related to a systemic disease in children. An infectious cause was found in 24% of our patients, which is a greater proportion than in adult cohorts.

Anterior chamber granuloma: conservative treatment versus surgical intervention

PURPOSE

A distinct pattern of granulomatous anterior uveitis, with white anterior chamber (AC) granuloma, has been reported in certain endemic areas. The aim of this work was to compare the outcome of conservative treatment to surgical intervention for the treatment of large AC granulomas presenting with moderate-severe anterior uveitis. The secondary outcome is ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) characterization of AC granulomas.

METHODS

This is a prospective randomized interventional study including 41 eyes of 39 patients with active AC granuloma ≥3 mm (flare & cells ≥ +2). Patients were randomly assigned to either conservative treatment in the form of topical prednisolone and cycloplegic drops with orbital floor (transseptal) injection of Triamcinolone acetonide (20 eyes) or surgery in the form of granuloma excision and AC wash (21 eyes). As a perioperative care, topical steroids and cycloplegic drops were given few days before surgery and tapered gradually over 6 weeks. Patients were followed up at first day, 2 weeks, 1 and 3 months.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients were males, and 2 were females (13.0 ± 3.5 years). After 2 weeks, disappearance/healing of granuloma was achieved in 20 eyes in the surgical group versus 2 eyes in the conservative group (p < 0.0001). This effect was maintained throughout the follow-up period, for the surgical group and reached up to 70%, for the medical group. At every follow-up, BCVA was better in the surgical group, but this was only statistically significant at 1 and 3 months. The granuloma appeared as a homogenous hyperreflective lesion in examined eyes (16 eyes of 15 patients).

CONCLUSION

Surgical treatment of large granulomas leads to a more complete and rapid resolution of inflammation.

Laser Flare Photometry: A Useful Tool for Monitoring Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis-associated Uveitis

PURPOSE

We evaluated laser flare photometry (LFP) values in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis.

METHODS

Retrospective study. A decrease of the LFP value between baseline visit and 1 month after anti-inflammatory treatment intensification allowed us to define two groups of patients: group 1 (decreased LFP value ≥50%) and group 2 (<50%). We evaluated the prevalence of vision-threatening complications in both groups.

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients (87 eyes) were followed for 9.9 ± 5 years. Group 1 eyes (n = 54) had significantly fewer ocular complications than group 2 eyes (n = 33) at both 5 years visit (p = .03) and final visit (p = .047). At the final visit, group 2 eyes had significantly more band keratopathy, trabeculectomy, cataract surgery, glaucoma and papille edema. Group 1 eyes kept a better visual acuity (p < .0001).

CONCLUSION

The decrease of LFP values ≥50% of the initial value 1 month after treatment intensification is a good early prognostic factor.

Ophthalmic Complications in Pediatric Uveitis

PURPOSE

We aim to look at the complications encountered by a cohort of pediatric uveitis patients from north India.

METHODS

Retrospectively, complications seen in patients younger than 16 years diagnosed with uveitis between January 2006 to March 2015 were noted.

RESULTS

Data of 104 children, with a mean follow-up of 3.40 ± 2.34 years was studied. Cataract (n = 42, 24.00%), band-shaped keratopathy (n = 32, 18.29%) and Glaucoma/OHT (n = 11, 6.29%) were most encountered complications at presentation. Glaucoma/OHT (29.71%; n = 52), cataract (18.86%; n = 33) and maculopathy (n=12;6.86%) were the most common complications at follow up. Maculopathy (35%) and Glaucoma/OHT (20%) were the most common causes of visual acuity ≤3/60.

CONCLUSIONS

Cataract is the most critical complication in children with uveitis at presentation and raised intraocular pressure occurs at follow-up, perhaps attributed to the treatment. Maculopathy is the most common cause of blindness in these children.

Pediatric Uveitis and Scleritis in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Population

PURPOSE

To describe the demographics and clinical characteristics of pediatric uveitis and scleritis at a tertiary eye care center.

METHODS

Clinical records of children with either uveitis or scleritis that presented between January 1989 and January 2016 were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Seventy-three patients were identified. Fifty-four had uveitis and 19 had scleritis. Posterior uveitis was the most common (27.8%), followed by intermediate uveitis (25.9%), panuveitis (25.9%) and anterior uveitis. Majority were noninfectious uveitis (37.0%), and 29.6% were idiopathic. Common associations were sarcoidosis (14.8%), HLA-B27 haplotype (9.3%) and toxoplasmosis (7.4%). Posterior scleritis was more common (94.7%) than anterior scleritis and majority were idiopathic (68.4%). Delayed patient presentation and presenting visual acuity worse than 0.3 LogMAR were associated with poor visual outcome (p = .03; OR = 0.17; 95% CI, 0.03-0.84 and p = .007; OR = 0.09; 95% CI, 0.02-0.52 respectively).

CONCLUSION

Majority had noninfectious etiologies. Uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis was rare.

Improving quick and accurate diagnosis of childhood JIA-uveitis from a pediatric rheumatology perspective

INTRODUCTION

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common pediatric rheumatic disease associated with uveitis. JIA-associated uveitis (JIA-U) is typically asymptomatic, chronic, and can lead to sight-threatening complications. This review will provide approaches to improve the diagnosis and outcomes of children with JIA-U.

AREAS COVERED

We will provide updates on risk factors for uveitis onset and ocular complications, improvements in the ophthalmic screening schedule for uveitis detection, and potential strategies to advance the diagnosis and monitoring of JIA-U using advanced ophthalmic imaging and diagnostic equipment and laboratory biomarkers.

EXPERT OPINION

There is a lack of high-quality research in JIA-U and few randomized controlled trials, underscoring the urgent need for further studies in this population. Early uveitis diagnosis combined with timely and appropriate treatment can improve visual outcomes. Improved knowledge of uveitis pathogenesis, risk factors for uveitis onset, measurement of uveitis outcomes, and optimal treatment are crucial.

The Management of Uveitic Glaucoma in Children

Children comprise a unique population of patients in regard to the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of uveitic glaucoma. The management of glaucoma secondary to uveitis in children is extremely challenging and presents various difficulties, which are associated both with the underlying uveitis and the young age of the patients. The treatment of uveitic glaucoma calls for a thorough and individualized approach, involving both pharmacotherapeutic and surgical modalities. It appears that the efficient control of inflammatory activity plays a significant role in the final visual outcome of these patients. This study aims to review the current literature about the management of uveitic glaucoma in pediatric patients.

The Clinical Characteristics of Pediatric Non-Infectious Uveitis in Two Tertiary Referral Centers in Turkey

Purpose: To report the manifestations, patterns of disease, treatment strategies and outcomes in pediatric patients with noninfectious uveitis.Methods: Demographic information of 76 cases was recorded. Symptoms, anatomic location, laterality, visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure, associated systemic diseases, therapeutic strategies, side effects, complications were reviewed.Results: Thirty-one patients were diagnosed as uveitis on routine surveillance because of underlying systemic disease. The most common anatomic location was intermediate uveitis (34.2%). Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was the most common underlying systemic disease (25%). Glaucoma was the most common complication (7.7%). The patients with refractory uveitis received adalimumab (26.5%), infliximab (4.6%) and tocilizumab (3.1%). The mean first-year VA was between 20/32 and 20/20 in 116/140 eyes.Conclusion: Most pediatric noninfectious uveitis cases have bilateral intermediate uveitis. JIA was the most common systemic association. The first-year VA was good in most eyes which may be due to early use of corticosteroid-sparing agents.

Pattern of Intermediate Uveitis in an Egyptian Cohort

Purpose: To describe the clinical experience with intermediate uveitis at six Egyptian tertiary eye centers.Methods: A multicenter retrospective chart review of all patients with intermediate uveitis seen at six ocular inflammation referral clinics in Egypt between January 2010 and January 2017.Results: The study included a total of 781 patients with intermediate uveitis. The study cohort comprised of 282 male and 499 female patients. In over half of our cohort (58.77%), no specific cause could be confirmed. The remaining patients had sarcoidosis (16.26%), tuberculosis (14.85%), multiple sclerosis (9.09%), and TINU (1.02%). By the end of our study, 62% of the affected eyes had a BCVA better than 20/40Conclusion: More than 40% of our patients with intermediate uveitis had sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, or TINU as the underlying etiology. Owing to their potential morbidity, these diseases need to be considered in Egyptian patients presenting with intermediate uveitis.

Clinical Presentation, Management, and Long-Term Outcome of Pars Planitis, Panuveitis, and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease in Children and Adolescents

OBJECTIVE

Chronic uveitis is a common manifestation of pediatric rheumatologic conditions and may result in irreversible blindness and long-term disability. While chronic anterior uveitis is the most commonly encountered ocular manifestation of rheumatic disease, little is known about the clinical presentation, management, and long-term outcome of more complex eye conditions such as pars planitis (PP), panuveitis (PU), and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKH). The present study was undertaken to comprehensively assess the long-term safety and efficacy of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics for the treatment of pediatric and adolescent patients with PP, PU, and VKH.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of 75 children and adolescents with idiopathic PP (n = 50), PU (n = 12), and VKH (n = 14) followed by the Pediatric Rheumatology Core at Children's Hospital Los Angeles and evaluated referral patterns, clinical presentation, treatment response, and long-term clinical outcome.

RESULTS

Patients were followed for an average of 52 months. Their mean age at disease onset was 10 years. Bilateral eye involvement was seen in 87% of the patients. At first presentation to an ophthalmologist, glaucoma was noted in 21% of patients and vision loss (<20/40) in 87% of patients, while legal blindness (≤20/200 in the better-seeing eye) was diagnosed in 18 of 75 (24%) of patients (PP 22%, PU 36%, and VKH 21%). The average referral time to a pediatric rheumatologist was 13 months (range 1-96 months). Topical steroids were used in all patients, but 98% of patients required additional DMARDs, and 73% required therapy with biologics. After a mean of 52 months, 35% of patients across all disease groups had significant vision loss or were blind, and only 28% were in clinical remission without medications. The worst outcome was observed in children with PU. Regression analysis, young age at onset, delayed referral to a pediatric rheumatologist, and chronic disease were strong predictors for the risk of long-term blindness.

CONCLUSION

PP, PU, and VKH involve a high risk of permanent vision loss and should be managed by a skilled rheumatologist as early and as aggressively as possible.

Symptoms in noninfectious uveitis in a pediatric cohort: Initial presentation versus recurrences

PURPOSE

To describe the prevalence of symptoms with noninfectious uveitis (NIU) in a pediatric cohort and to assess the association between the presence of symptoms with first episode of uveitis (first-U) compared to symptoms at uveitis recurrence.

METHODS

The medical records of patients with NIU treated at a tertiary referral hospital from March 2008 to November 2107 were reviewed retrospectively. Symptomaticity (eye pain, eye redness, photosensitivity) was captured at initial uveitis activation and subsequent episodes. Univariate logistic regression modeling was used to identify clinical features associated with symptomatic first-U. Ordinal regression identified patient characteristics associated with symptomatic recurrence.

RESULTS

A total of 118 cases were reviewed; of these, 92 were followed for at least 6 months and had at least 1 reactivation. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis-related uveitis (JIAU) was the most common diagnosis (67/118 [57%]), followed by idiopathic uveitis (33%). In the majority, uveitis was restricted to the anterior chamber (82%). Of the 118 cases, 58 patients (49%) had symptomatic first-U, 34% JIA versus 69% non-JIA. Non-JIAU, age ≥7 years, and negative antinuclear antibody (ANA) test were significantly associated with symptomatic first-U; spondyloarthritis was not. With recurrence, half had symptoms: 41% JIA versus 66% non-JIA. Of those who had symptomatic first-U, 35% were asymptomatic at recurrence. Those with JIA had 50% or less odds of symptomaticity at reactivation. Complications did not vary based on having had symptoms at first-U.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-JIA diagnosis, older age, and ANA-negativity were associated with symptomatic first-U in our study cohort, but no patient characteristics were significantly associated with symptomatic recurrence. Clinical patterns may change during disease course, with uveitis switching from symptomatic to asymptomatic, which has implications for uveitis monitoring recommendations.

Long-term outcomes of cataract surgery in children with uveitis

Purpose:

To evaluate the long-term outcomes of cataract surgery in children with uveitis.

Methods:

Retrospective, noncomparative review of medical records of children (≤16 years) with uveitic cataract who had undergone cataract surgery between January 2001 and December 2014 at a tertiary care center was done. The main outcome measures were visual acuity and postoperative complications.

Results:

We recruited 37 children (58 eyes) who were diagnosed with uveitic cataract and underwent cataract surgery. The etiology of uveitis included juvenile idiopathic arthritis (n = 19), presumed intraocular tuberculosis (n = 8), idiopathic (n = 4), Behçet's disease (n = 2), Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada syndrome (n = 2), human leukocyte antigen B-27 associated uveitis (n = 1), and toxocariasis (n = 1). Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation was performed in 17 patients (27 eyes; 46.55%), while 20 patients (31 eyes; 53.44%) were left aphakic after pars plan lensectomy and vitrectomy. At an average follow-up of 3.69 ± 7.2 (SD) years, all cases had significant improvement in corrected distance visual acuity post cataract extraction; visual acuity of 20/40 or more was achieved in 32 eyes (55.17%). The most common complication was capsular opacification (37.93%). Incidence of secondary procedures as well as glaucoma was not statistically different in patients undergoing IOL implantation from those who were aphakic.

Conclusion:

Even though number of secondary procedures was more in pseudophakic group, meticulous choice of surgical technique and adequate immunosuppression lead to a modest gain of visual acuity in children undergoing IOL implantation in uveitis. However, scrupulous case selection and aggressive control of pre- and postoperative intraocular inflammation are the key factors in the postoperative success of these patients.

Ocular hypotony: A comprehensive review

Ocular hypotony is an infrequent, yet potentially vision-threatening, entity. The list of differential causes is extensive, involving any condition that may compromise aqueous humor dynamics or the integrity of the globe and sometimes following medical treatments or procedures. Depending on the cause and the clinical impact, treatment options aim to correct the underlying pathology and to reestablish anatomical integrity, as well as visual function. We review the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, different causes, and associated therapeutic options of ocular hypotony.

Pattern of Childhood Uveitis in Egypt

Purpose: To report the pattern of childhood-onset uveitis observed in Egypt from May 2010 to May 2017 Methods: Retrospective evaluation of the data of all patients with uveitis diagnosed before the age of 16 and visiting uveitis referral clinics in 5 Egyptian Governorates (Alexandria, Cairo, Al Bohayra (Damanhour), Al Gharbeya (Tanta), and Sohag) between May 2010 and May 2017. Results: A total of 413 uveitis patients were enrolled. These included 219 male and 194 female patients. Uveitis was bilateral in 68.3% of the patients. The most frequently observed ocular complications were cataract, glaucoma, and cystoid macular edema. The percentage of children with a visual acuity ≥1.00 logMAR in at least one eye by the final visit was 21.8%. Conclusion: Pediatric uveitis is a vision-threatening condition which caused more than one-fifth of the children in this study to lose vision in one or both eyes.

Outcomes of non-infectious Paediatric uveitis in the era of biologic therapy

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of data on the ocular outcomes in paediatric non-infectious uveitis since the introduction of the biologic agents. The purpose of this study was to outline the clinical characteristics of children with non-infectious uveitis and determine the visual outcomes and ocular complication rates in the modern era.

METHODS

Children with non-infectious uveitis from January 2011 to December 2015 were identified. Data was collected at baseline, 1, 3, 5, and 10 years post diagnosis. The incidence rates of visual impairment, structural ocular complications and surgical intervention were calculated. Using logistic regression the association between various baseline characteristics and later visual impairment was investigated.

RESULTS

Of the 166 children, 60.2% (n = 100) had a systemic disease association. 72.9% (n = 121) children received methotrexate, 58 children progressed to a biologic. The incidence rates of visual acuity loss to > 0.3 LogMAR (6/12) and to ≥1.0 LogMAR (6/60) were 0.05/Eye Year (EY) and 0.01/EY, respectively. Visual outcomes in the Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis associated Uveitis (JIA-U) and Idiopathic Uveitis cohorts were not statistically significant. Of the 293 affected eyes, posterior synechiae was the predominant complication on presentation, while cataract had the highest incidence rate (0.05/EY). On direct comparison, children with JIA-U were statistically significantly more likely to develop glaucoma while children with Idiopathic Uveitis were statistically significantly more likely to develop macular oedema.

CONCLUSION

One third of children received a biological therapy, reflecting increasing utilisation and importance of biological agents in the management of inflammatory conditions. Rates of visual impairment and ocular complications are an improvement on previously published data.

The Challenge of Pediatric Uveitis: Tertiary Referral Center Experience in the United States

Purpose: To describe the distribution, clinical findings, visual outcomes, treatment, and complications of children with uveitis at a tertiary referral ophthalmic center. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. We reviewed the medical records of all patients ≤16 years with uveitis referred to Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution from March 2005 to July 2016. Results: Of 286 included children, 62.24% were female. Mean age of onset was 8.4 years. The uveitis was mainly anterior (61.9%), recurrent (68.53%), bilateral (81.82%), and noninfectious (96.5%). Idiopathic cases accounted for 51.4%. The most frequent systemic association was juvenile idiopathic arthritis (34.96%). The majority of patients (78.32%) experienced complications. All patients, except one, needed systemic therapy. Conclusion: Pediatric uveitis is challenging to diagnose and manage, with frequent and potentially severe complications. Most cases were bilateral, recurrent, and idiopathic. Prompt referral to uveitis-specialized centers and an appropriate systemic therapy are mandatory for good visual outcomes.

Demographic and Clinical Features of Pediatric Uveitis at a Tertiary Referral Center in Iran

Purpose:

To determine the clinical features and distribution of uveitis in the pediatric age group at a referral eye care center in Shiraz, South Iran.

Materials and Methods:

All new cases of uveitis in patients 18-year-old or younger referred from January 2007 to December 2013 were enrolled in this study. The patient underwent a complete history of systemic and ocular diseases, comprehensive ophthalmic examination. Patients were classified according to the International Uveitis Study Group definitions. The definitive diagnosis was based on clinical manifestations and laboratory investigations.

Results:

Seventy-seven eyes (54 patients) comprised the study sample. The mean age at the onset of uveitis was 12.5 years. The female-to-male ratio was 1.25. Anterior uveitis was the most frequent anatomical location (40.7%), followed by intermediate uveitis (33.3%), posterior uveitis (18.5%), and panuveitis (7.5%). Seventy-four percent of patients presented with chronic uveitis. Noninfectious uveitis (81.5%) was the most frequent etiology. Thirty-seven percent of patients had a specific diagnosis for uveitis, and 63% were classified as idiopathic cases. Toxocariasis was the most common infectious cause. Associated systemic diseases were present in 14.8% of patients. The most frequent systemic disease was juvenile idiopathic arthritis in 9.2% of patients. Complications occurred in 66 (85.5%) of affected eyes. The most common complications were posterior synechia (20.7%), cataract (18.8%), and cystoid macular edema (12.9%).

Conclusions:

Uveitis in the majority of children had an insidious onset and was chronic. Over half the patients had a specific diagnosis. Idiopathic cases were more common in the intermediate uveitis group.

Ocular Hypotony in Patients With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis-Associated Uveitis

PURPOSE

To analyze occurrence, risk factors, and course of ocular hypotony (OH) in juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis (JIAU).

DESIGN

Cohort study.

METHODS

Epidemiologic and ophthalmologic data at baseline and during follow-up of JIAU patients with and without ocular hypotony were evaluated.

RESULTS

OH developed in 57 of the 365 JIAU patients during the follow-up (mean 4.5 ± 3.5 years). In 40 patients with follow-up ≥12 months, OH was unrelated to previous ocular surgery: risk factors at baseline (univariate logistic regression analysis) included longer total duration of uveitis (odds ratio [OR] 1.13, P < .001), bilateral uveitis (OR 3.51, P = .009), low visual acuity (OR 5.1, P = .001), high laser-flare (LF) values (OR 1.74, P = .01), and presence of posterior synechiae (OR 3.28, P = .004). Increased anterior chamber (AC) cell and LF values were observed within 3 months prior to onset of transient (≤3 months; 37.5%) or persistent OH (>3 months; 62.5%). AC cell and LF values decreased within 3 months after onset of transient OH, while LF levels remained elevated ≥12 months in persistent OH. Optic disc edema and epiretinal membrane formation was found more frequently after OH onset.

CONCLUSIONS

OH was observed in 15.6% of JIAU patients. Longer total uveitis duration, bilateral uveitis, low visual acuity, high AC flare and LF grades, and presence of posterior synechiae at baseline were risk factors for subsequent OH. Burden of OH might be improved with immunosuppression.

Phacoemulsification with Intraocular Lens Implantation in Pediatric Uveitis: A Retrospective Study

PURPOSE

To analyze the outcome of phacoemulsification with primary posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation without primary posterior capsulorhexis in older children with uveitis.

METHODS

Retrospective study of children with uveitis who underwent phacoemulsification with IOL implantation between January 2006 and May 2014.

RESULTS

Twenty-one eyes of 16 children were included. Mean age at cataract surgery was 10.9 years. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis was associated in 37.5%, tuberculosis in 18.7%, Vogt Koyanagi Harada disease in 6.2%, and idiopathic uveitis in 37.5%. Anterior uveitis occurred in 8/21 eyes, intermediate uveitis in 9/21 eyes, and panuveitis in 4/21 eyes. Mean follow-up was 29.9 months. Posterior capsule opacification occurred in 15 eyes, glaucoma in two eyes, choroidal neovascular membrane in one eye, and cystoid macular edema in five eyes. At the last follow up, 19/21 eyes had improved vision and 14 had 20/40 or better vision.

CONCLUSION

Tight perioperative inflammatory control with immunosuppression may result in good vision after phacoemulsification and IOL implantation without posterior capsulorrhexis in older children with uveitic cataract.

Risk of Hypotony in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis-Associated Uveitis

OBJECTIVE

To describe risk factors for hypotony in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

All patients with JIA-associated uveitis (N = 108; affected eyes = 196) evaluated and followed at the Wilmer Eye Institute from July 1984 through June 2014 were included in this study. Prevalence and incidence of hypotony (intraocular pressure [IOP] <5 mm Hg) and low IOP (5 mm Hg ≤ IOP < 8 mm Hg) and risk factors for developing hypotony were analyzed.

RESULTS

At presentation, 9.3% of patients (7.1% of affected eyes) had hypotony. During a median follow-up of 5.3 years, the rate of developing hypotony and low IOP were 0.04 per eye-year (/EY; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02/EY, 0.05/EY) and 0.06/EY (95% CI: 0.04/EY, 0.08/EY), respectively. Risk factors for development of hypotony during follow-up appeared to be associated with more severe uveitic disease, such as the presence of panuveitis (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 43.1; P = .004), anterior chamber cells or flare ≥ 3+ (aHR, 25.6, P < .001), posterior synechiae (aHR, 5.9, P = .02), and the use of oral corticosteroid (aHR 28.9; P = .003) at the presenting examination. Receiving immunosuppressive drug therapy at the time of presentation was associated with a lower risk of development of hypotony (aHR, 0.02; P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypotony affects a small but significant proportion of patients with JIA-associated uveitis and is associated with signs of active and severe uveitis. Immunosuppression was associated with significantly lower risk of hypotony, suggesting that aggressive control of the inflammation may reduce risk of hypotony in JIA-associated uveitis.

Ocular Fluid Analysis in Children Reveals Interleukin-29/Interferon-λ1 as a Biomarker for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis-Associated Uveitis

OBJECTIVE

Childhood uveitis is a vision-threatening inflammatory eye disease commonly attributed to juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The pathogenesis is poorly understood, which makes clinical management challenging. We analyzed soluble mediators in ocular fluid (aqueous humor [AqH]) and serum from children with JIA-associated uveitis and common childhood uveitis to identify potential biomarkers and investigate the ocular microenvironment of this sight-threatening eye disease.

METHODS

AqH (n = 73) and paired serum (n = 66) samples were analyzed for 51 soluble mediators of inflammation by multiplex immunoassay. Twenty-one children with JIA-associated uveitis were compared to 15 children with chronic anterior uveitis without arthritis, 29 children with noninfectious idiopathic uveitis, and 8 children with noninflammatory conditions (controls). For visualization of the joint effect of multiple mediators, we used the radial coordinate visualization (Radviz) method. Optimal biomarker level cutoffs were also determined.

RESULTS

The levels of interleukin-29 (IL-29)/interferon-λ1 (IFNλ1) were decreased (P < 0.001) and the levels of latency-associated peptide and osteoprotegerin were increased (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001, respectively) in samples of AqH, but not serum, from patients with JIA-associated uveitis. Multivariate analysis correcting for disease activity and treatment revealed that intraocular levels of IL-29/IFNλ1 were specifically decreased in patients with JIA-associated uveitis as compared to those with idiopathic uveitis. Indeed, JIA-associated uveitis patients and idiopathic uveitis patients showed distinct profiles of intraocular soluble mediators. IL-29/IFNλ1 showed a high area under the curve value (0.954), with 23.5 pg/ml as the optimal cutoff value.

CONCLUSION

We identified IL-29/IFNλ1 as an intraocular biomarker for JIA-associated uveitis, which suggests that aberrant IFNλ signaling might be important in JIA-associated uveitis and distinct from other forms of childhood uveitis.

Patterns of Uveitis and Scleritis in Nepal: A Tertiary Referral Center Study

PURPOSE

To analyze the patterns of uveitis and scleritis at the tertiary referral center in Nepal.

METHODS

A retrospective review of uveitis and scleritis cases at Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in 2014.

RESULTS

A total of 1113 uveitis, 73 scleritis, 35 sclerouveitis cases were reviewed. Anterior uveitis (590, 53%) was most common, followed by panuveitis (20%), intermediate uveitis (14%), then posterior uvietis (12.9%). The most common causes of anterior, pan, and posterior uveitis were herpetic disease (15.1%), SHAPU (15.2%) and toxoplamosis (27.1%) respectively. The most common cause of scleritis & sclerouveitis was Tuberculosis (15.1%, 31.4% respectively).

CONCLUSION

Herpetic disease, toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis and SHAPU were common infections.

Treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis-Associated Uveitis

Pediatric uveitis may be a serious health problem because of the lifetime burden of vision loss due to severe complications if the problem is not adequately treated. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis is characterized by insidious onset and potentially blinding chronic anterior uveitis. Periodic ophthalmologic screening is of utmost importance for early diagnosis of uveitis. Early diagnosis and proper immunomodulatory treatment are essential for good visual prognosis. The goal of treatment is to achieve enduring drug-free remission. The choice of therapeutic regimen needs to be tailored to each individual case. One must keep in mind that patients under immunomodulatory treatment should be monitored closely due to possible side effects. Local and systemic corticosteroids have long been the mainstay of therapy; however, long-term corticosteroid therapy should be avoided due to serious side effects. Steroid-sparing agents in the treatment of JIA-associated uveitis include antimetabolites and biologic agents in refractory cases. Among the various immunomodulatory agents, methotrexate is generally the first choice, as it has a well-established safety and efficacy profile in pediatric cases and does not appear to increase the risk of cancer. Other classic immunomodulators that may also be used in combination with methotrexate include azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, and cyclosporin A. Biologic agents, primarily tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors including infliximab or adalimumab, should be considered in cases of treatment failure with classic immunomodulatory agents.

Juvenile Adamantiades-Behçet Disease

Adamantiades-Behçet disease (ABD) is a chronic, multisystemic, recurrent, inflammatory vascular disorder of unknown etiology. Patients with symptoms initially appearing at the age of 16 or less are considered as cases of juvenile-onset ABD (JABD). JABD is relatively rare compared to ABD of adults, and only case reports and case studies have been published regarding this subtype of the disease. Epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of JABD are discussed in this review.

The Future Is Now: Biologics for Non-Infectious Pediatric Anterior Uveitis

Anterior uveitis (AU), inflammation of the iris, choroid or ciliary body, can cause significant eye morbidity, including visual loss. In the pediatric age group, the most common underlying diagnosis for AU is juvenile idiopathic associated uveitis and idiopathic AU, which are the focus of this paper. AU is often resistant to medications such as topical corticosteroids and methotrexate. In the past 15 years, biologic agents (biologics) have transformed treatment. In this review, we discuss those in widespread use and those with more theoretical applications for anterior uveitis. Tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors (anti-TNFα) have been available the longest and are used widely to treat pediatric uveitis. The effects of anti-TNFα in children are described mostly in small retrospective case series. Together, the literature suggests that the majority of children treated with anti-TNFα achieve decreased uveitis activity and reduced corticosteroid burden. However, many will have disease flares even on treatment. Only a few small studies directly compare outcomes between alternate anti-TNFα (infliximab and adalimumab). The use of different uveitis grading systems, inclusion criteria, and outcome measures makes cross-study comparisons difficult. Whether the achievement and maintenance of inactive disease occurs more frequently with certain anti-TNFα remains controversial. Newer biologics that modulate the immune system differently (e.g., interfere with Th17 activation through IL-17a and IL-6 blockade, limit T lymphocyte costimulation, and deplete B lymphocytes), have shown promise for uveitis. Studies of these agents are small and include mostly adults. Additional biologics are also being explored to treat uveitis. With their advent, we are hopeful that outcomes will ultimately be improved for children with AU. With many biologics available, much work remains to identify the optimal inflammatory pathway to target in AU.

The Risk of Intraocular Pressure Elevation in Pediatric Noninfectious Uveitis

PURPOSE

To characterize the risk and risk factors for intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation in pediatric noninfectious uveitis.

DESIGN

Multicenter retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Nine hundred sixteen children (1593 eyes) younger than 18 years at presentation with noninfectious uveitis followed up between January 1978 and December 2007 at 5 academic uveitis centers in the United States.

METHODS

Medical records review by trained, certified experts.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence and incidence of IOP of 21 mmHg or more and 30 mmHg or more and incidence of a rise in IOP by 10 mmHg or more. To avoid underascertainment, outcomes were counted as present when IOP-lowering therapies were in use.

RESULTS

Initially, 251 (15.8%) and 46 eyes (2.9%) had IOP ≥21 mmHg and ≥30 mmHg, respectively. Factors significantly associated with presenting IOP elevation included age of 6 to 12 years (versus other pediatric ages), prior cataract surgery, pars plana vitrectomy, duration of uveitis ≥6 months, contralateral IOP elevation, presenting visual acuity worse than 20/40, and topical corticosteroid use (in a dose-response relationship). The median follow-up was 1.25 years (interquartile range, 0.4-3.66). The estimated incidence of any observed IOP elevation to ≥21 mmHg, to ≥30 mmHg, and increase in IOP by ≥10 mmHg was 33.4%, 14.8%, and 24.4%, respectively, within 2 years. Factors associated with IOP elevation included pars plana vitrectomy, contralateral IOP elevation (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], up to 9.54; P < 0.001), and the use of topical (aHR, up to 8.77 that followed a dose-response relationship; P < 0.001), periocular (aHR, up to 7.96; P < 0.001), and intraocular (aHR, up to 19.7; P < 0.001) corticosteroids.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraocular pressure elevation affects a large minority of children with noninfectious uveitis. Statistically significant risk factors include IOP elevation or use of IOP-lowering treatment in the contralateral eye and local corticosteroid use that demonstrated a dose-and route of administration-dependent relationship. In contrast, use of immunosuppressive drug therapy did not increase such risk. Pediatric eyes with noninfectious uveitis should be followed up closely for IOP elevation, especially when strong risk factors such as the use of local corticosteroids and contralateral IOP elevation are present.

Causes of uveitis in children without juvenile idiopathic arthritis

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to report the demographics, disease characteristics, treatments, and visual outcomes of pediatric uveitis patients without juvenile idiopathic arthritis managed in a tertiary medical center.

METHODS

A retrospective, observational study was performed in pediatric uveitis patients without juvenile idiopathic arthritis and aged 0-18 years, who were seen at the University of Virginia from 1984 to 2014.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine pediatric uveitis patients (57 eyes) were identified. The patient population was 51.28% female, 51.28% Caucasian, and 33.33% African American. The mean age at diagnosis was 11.9 years. The mean duration of follow-up was 3.11 years. The mean number of visits to the clinic was 10.41. Of 57 eyes, 31 (54.39%) had anterior uveitis, 12 (21.05%) had intermediate uveitis, nine (15.79%) had posterior uveitis, and five (8.77%) had panuveitis. The leading diagnoses were traumatic uveitis (25.64%), undifferentiated anterior uveitis (17.95%), undifferentiated intermediate uveitis (15.38%), HLA-B27-associated anterior uveitis (7.69%), and herpetic anterior uveitis (7.69%). Systemic associations included sarcoidosis, ulcerative colitis, and psoriatic arthritis (n=3). The most common treatment modalities included local steroids (66.67%), systemic steroids (23.08%), and antimetabolites (20.51%). Ocular hypertension was found in five (12.82%) patients. Ocular surgery was performed in six (15.38%) patients. Mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at baseline across all anatomical locations was 0.458 logMAR, and was 0.411 logMAR at final follow-up. Mean BCVA improved during follow-up in all but the anterior uveitis group. The mean baseline intraocular pressure was 14.27 mmHg, and was 14.22 mmHg at final follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Uveitis in childhood is a vision-threatening group of inflammatory disorders arising from numerous etiologies that vary geographically and historically. Because of the high burden of disease, the difficulty of making precise etiologic diagnoses, and the complicated management, it is imperative that affected children be referred to and closely monitored by uveitis specialists to prevent devastating ocular damage. This study found that BCVA and intraocular pressure did not vary significantly during follow-up, suggesting that close management by an ophthalmologist may prevent adverse visual outcomes, and highlighted the high prevalence of traumatic uveitis in children, which tends to have good visual outcomes.