Treatment strategies for childhood noninfectious chronic uveitis: an update

Diagnosis and Management of Non-Infectious Uveitis in Pediatric Patients

Uveitis in children accounts for 5-10% of all cases. The causes vary considerably. Classically, uveitis is distinguished according to its infectious or inflammatory origin and whether it is part of a systemic disease or represents an isolated ocular disease. It is important to highlight the specificity of certain etiologies among children such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The development of visual function can potentially be hindered by amblyopia (children aged < 7 years), in addition to the usual complications (synechiae, macular edema) seen in adult patients. Moreover, the presentation of uveitis in children is often "silent" with few warning signs and few functional complaints from young children, which frequently leads to a substantial diagnostic delay. The diagnostic approach is guided by the presentation of the uveitis, which can be characterized by its location, and corresponds to the initial and main site of intraocular inflammation; its presentation, whether acute or chronic, granulomatous or not; and the response to treatment. Pediatricians have an important role to play and must be aware of the various presentations and etiologies of uveitis in children. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common etiology of pediatric non-infectious uveitis, but other causes must be recognized. Promptly initiated treatment before complications arise requires early diagnosis, recognition, and treatment. Any dependence on prolonged local corticosteroid therapy justifies discussing the introduction of a corticosteroid-sparing treatment considering the risk to develop corticoid-induced glaucoma and cataracts. Systemic corticosteroid therapy can be required for urgent control of inflammation in the case of severe uveitis. Long-lasting immunosuppressive treatment and biotherapies are most often prescribed at the same time to reinforce treatment efficacy and to prevent relapse and corticosteroid dependency. We review the different causes of uveitis, excluding infection, and the diagnostic and therapeutic management aimed at limiting the risk of irreversible sequelae.

Update on the systemic management of noninfectious uveitis in children and adolescents

Noninfectious uveitis (NIU) in children and adolescents is a rare but treatable cause of visual impairment in children. Treatments for pediatric NIU and their side effects, along with the risks of vision loss and the need for long-term disease monitoring, pose significant challenges for young patients and their families. Treatment includes local and systemic approaches and this review will focus on systemic therapies that encompass corticosteroids, conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARD), and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARD). Treatment is generally planned in a stepwise approach. Methotrexate is well-established as the preferential csDMARD in pediatric NIU. Adalimumab, an antitumor necrosis factor (TNF) agent, is the only bDMARD formally approved for pediatric NIU and has a good safety and efficacy profile. Biosimilars are gaining increasing visibility in the treatment of pediatric NIU. Other bDMARD with some evidence in literature for the treatment of pediatric NIU include infliximab, tocilizumab, abatacept, rituximab and, more recently, Janus kinase inhibitors. Important aspects of managing children on these systemic therapies include vaccination issues, risk of infection, and psychological distress. Also, strategies need to address regarding primary nonresponse/secondary loss of response to anti-TNF treatment, biological switching, and monitoring regimens for these drugs. Optimal management of pediatric uveitis involves a multidisciplinary team, including specialist pediatric uveitis and rheumatology nurses, pediatric rheumatologists, psychological support, orthoptic and optometry support, and play specialists.

Pediatric uveitis: A comprehensive review

Pediatric uveitis accounts for 5-10% of all uveitis. Uveitis in children differs from adult uveitis in that it is commonly asymptomatic and can become chronic and cause damage to ocular structures. The diagnosis might be delayed for multiple reasons, including the preverbal age and difficulties in examining young children. Pediatric uveitis may be infectious or noninfectious in etiology. The etiology of noninfectious uveitis is presumed to be autoimmune or autoinflammatory. The most common causes of uveitis in this age group are idiopathic and juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis. The stepladder approach for the treatment of pediatric uveitis is based on expert opinion and algorithms proposed by multidisciplinary panels. Uveitis morbidities in pediatric patients include cataract, glaucoma, and amblyopia. Pediatric patients with uveitis should be frequently examined until remission is achieved. Once in remission, the interval between follow-up visits can be extended; however, it is recommended that even after remission the child should be seen every 8-12 weeks depending on the history of uveitis and the medications used. Close follow up is also necessary as uveitis can flare up during immunomodulatory therapy. It is crucial to measure the impact of uveitis, its treatment, and its complications on the child and the child's family. Visual acuity can be considered as an acceptable criterion for assessing visual function. Additionally, the number of cells in the anterior chamber can be a measure of disease activity. We review different aspects of pediatric uveitis. We discuss the mechanisms of noninfectious uveitis, including autoimmune and autoinflammatory etiologies, and the risks of developing uveitis in children with systemic rheumatologic diseases. We address the risk factors for developing morbidities, the Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) criteria for timing and anatomical classifications, and describe a stepladder approach in the treatment of pediatric uveitis based on expert opinion and algorithms proposed by multi-disciplinary panels. In this review article, We describe the most common entities for each type of anatomical classification and complications of uveitis for the pediatric population. Additionally, we address monitoring of children with uveitis and evaluation of Quality of Life.

[Cataract surgery in children with non-infectious uveitis: Review of current practices in France]

PURPOSE

To evaluate the medical-surgical management of cataract surgery in children with chronic uveitis in various French pediatric ophthalmology centers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two-part study: first, a descriptive observational segment on the evaluation of French practices. A questionnaire was sent to the various pediatric ophthalmologists in France. A second retrospective chart review, including children with non-infectious chronic uveitis who had cataract surgery in the pediatric ophthalmology department of Bordeaux University Hospital from 2008 to 2017.

RESULTS

Twenty-one ophthalmologists responded to the questionnaire. Only 23.8% systematically initiated immunosuppressive drugs (aside from corticosteroids) before surgery. A total of 88.2% prescribed oral corticosteroid treatment preoperatively. Eleven surgeons administered intravenous corticosteroid boluses during the surgery, and primary lens implantation is the most common method used in 95.2%. A total of 76.2% initiated oral steroid therapy after surgery. Postoperatively, all surgeons started local therapy with high-dose corticosteroids. At one year, 100% achieved improvement of visual acuity greater than or equal to 2 lines. On our service, 10 eyes (7 children) underwent cataract surgery. Seven were treated with systemic immunosuppressive drugs (aside from corticosteroids) and 80% of cases received oral corticosteroid therapy a few days before surgery. An intravenous corticosteroid bolus was administered preoperatively in 8 cases, and primary lens implantation was performed in 100% of cases. Postoperatively, 5 children received oral corticosteroid treatment. All were treated with local high dose steroids. At one year, the mean best-corrected visual acuity was 0.18 LogMar (0-0.7, SD: 0.25).

CONCLUSION

When performed with an aggressive anti-inflammatory protocol, cataract surgery leads to a good visual outcome in selected children with chronic uveitis.

Clinical Use and Molecular Action of Corticosteroids in the Pediatric Age

Corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy for many pediatric disorders and sometimes are life-saving. Both endogenous and synthetic derivatives diffuse across the cell membrane and, by binding to their cognate glucocorticoid receptor, modulate a variety of physiological functions, such as glucose metabolism, immune homeostasis, organ development, and the endocrine system. However, despite their proved and known efficacy, corticosteroids show a lot of side effects, among which growth retardation is of particular concern and specific for pediatric age. The aim of this review is to discuss the mechanism of action of corticosteroids, and how their genomic effects have both beneficial and adverse consequences. We will focus on the use of corticosteroids in different pediatric subspecialties and most common diseases, analyzing the most recent evidence.

Disease Remission in Children and Adolescents with Intermediate Uveitis: A Survival Analysis

PURPOSE

To report the incidence rate (IR) of remission in pediatric noninfectious intermediate uveitis (IU).

METHODS

Longitudinal retrospective cohort study, including 19 patients (32 eyes) between 1985 and 2014, followed-up until loss or January 2016. Remission was defined following the Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature workshop criteria, prolonged remission as a remission spanning 12 months and until the end of follow-up, and relapse as recurrence of inflammatory activity in an eye in remission.

RESULTS

Median follow-up time was 6.3 years. IRs (95% confidence interval) for remission, relapse, and prolonged remission were 18.6 (13.1-26.5), 32.3 (20.6-50.7), and 6.7 (3.8-11.9) episodes per 100 eye-years, respectively. 48% of eyes relapsed in the first year following remission. 25 and 50% of eyes achieved prolonged remission after 5 and 10 years of follow-up, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Inflammatory relapses may be frequent in noninfectious IU affecting children and adolescents, appearing early after remission. Also, prolonged remission seems infrequent, being achieved late during follow-up.

Adult patients with uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a retrospective review

OBJECTIVE

To describe clinical characteristics and outcomes of adults with uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

METHODS

Retrospective chart review from 2001 to 2014 of adult patients with JIA and follow-up ≥2 months. Outcome measures included visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), inflammation grade, ocular findings/complications, immunosuppressive therapies, and surgeries.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients were included (95% female, 84% bilateral uveitis, 47% anterior uveitis). Mean (SD) ages at presentation and JIA diagnosis were 25.6 (7.8) years and 8.9 (5.6) years, respectively. Visual acuity and IOP did not significantly change throughout the study. Mean (SD) presenting inflammation grade was significantly decreased at 6 and 12 months. Fifteen (79%) patients were on topical medications, and 17 (89%) were on systemic immunosuppression. Two (12%) patients developed side effects requiring medication cessation.

CONCLUSION

Uveitis associated with JIA may extend into adulthood despite the use of topical medications and/or systemic immunosuppression and result in significant ocular morbidity, including the need for surgical intervention.

An Update on Treatment of Pediatric Chronic Non-Infectious Uveitis

There are no standardized treatment protocols for pediatric non-infectious uveitis. Topical corticosteroids are the typical first-line agent, although systemic corticosteroids are used in intermediate, posterior and panuveitic uveitis. Corticosteroids are not considered to be long-term therapy due to potential ocular and systemic side effects. In children with severe and/or refractory uveitis, timely management with higher dose disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic agents is important. Increased doses earlier in the disease course may lead to improved disease control and better visual outcomes. In general, methotrexate is the usual first-line steroid-sparing agent and given as a subcutaneous weekly injection at >0.5 mg/kg/dose or 10-15 mg/m2 due to better bioavailability. Other DMARDs, for instance mycophenolate, azathioprine, and cyclosporine are less common treatments for pediatric uveitis. Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha agents, primarily infliximab and adalimumab are used as second line agents in children refractory to methotrexate, or as first-line treatment in those with severe complicated disease at presentation. Infliximab may be given at a minimum of 7.5 mg/kg/dose every 4 weeks after loading doses, up to 20 mg/kg/dose. Adalimumab may be given up to 20 or 40 mg weekly. In children who fail anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha agents, develop anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha antibodies, experience adverse effects, or have difficulty with tolerance, there is less data available regarding subsequent treatment. Promising results have been noted with tocilizumab infusions every 2-4 weeks, abatacept monthly infusions and rituximab.

Uveitis in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients: a multicenter survey

The aim of this study is to assess uveitis prevalence in a large cohort of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) patients. A retrospective multicenter cohort study including 852 cSLE patients was performed in ten pediatric rheumatology centers (Brazilian cSLE group). An investigator meeting was held and all participants received database training. Uveitis was diagnosed through clinical assessment by the uveitis expert ophthalmologist of each center. Patients with and without uveitis were assessed for lupus clinical/laboratory features and treatments. Uveitis was observed in 7/852 cSLE patients (0.8%). Two of them had ocular complications: cataract and irreversible blindness in one patient and retinal ischemia with subsequent neovascularization and unilateral blindness in another. Uveitis was identified within the first 6 months of cSLE diagnosis in 6/7 patients (86%). Comparison of a subgroup of cSLE patients with (n = 7) and without uveitis (n = 73) and similar length of disease duration showed that patients with uveitis had increased SLEDAI-2K score (19 vs. 6; p < 0.01). In addition, fever (71 vs. 12%; p < 0.01), lymphadenopathy (29 vs. 1.4%; p = 0.02), arthritis (43 vs. 7%; p = 0.02), and use of intravenous methylprednisolone (71 vs. 22%; p = 0.01) were higher in cSLE patients with uveitis, as compared to those without this manifestation, respectively. Presence of fever was significantly associated with uveitis, independently of SLEDAI scores or use of intravenous methylprednisolone pulses, as shown by adjusted regression analysis (adjusted prevalence ratio 35.7, 95% CI 2.4-519.6; p < 0.01). Uveitis was a rare and initial manifestation of active cSLE patients. Early recognition is essential due to the possibility of irreversible blindness.

Controversies in intraocular lens implantation in pediatric uveitis

Cataract is one of the most common and visually debilitating complications of pediatric uveitis. It develops as a consequence of chronic inflammation and steroid use and is seen most often in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis. Cataract extraction with intraocular lens (IOL) insertion has been carried out with a measure of success in non-uveitic pediatric eyes, but in cases of uveitis, multiple factors affect the final outcome. Chronic inflammation and its sequelae such as band keratopathy, posterior synechiae, and cyclitic membranes make surgical intervention more challenging and outcome less certain. Postoperative complications like increased inflammation, glaucoma, posterior capsular opacification, retrolental membranes, and hypotony may compromise the visual outcome. Early refractive correction is imperative in pediatric eyes to prevent amblyopia. The use of contact lenses and intraocular lenses in pediatric uveitic eyes were fraught with complications in the past. Surgical interventions such as vitreo-lensectomy followed by contact lens fitting and small incision cataract surgery followed by different types of intraocular lenses have been utilized, and many reports have been published, albeit in small patient groups. This review analyzes and discusses the existing literature on intraocular lens implantation in cases of pediatric uveitic cataract surgery.

Chronic Non-infectious Uveitis in Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

PURPOSE

To describe clinical findings and analyze treatment evolution of chronic, non-infectious uveitis in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

METHODS

A total of 82 patients (147 eyes) with JIA-related uveitis treated for ≥2 months were included (78% females; 79% bilateral uveitis; 74% anterior uveitis). Outcome measures were visual acuity (VA), inflammation control, side-effects, and surgical procedures.

RESULTS

Mean ± SD age at diagnosis was 4.9 ± 3.8 years; mean ± SD follow-up time was 8.7 ± 7.8 years. Mean VA did not significantly change throughout the study. Three (2%) eyes resulted in no light perception (NLP) vision. Thirty (37%) patients underwent 69 procedures. In total, 41 (50%) patients achieved inflammation control. TNF-α inhibitors were significantly associated with inflammation control. Seven (8.5%) patients stopped treatment due to side-effects.

CONCLUSIONS

JIA is a cause of significant ocular morbidity. TNF-α inhibitor use was associated with inflammation control. Prospective, randomized, double blind clinical trials in this regard are warranted.

Comparison between Outcomes of Vitrectomy in Granulomatous and Nongranulomatous Uveitis

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of vitrectomy in granulomatous uveitis and nongranulomatous uveitis insufficiently managed by immunosuppressive therapy. Methods: Thirty-eight eyes with granulomatous uveitis and 17 eyes with nongranulomatous uveitis that underwent vitrectomy for ocular complications between July 2006 and August 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. Visual acuity and ocular inflammation scores before and 6 months after surgery were compared. Patients treated with vitrectomy alone and those in whom vitrectomy was combined with phacoemulsification were analyzed separately. Results: The mean visual acuity improved significantly both in granulomatous and nongranulomatous uveitis. In granulomatous uveitis, the mean inflammation scores decreased significantly both in the anterior segment and in the posterior segment. In nongranulomatous uveitis, the mean inflammation score in the posterior segment decreased significantly, although it did not change in the anterior segment. Conclusion: Vitrectomy was effective for treating ocular complications both in granulomatous uveitis and nongranulomatous uveitis, with favorable outcomes of improved visual acuity and decreased uveitis activity.

The common NOD2/CARD15 variant P268S in patients with non-infectious uveitis: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

The etiology of Autoimmune chronic uveitis (ACU) is still unknown; NOD2/CARD15 gene mutations are responsible for the Blau Syndrome and can induce uveitis in animal models.

PRESENTATION OF THE HYPOTHESIS

Aim of our study was to assess if NOD2/CARD15 variants have a role in the etiology or in the clinical course of patients with ACU, either idiopathic or associated with other inflammatory diseases.

TESTING THE HYPOTHESIS

We consecutively enrolled 25 patients (19 pediatric and 6 adults) affected with ACU. For each patient medical history was reviewed and clinical data were recorded. Allelic and genotypic frequencies of NOD2/CARD15 variations were calculated in patients and matched with those of 25 healthy controls. The statistical analysis was performed. Fifteen patients showed the polymorphism P268S/SNP5 (SNP rs2066842) as heterozygous carriers while two patients were homozygous for the same polymorphism; one patient carried also the variant c647 18-16 TCT on intron 3, not previously reported in the literature. Statistical analysis for NOD2/CARD15 genotyping showed significant differences between patients and controls for allelic frequencies (p = 0.04, OR: 4.03, 95 %; CI = 1.2-13.5) but not for genotypic frequencies. We could not identify a significant phenotype-genotype correlation.

IMPLICATIONS OF THE HYPOTHESIS

In our cohort of Italian patients, the NOD2/CARD15 common variant P268S/SNP5 could potentially be significantly associated with ACU.

Serum anti-carbonic anhydrase antibodies and oxidant-antioxidant balance in patients with acute anterior uveitis

PURPOSE

To study the existence of anti-carbonic anhydrase antibodies (anti-CA-I&II) in acute anterior uveitis (AAU) patients and to analyze the relationship between the levels of these antibodies and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant capacity (TOC), oxidative stress index (OSI), and malondialdehyde (MDA) level.

METHODS

Forty-five AAU cases and 43 healthy controls were enrolled in this prospective study.

RESULTS

The average anti-CA I and II antibody levels were 0.433 ± 0.306 and 0.358 ± 0.261 IU/mL, respectively, in the AAU group and 0.275 ± 0.147 and 0.268 ± 0.108 IU/mL, respectively, in the control group (p = 0.004 and p = 0.036, respectively). In addition, it was found that the TOC, OSI, and MDA levels in the AAU subjects were statistically significantly higher than those of the control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that autoimmune responses against CA I and CA II and an altered serum oxidant-antioxidant balance may be involved in the pathogenesis of AAU.