Epidemiology of uveitis in children over a 10-year period

CER5718
2013 Vol.31, N°4
PI 0633, PF 0637
Paediatric Rheumatology

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PMID: 23432940 [PubMed]

Received: 25/05/2012
Accepted : 06/09/2012
In Press: 22/02/2013
Published: 30/07/2013

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:
The aim of the present study is to investigate the demographics, aetiologies, complications, treatments and visual outcomes in paediatric uveitis patients in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.
METHODS:
Chart review of all patients diagnosed with uveitis before the age of 16 years, presenting to two tertiary referral centres (uveitis and paediatric rheumatology clinics) in Lausanne, Switzerland, between 2000 and 2009.
RESULTS:
Seventy-nine children (37 girls) were identified, 62 living in Switzerland, 15 in Europe and 2 in North Africa. Median age at first symptoms was 9.0 years (range 1.5–15.8 years), with a median follow-up time of 1.8 years (0–8 years). Both eyes were involved in 51 patients (64.6%). The course was acute in 30.4%, chronic in 60.8% and recurrent in 8.9%. Anterior uveitis occurred in 39.2%, intermediate in 32.9%, posterior in 22.8% and panuveitis in 5.1%. The three main diagnoses were idiopathic uveitis (34.2%), JIA-related uveitis (22.8%) and toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis (15.2%). During the last follow-up visit, the visual acuity (VA) was ≥8/10 in 72% of all eyes with a measurable VA. Cataract (8%), ocular hypertension/glaucoma (8%) and macular fibrosis (4%) were the three most common severe complications. Systemic steroids were given to 56% and biological agents to 24% of patients with inflammatory uveitis.
CONCLUSIONS:
Uveitis in children can be a devastating disease. A strict classification of aetiologies and a tight collaboration between paediatric rheumatologists and ophthalmologists are important to ensure early control of ocular inflammation and improve long-term visual prognosis.