Anterior Chronic Uveitis in Juvenile Chronic Arthritis

Overview

Background:
Anterior uveitis (iridocyclitis) in association with juvenile chronicarthritis has two different clinical units: the acute and chronic form. They differas to the clinical picture, course, complications , relation to antinuclear antibodiesand HLA B 27 antigen, response to treatment and prognosis of optic functions.Objective:To investigate the development of complications in patients with thechronic form of juvenile chronic arthritis in relation to the duration of uveitis.Tofocus attention on the treatment and prognosis of the disease.Patients:The authors evaluated retrospectively 18 patients with anterior chronicuveitis and diagnosed juvenile chronic arthritis. The group comprised 13 girls and5 boys, mean age 14.3 years (6-25 years) with a mean duration of uveitis of 7.5 years(2-21 years).Results: Complications and deterioration of vision are frequent and serious inpatients with the chronic form of uveitis. With the duration of the diseaseprogression of complications occurs, their number increases and vision deterio-rates. The adverse prognosis in some patients is promoted by an inadequateresponse to treatment. Six patients (8 eyes) were subjected to surgical treatmentof complications. The postoperative results are not encouraging.Conclusion: The authors wish to draw attention to the need of close collaborationwith a rheumatologist , paediatrician, ophthalmologist and the necessity to devotespecial care to children with juvenile chronic arthritis and uveitis.

Key words:
juvenile chronic arthritis, anterior uveitis, complications of uveitis