THURSDAY, April 26 (HealthDay News) -- Ocular complications and poor vision are common in patients presenting with juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis, according to the results of a study published in the April issue of the American Journal of Ophthalmology.
Jennifer E. Thorne, M.D., and colleagues from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, assessed ocular complications (cataract, posterior synechiae, band keratopathy, elevated intraocular pressure, hypotony, macular edema and epiretinal membrane) and visual acuity in 75 patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis.
The researchers observed ocular complications in 67 percent of eyes, which were significantly associated with an anterior chamber flare of at least 1+, a positive antinuclear antibody, and a shorter time period between the diagnosis of arthritis and uveitis. Visual acuity of 20/50 or worse occurred in 36 percent of affected eyes and an acuity of 20/200 or worse occurred in 24 percent of affected eyes. Worse visual acuity was significantly associated with an anterior chamber flare of at least 1+ and a history of intraocular surgery. The main causes of poor vision were cataract, band keratopathy within the visual axis and glaucoma.
"In summary, poor vision and ocular complications still occur commonly among children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis-related uveitis, particularly if there is a long delay in referral to a tertiary care center," Thorne and colleagues conclude.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
