Updates on the risk markers and outcomes of severe juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis

• Authors: Sheila Angeles-Han, Emory University; Steven Yeh, Emory University; Larry B Vogler, Emory University
• Journal Title: International Journal of Clinical Rheumatology
• Volume: Volume 8, Number 1
• Publisher: Future Medicine | 2013-02-01, Pages 109-121
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.2217/ijr.12.83
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery
• Keywords: juvenile arthritis; juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis; ocular disease; pediatric rheumatology; risk; uveitis

Abstract

Uveitis is the most common extra-articular manifestation of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which is the most common systemic cause of uveitis in children. Known risk factors for uveitis include antinuclear antibody seropositivity, young age of arthritis onset, specific juvenile idiopathic arthritis subtype and short duration of disease. Risk markers for severe ocular disease include gender, age and complications at initial visit. Due to the risk for vision-compromising sequelae such as cataracts, band keratopathy, glaucoma, vision loss and blindness, an understanding of the risk factors for uveitis development and severe ocular disease is crucial to help prevent serious visual disability and complications. This paper reviews the pathogenesis of uveitis, known risk factors for uveitis development and severe visual outcome, and addresses the need for additional biomarkers of uveitis risk, prognosis and remission.