Chronic Non-infectious Uveitis in Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Risk Factors for Ocular Complications and Visual Loss in Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis-associated Uveitis at a Turkish Tertiary Ophthalmology and Pediatric Rheumatology Referral Center

PURPOSE

To investigate the rates of ocular complications and visual loss and their risk factors in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) -associated uveitis.

METHODS

Medical records of 51 patients were reviewed.

RESULTS

The incidence of visual loss to the 20/50 or worse was found to be 0026/ eye-year (EY) in the present study. Cataract and ocular hypertension occurred during the follow-up period and were significantly associated with visual acuity loss to 20/50 or worse (p = .008, HR 11.932, 95% CI 1.915-74.355; p = .03, HR 7.323, 95% CI 1.216-44.110, respectively). Anti-TNF therapy was initiated in 88.2% of our cases and 93.3% of them achieved uveitis inactivity.

CONCLUSION

The risk of vision loss is higher in patients with JIA-associated uveitis who had complications at presentation. We attribute the lower complication rates and better visual outcomes in our study to the early and frequent use of biologic agents.

Changing evidence over time: updated meta-analysis regarding anti-TNF efficacy in childhood chronic uveitis

Objective

To summarize evidence regarding efficacy of anti-TNFα in childhood chronic uveitis, refractory to common DMARDs.

Methods

An updated systematic search was conducted between November 2012 and January 2020. Studies investigating the efficacy of anti-TNFα therapy, in children of ages <16 years, as the first biologic treatment for childhood chronic uveitis, refractory to topical and/or systemic steroid and at least one DMARD were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome measure was the improvement of intraocular inflammation according to Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature Working Group criteria. A combined estimate of the proportion of children responding to etanercept (ETA), infliximab (INF), and adalimumab (ADA) was determined.

Results

We identified 1677 articles of which 37 articles were eligible. Three were randomized controlled trials, one on ETA and two on ADA, and were excluded from pooled analysis. From the observational studies, a total of 487 children were identified: 226 received ADA, 213 INF and 48 ETA. The proportion of responding children was 86% (95% CI: 76%, 95%) for ADA, 68% (95% CI: 50%, 85%) for INF and 36% (95% CI: 9%, 67%) for ETA. Pooled analysis showed clear differences (χ2 = 32.2, P < 0.0001): ADA and INF were both significantly superior to ETA (χ2 = 26.8, P < 0.0001, and χ2 = 7.41, P < 0.006, respectively), ADA significantly superior to INF (χ2 = 13.4, P < 0.0002).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis, consistent with recent randomized controlled trial data, suggests the efficacy of ADA and INF in childhood chronic uveitis treatment. However, ADA results were superior to those of INF in this clinical setting.

2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for the Screening, Monitoring, and Treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis-Associated Uveitis

OBJECTIVE

To develop recommendations for the screening, monitoring, and treatment of uveitis in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

METHODS

Pediatric rheumatologists, ophthalmologists with expertise in uveitis, patient representatives, and methodologists generated key clinical questions to be addressed by this guideline. This was followed by a systematic literature review and rating of the available evidence according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology. A group consensus process was used to compose the final recommendations and grade their strength as conditional or strong.

RESULTS

Due to a lack of literature with good quality of evidence, recommendations were formulated on the basis of available evidence and a consensus expert opinion. Regular ophthalmic screening of children with JIA is recommended because of the risk of uveitis, and the frequency of screening should be based on individual risk factors. Regular ophthalmic monitoring of children with uveitis is recommended, and intervals should be based on ocular examination findings and treatment regimen. Ophthalmic monitoring recommendations were strong primarily because of concerns of vision-threatening complications of uveitis with infrequent monitoring. Topical glucocorticoids should be used as initial treatment to achieve control of inflammation. Methotrexate and the monoclonal antibody tumor necrosis factor inhibitors adalimumab and infliximab are recommended when systemic treatment is needed for the management of uveitis. The timely addition of nonbiologic and biologic drugs is recommended to maintain uveitis control in children who are at continued risk of vision loss.

CONCLUSION

This guideline provides direction for clinicians and patients/parents making decisions on the screening, monitoring, and management of children with JIA and uveitis, using GRADE methodology and informed by a consensus process with input from rheumatology and ophthalmology experts, current literature, and patient/parent preferences and values.

2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for the Screening, Monitoring, and Treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis-Associated Uveitis

OBJECTIVE

To develop recommendations for the screening, monitoring, and treatment of uveitis in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

METHODS

Pediatric rheumatologists, ophthalmologists with expertise in uveitis, patient representatives, and methodologists generated key clinical questions to be addressed by this guideline. This was followed by a systematic literature review and rating of the available evidence according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology. A group consensus process was used to compose the final recommendations and grade their strength as conditional or strong.

RESULTS

Due to a lack of literature with good quality of evidence, recommendations were formulated on the basis of available evidence and a consensus expert opinion. Regular ophthalmic screening of children with JIA is recommended because of the risk of uveitis, and the frequency of screening should be based on individual risk factors. Regular ophthalmic monitoring of children with uveitis is recommended, and intervals should be based on ocular examination findings and treatment regimen. Ophthalmic monitoring recommendations were strong primarily because of concerns of vision-threatening complications of uveitis with infrequent monitoring. Topical glucocorticoids should be used as initial treatment to achieve control of inflammation. Methotrexate and the monoclonal antibody tumor necrosis factor inhibitors adalimumab and infliximab are recommended when systemic treatment is needed for the management of uveitis. The timely addition of nonbiologic and biologic drugs is recommended to maintain uveitis control in children who are at continued risk of vision loss.

CONCLUSION

This guideline provides direction for clinicians and patients/parents making decisions on the screening, monitoring, and management of children with JIA and uveitis, using GRADE methodology and informed by a consensus process with input from rheumatology and ophthalmology experts, current literature, and patient/parent preferences and values.