[Immunologic disturbances in patients with idiopathic posterior uveitis]

This study aimed to evaluate the immune system function in patients with idiopathic posterior uveitis.

50 patients--29 women (58%) and 21 men (42%)--were examined. Intraocular inflammation intensity was scored on standard uveitis grading system prepared by BenEzra et al. In all cases selected parameters of serum immune system activity--immunoglobulins IgA, IgG, IgM, IgE, complement proteins C3c and C4, circulating immune complexes (CIC) and autoantibodies: ANA, ANCA, ACA were detected. All immune system parameters were assessed in active stage of the disease and then 1, 3, 6, 12 months after the beginning of immunosuppressive therapy.

Among 50 patients immunological abnormalities were found in 38 cases (76%). Changes in serum immunoglobulin concentrations were present in 28 patients and the most common pathology was the deficiency of serum IgG in 11 subjects. In 34 cases abnormalities of the complement system were present. In 43 subjects serum CIC were detected. ANA in indirect immunofluorescence test were found in 9 patients. Neither ANCA nor ACA were present in serum of this group of patients.

Non specific abnormalities of immune system parameters found in serum of 38 patients with idiopathic posterior uveitis can indicate their role in pathogenesis of this disease. The deficiency of IgG can be related to CIC formation in this group of patients. Probably circulating immune complexes (CIC) are involved in the pathogenesis of endogenous posterior uveitis and they can act as an aggressor or protector against the retinal autoimmune mechanisms.