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Keratoconjunctivitis sicca in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Arsen Akinci1, Nilgun Cakar, Nermin Uncu
1Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Diskapi Children's Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. arsenakinci@yahoo.com
Cornea
|August 28, 2007
Summary
Children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) show higher rates of dry eye disease (keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS) and reduced tear function compared to healthy children. Male sex and longer disease duration are linked to worse outcomes in JRA patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Rheumatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting children.
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), or dry eye disease, can be a complication of autoimmune conditions.
- Understanding KCS prevalence in JRA is crucial for early diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare symptoms, signs, and objective test results for KCS in children with JRA versus healthy controls.
- To investigate the relationship between KCS and JRA-specific factors.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-four children with JRA and 64 matched controls underwent symptom questionnaires, clinical sign evaluation, and objective tests for KCS.
- Tear film breakup time (TBUT) and Schirmer test were used to assess tear secretion and stability.
- Statistical analyses included ANOVA, regression, Kruskal-Wallis, t-tests, and chi-squared tests.
Main Results:
- Dry eye symptoms (12.5% vs 1.5%) and signs (10.9% vs 1.5%) were significantly more common in the JRA group (P<0.05).
- Lower TBUT and Schirmer test results indicated reduced tear film stability and secretion in JRA patients (P<0.05).
- Male JRA patients and those with longer disease duration exhibited significantly lower Schirmer and TBUT results.
Conclusions:
- Children with JRA have a higher prevalence of KCS symptoms, signs, and diagnoses compared to controls.
- Basal tear secretion and tear film stability are compromised in children with JRA.
- Male sex and longer disease duration are independent risk factors for decreased tear secretion and stability in JRA patients.
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