HLA-B27 and clinical features of acute anterior uveitis in Cuba

There are few data about the epidemiology of acute anterior uveitis (AAU) from Latin America. In Cuba, the genetic admixture of the population could modify the HLA-B27-AAU association. In this study, the authors compared the distribution of the HLA-B27 allele in patients and controls and described some clinical outcomes.

The clinical features of patients were collected from their medical records. HLA-B27 genotyping was performed using the polymerase chain reaction. HLA-B27 allele distribution was compared between patients and controls.

HLA-B27 allele was present in 55.4% of the patients and 0.87% of the controls. AAU HLA-B27 positivity was associated with males, frequent episodes, and a systemic disease. There is no difference in ocular complications between HLA-B27-positive and -negative patients.

Results from this study are similar to data described in other countries. HLA-B27 allele distribution in controls is lower than other reports in Caucasian populations.