Scleritis and Development of Immune-Mediated Disease: A Retrospective Chart Review

Scleritis may be idiopathic or caused by trauma, infections, or an immune-mediated disease (IMD). Our study aimed to understand the relationship between scleritis and IMD, including presenting characteristics, serologies, and treatment course. Understanding these associations may allow clinicians to risk-stratify patients and predict their clinical and treatment course.

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 341 patients with scleritis seen at a tertiary care center between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2020. Demographics, scleritis characteristics, treatment response, recurrence, and serologic data were compared among patients with idiopathic and IMD-associated scleritis.

Among patients with scleritis seen, 145 patients (43%) had an associated IMD, most commonly rheumatoid arthritis (RA; 39%), vasculitis (21%), or inflammatory bowel disease (14%). In most cases, the IMD diagnosis predated the scleritis presentation (63%), though vasculitis cases were more likely to develop during or after scleritis episodes. There were no significant differences in demographics or treatment failures among patients with scleritis with and without associated IMDs. Patients with IMDs were more likely to have a recurrence of scleritis (62% vs 49%, P = 0.02).

At our ophthalmology center, 43% of patients with scleritis had an associated IMD, and most patients with an IMD were symptomatic from this disease prior to scleritis presentation. RA was the most commonly associated condition and typically predated the scleritis, whereas vasculitis was more likely diagnosed during or after the scleritis episode. Scleritis among patients with IMD is more likely to recur compared to scleritis that is idiopathic.