Clinical profile and treatment outcomes in pediatric uveitis - A series from South India

Vidya S Mooss1, Kalpana Babu

  • 1Department of Uvea and Ocular Inflammation, Prabha Eye Clinic and Research Centre and Vittala International Institute of Ophthalmology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

PubMed

Insights

Pediatric uveitis in South India often presents with noninfectious causes like idiopathic or tuberculosis. Early diagnosis and aggressive, multidisciplinary management are crucial for improving visual outcomes and preventing complications such as cataracts.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Ophthalmology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Pediatric uveitis is a significant cause of visual impairment in children.
  • Understanding the clinical spectrum and outcomes is vital for effective management.
  • Tertiary eye care centers play a crucial role in managing complex cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the clinical characteristics of pediatric uveitis.
  • To evaluate treatment strategies and visual outcomes.
  • To identify challenges in managing pediatric uveitis in South India.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 132 pediatric uveitis cases (206 eyes) from 2012-2022.
  • Classification based on Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature criteria.
  • Evaluation of demographics, clinical presentation, management, and visual acuity.

Main Results:

  • Noninfectious uveitis (70.45%) was more common than infectious (e.g., tuberculosis).
  • Cataract (25.24%) and posterior synechiae (21.35%) were frequent complications.
  • Significant visual acuity improvement was observed post-treatment (0.81 to 0.49 logMAR, P=0.002).

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric uveitis requires specialized, aggressive management compared to adult cases.
  • Early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach are essential for better visual prognosis.
  • Addressing complications like cataracts is key to successful treatment outcomes.
Abstract