Uveitis Profile in Children and Its Impact on Vision at Queen Rania Children's Hospital

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatrics
• Immunology

Background:

• Pediatric uveitis is a significant cause of ocular morbidity in children.
• Understanding its patterns and complications is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the epidemiological patterns of pediatric uveitis.
• To identify common ocular complications associated with pediatric uveitis.
• To determine risk factors contributing to visual impairment in affected children.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 82 children diagnosed with uveitis.
• Data collected included patient demographics, medical history, and comprehensive ophthalmic examinations.
• Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was assessed, and specific exclusion criteria were applied.

Main Results:

• The majority of cases (90.8%) were non-infectious, chronic, and anterior uveitis (70.8%).
• Juvenile idiopathic uveitis was the most common associated disorder (40.0%).
• Ocular complications occurred in 52.3% of cases, with posterior synechiae being most frequent. Visual acuity declined in 21.5% of patients.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric uveitis typically presents as anterior, chronic, and bilateral, often non-granulomatous. Panuveitis, infectious or granulomatous types, early onset, longer duration, and male gender are associated with higher risks of visual impairment.
• Biologic therapies demonstrated a positive impact on preserving or improving visual acuity.