Correlation Between SUN Scale Grades and AS-OCT Cell Counts in Pediatric Uveitis: A Retrospective Central 7-Frame...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Pediatric Uveitis

Background:

• Pediatric uveitis requires accurate monitoring of anterior chamber inflammation.
• The Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) scale is a clinical grading system.
• Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) offers objective measurement potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the correlation between the SUN scale and AS-OCT measurements of anterior chamber cell counts in pediatric uveitis.
• To determine if analyzing the central 7 frames of AS-OCT scans improves measurement consistency and accuracy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 113 pediatric uveitis episodes (patients ≤16 years).
• AS-OCT imaging performed concurrently with clinical review.
• Spearman's rank correlation used to assess the relationship between SUN grades and AS-OCT cell counts from central 7 frames.

Main Results:

• A strong positive correlation (ρ = 0.933) was found between SUN scale grades and AS-OCT cell counts.
• Analysis restricted to the central seven frames enhanced measurement reproducibility and reduced exclusions.
• Excellent intra-grader repeatability (ICC = 0.968) confirmed high measurement reliability.

Conclusions:

• AS-OCT, especially using central 7 frames, is a consistent and reproducible method for quantifying anterior chamber inflammation in pediatric uveitis.
• This approach enhances accuracy and operational feasibility for clinical practice.
• Supports integration of AS-OCT for improved monitoring and management of pediatric uveitis.