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Published on: December 17, 2021
Clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of pediatric non-infectious uveitis: A multicenter study in Saudi
Mohammed Nashawi1,2, Suzan A Alshareef3, Salma Alswealh3
1Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Pediatric non-infectious uveitis in Saudi Arabia, primarily caused by juvenile idiopathic arthritis, shows good remission rates with early treatment. However, challenges like delayed diagnosis and adherence persist, impacting long-term visual outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Pediatric non-infectious uveitis presents significant risks for vision loss.
- Data on its clinical characteristics in Saudi Arabia are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe clinical features, management, and outcomes of pediatric non-infectious uveitis in Saudi Arabia.
- To establish regional benchmarks for this condition.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study of 36 pediatric patients (2017-2023).
- Data collected on demographics, presentation, treatments, and 2-year follow-up outcomes.
- Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was the most common cause (52.8%).
- Anterior uveitis was predominant (75%), often bilateral (55.6%).
- 86.11% achieved remission, but complications like synechiae and cataracts occurred.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric non-infectious uveitis in Saudi Arabia aligns with global trends, with JIA as the leading cause.
- Early diagnosis and advanced therapies improve outcomes.
- Enhanced screening and adherence are crucial for optimizing long-term results.
Background:
Pediatric non-infectious uveitis is a challenging condition with significant risks for long-term ocular complications and visual impairment. Limited regional data on its clinical characteristics and outcomes in Saudi Arabia are available.
Objective:
This study aimed to describe the clinical features, management strategies, and outcomes of pediatric non-infectious uveitis in two major medical centers in Saudi Arabia.
Methods:
A retrospective observational study was conducted, including 36 pediatric patients diagnosed with non-infectious uveitis from January 2017 to December 2023. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, treatment modalities, and follow-up outcomes at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis.
Results:
Among the 36 patients, 66.67% were female, and the mean age at diagnosis was 8.99 ± 4.17 years. The most common etiology was juvenile idiopathic arthritis (52.8%), followed by idiopathic uveitis (25%) and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (19.4%). Bilateral involvement was present in 55.6% of cases, with anterior uveitis being the predominant type (75%). Antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity was observed in 69.44% of patients. The most frequently used treatments at diagnosis included prednisolone acetate 1% (91.67%) and methotrexate (50%). Over the 2-year follow-up, 86.11% of patients achieved remission, although complications such as synechiae (13.89%), cataracts (8.3%), and band keratopathy (5.56%) were observed. Visual acuity outcomes improved in most cases, although delayed presentation and non-compliance posed challenges.
Conclusion:
Pediatric non-infectious uveitis in Saudi Arabia mirrors global patterns, with JIA being the leading cause. Early diagnosis and biologic therapies have improved remission rates and reduced complications. Future efforts should focus on enhancing screening, patient adherence, and access to advanced therapies to optimize outcomes for affected children.
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