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Endogenous uveitis in Indian children: analysis of 94 cases
Insights
Pediatric endogenous uveitis in India is often chronic and bilateral, with tuberculosis being a leading cause. This study analyzed 94 childhood cases, highlighting common complications and etiological factors.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Immunology
Background:
- Endogenous uveitis affects children, presenting unique diagnostic and management challenges.
- Understanding the epidemiology and etiology of childhood uveitis is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical characteristics, etiological factors, and outcomes of endogenous uveitis in the pediatric age group.
- To provide data on childhood uveitis incidence and causes from a tertiary eye care center in India.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1086 endogenous uveitis cases over 10 years (1963-1972).
- Detailed examination of 94 pediatric cases (0-15 years) including age, sex, clinical type, course, complications, and etiology.
Main Results:
- 94 pediatric cases (8.6%) of endogenous uveitis were identified, with the youngest being six weeks old.
- Common findings included chronic (81.9%), bilateral (45.8%) uveitis, with anterior and posterior uveitis being most frequent.
- Tuberculosis (31.9%) and toxoplasmosis (10.6%) were the leading causes; complicated cataract (25.5%) was the most frequent complication.
Conclusions:
- Childhood endogenous uveitis in this cohort was predominantly chronic and bilateral, with significant contributions from infectious etiologies like tuberculosis.
- The study underscores the importance of thorough etiological investigation in pediatric uveitis to guide management and improve outcomes.
Abstract:
Out of 1086 cases of endogenous uveitis registered in the uveitis clinic of Irwin Hospital, New Delhi, India, over a period of 10 years from 1963-1972, 94 cases (8.6%) were within the pediatric age group 0-15 years. These cases have been analyzed in detail and the data on age, sex distribution, clinical types, course, complications, various etiological factors, and associated conditions have been tabulated. There were 29 cases within the age group 0-10 years. The youngest was six weeks old. Brief clinical data were: boys, 61.7%; bilateral cases, 45.8%, anterior uveitis, 40.4%; posterior uveitis, 47.9%; generalized uveitis, 11.7% and chronic cases 81.9%. Complicated cataract was the most frequent complication (25.5%) followed by band keratopathy (10.6%). The etiology could be determined in 52.1% of the cases. Tuberculosis was the commonest cause (31.9%) followed by toxoplasmosis (10.6%). There was one case of Behcet's disease where the ocular lesions preceded oral and genital lesions by two years. The series is conspicuous by the notable absence of sarcoidosis as a cause of uveitis. Comparative data on the incidence of childhood uveitis and its various etiological factors as reported by other workers have also been tabulated.
