The Kobe earthquake and recurrent endogenous uveitis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Psychoneuroimmunology
• Disaster Medicine

Background:

• Recurrent endogenous uveitis etiology is multifactorial, involving genetic and environmental factors.
• The 1995 Hanshin-Awaji earthquake caused widespread psychological stress and environmental disruption in Kobe, Japan.
• Understanding environmental triggers for uveitis recurrence is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of the 1995 Kobe earthquake on the recurrence rate of endogenous uveitis.
• To assess if psychological stress following a natural disaster influences uveitis recurrence.
• To identify potential risk factors for post-disaster uveitis exacerbation.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of 116 patients with endogenous uveitis treated at Kobe University Hospital.
• Comparison of uveitis recurrence rates in the 2-year period before and after the January 17, 1995 earthquake.
• Analysis of patient demographics and clinical data, including gender differences.

Main Results:

• The endogenous uveitis recurrence rate significantly increased from 3% pre-earthquake to 10% post-earthquake.
• Women exhibited a higher recurrence rate compared to men after the earthquake.
• The findings suggest a correlation between earthquake-induced psychological stress and uveitis recurrence.

Conclusions:

• Psychological stress associated with major environmental changes, such as earthquakes, may trigger recurrent endogenous uveitis.
• Post-disaster care for uveitis patients should include psychological support alongside physical treatment.
• Environmental stressors, particularly psychological distress, play a significant role in the pathogenesis of recurrent endogenous uveitis.