Pediatric Uveitis in a Well-Defined Population: Improved Outcomes with Immunosuppressive Therapy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to assess the incidence, etiology, visual outcomes, and complication rates of pediatric uveitis patients at a dedicated multidisciplinary uveitis clinic in Northern Ireland.

METHODS: Data were collected from charts of all patients attending the clinic at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust between 2011 and 2015. Demographics, disease characteristics, treatments, visual acuity, and complications were recorded.

RESULTS: There were 94 patients with uveitis onset before the age of 16 years. Etiology was mixed with JIAU the leading cause accounting for 48% of patients. Thirty-seven percent of patients had known complications at presentation and 65% by final visit. Systemic treatments were used in 65% of cases. Ninety-two percent of eyes had a final visual acuity ≥ 6/12 at a mean follow-up of 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS: The etiology of uveitis in this pediatric population is mixed. With close monitoring, most patients maintain good vision.