To describe the frequencies and risk factors of ocular complications and poor visual outcomes in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
Retrospective cohort study, including 69 consecutive children (116 eyes) affected by JIA-associated uveitis managed at a tertiary uveitis clinic.
The incidence of visual loss to the 20/50 or worse threshold was 0.04/eye-year (EY) and to the 20/200 or worse threshold was 0.02/EY. The most common complications at baseline were posterior synechiae (52%), band keratopathy (38%), and cataract (12%). Risk factor for a visual acuity threshold of 20/50 or worse included hypotony (p = 0.01; hazard ratio [HR] 3.7; 95% CI 1.3-10.4); anterior chamber flare >1 (p = 0.04; HR 1.3; 95% CI 0.5-3.4); a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) (p = 0.02; HR1.4; 95% CI 0.8-2.4). Hypotony and positive ANA are also associated to the 20/200 or worse threshold (p = 0.03; HR 5.1; 95% CI 1.1-23.9 and p = 0.04; HR 1.0; 95% CI 0.4-2.3; respectively). Use of immunosuppressive drugs was associated with a reduced risk of visual loss of 20/200 or worse (odds ratio 0.14, 95% CI, 0.02-1.29; p = 0.04).
Loss of vision and ocular complications still occur among children with JIA-related uveitis. Prompt diagnosis and a strict follow up associated to immunosuppressive therapy may decrease the poor visual outcome.