Anterior uveitis (iridocyclitis) in association with juvenile chronic arthritis has two different clinical units: the acute and chronic form. They differ as to the clinical picture, course, complications, relation to antinuclear antibodies and HLA B 27 antigen, response to treatment and prognosis of optic functions.
To investigate the development of complications in patients with the chronic form of juvenile chronic arthritis in relation to the duration of uveitis. To focus attention on the treatment and prognosis of the disease.
The authors evaluated retrospectively 18 patients with anterior chronic uveitis and diagnosed juvenile chronic arthritis. The group comprised 13 girls and 5 boys, mean age 14.3 years (6-25 years) with a mean duration of uveitis of 7.5 years (2-21 years).
Complications and deterioration of vision are frequent and serious in patients with the chronic form of uveitis. With the duration of the disease progression of complications occurs, their number increases and vision deteriorates. The adverse prognosis in some patients is promoted by an inadequate response to treatment. Six patients (8 eyes) were subjected to surgical treatment of complications. The postoperative results are not encouraging.
The authors wish to draw attention to the need of close collaboration with a rheumatologist, paediatrician, ophthalmologist and the necessity to devote special care to children with juvenile chronic arthritis and uveitis.