Biologic Therapy in Pediatric JIA Uveitis

Overview

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) remains the most common systemic disorder associated with pediatric uveitis. Studies estimate that 28-67% of patients with JIA-associated uveitis develop ocular complications, with 12% developing poor visual outcome. The only means of improving long term effects of uveitis, is early and aggressive anti-inflammatory treatment, including biologics.

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) remains, globally, the most common systemic disorder associated with pediatric uveitis consisting 75% of anterior uveitis cases (AU)1. In a cohort study from Cairo University Pediatric Hospital, JIA accounted for 39% of all cases of pediatric uveitis (unpublished data). Studies estimate that 28-67% of patients with JIA-U develop ocular complications, with 12% developing poor visual outcome2,3,4. Thus, early and aggressive anti-inflammatory treatment is the only means of improving long term effects of uveitis5-7. In 2019, the American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation recommended, that in severe, active, chronic AU or in the presence of sight-threatening complications, methotrexate (MTX) and a monoclonal antibody Tumor Necrosis Factor inhibitor (TNFi) should be immediately administered8. Biologic drugs act against specific cytokines or their receptors, in order to reduce tissue damage9. Currently, infliximab, and adalimumab are the main TNF inhibitors available for children10 and are used in the treatment of refractory or chronic childhood uveitis 11,12 . Our study aims to analyze the value and outcome of using biologics at Abou el Reesh, Cairo University Hospital, being a main tertiary referral center in Egypt for children with JIA-U.

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes