Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis-Associated Uveitis: Evidence-Based Screening, Monitoring, and Treatment

Abstract

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most frequent chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease in children and adolescents. JIA-associated uveitis is its commonest extra-articular manifestation comprising usually a silent iridocyclitis. Due to this asymptomatic clinical presentation, it is estimated that one-third of JIA-associated uveitis may present with ocular complications by the time of diagnosis. Time-appropriate screening and monitoring are crucial for the prevention of sight-threatening ocular manifestations. Updated treatment is also essential for adequate management and, therefore, to guarantee the best long-term functional vision in these patients. The scope of this chapter involves: (a) JIA and JIA-uveitis introduction/background; (b) etiology, pathogenesis, and risk factors; (c) diagnosis, clinical presentation, and ocular complications; (d) monitoring and screening (including national/international screening guidelines); (e) management (treatment options and treatment monitoring); (f) disease burden; and (g) conclusion and take-home messages.