An update on the modern management of paediatric uveitis

Abstract

Uveitis in children and young people (CYP) is often painless, chronic and persistent. It is an often silent blinding condition. Uveitis can be isolated or develop as a manifestation of a systemic disease. Due to the symptomless nature, it can present late with advanced ocular comorbidities such as band keratopathy, hypotony, cataracts. Inadequate control of the eye inflammation can result in permanent and severe ocular complications, structural damage and visual loss. One of the most common systemic associations is juvenile idiopathic arthritis where uveitis has a cumulative incidence of approximately 10%–14% (though wide variation in incidence is reported) after 5 years. Appropriately targeted uveitis screening is recommended to continue for at least 7 years in some subgroups. Paediatric uveitis poses multiple diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Clinical manifestation and disease course may differ significantly from adult-onset uveitis. However, some CYP are still managed by adult specialists alone, without the opportunity for the prompt use of National Health Service England approved therapy. Optimal management of paediatric uveitis requires a multidisciplinary approach involving coordinated working of different specialities and healthcare professionals. This article highlights the evidence-based practice for the contemporary management of paediatric uveitis to readers in different specialities who may come across this condition. It raises awareness of early systemic treatment aiming to achieve early and complete disease inactivity thereby improving the chances of a long-term positive outcome.