Management of JIA associated uveitis

Abstract

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatic disease in childhood, and is associated with uveitis in up to 20–25% of cases. Typically, the uveitis is chronic, asymptomatic, non-granulomatous and anterior. For this reason, screening for uveitis is recommended to identify uveitis early and allow treatment to prevent sight-threatening complications. The management of JIA associated uveitis requires a multidisciplinary approach and a close collaboration between paediatric rheumatologist and ophthalmologist. Starting the appropriate treatment to control uveitis activity and prevent ocular complications is crucial. Current international recommendations advise a step-wise approach, starting with methotrexate and moving on to adalimumab if methotrexate alone is not sufficient to control the disease. If the uveitis remains active despite standard treatment other therapeutic options may be considered including anti-IL6 or other anti-TNF agents such as infliximab, although the evidence for these agents is limited.