Which groups of children with juvenile arthritis are at risk of developing uveitis?
(Dr Sujata Sawhney) Children with oligoarticular disease, who are most often young preschool girls under five years of age, are at the highest risk of developing uveitis. It is this group of children, which is most often ANA–positive. On an average, uveitis is found in 20% of children with oligoarthritis. It is very rare in patients who have systemic–onset disease or in those who are rheumatoid factor–positive. The onset of chronic uveitis is usually insidious, often entirely asymptomatic. In up to 10% of children it may occur before the arthritis and is usually undetected. Most children develop uveitis within 7 years of onset of arthritis. It is bilateral in 80% of children. The uveitis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis is usually anterior; posterior uveitis suggests sarcoidosis and not JIA. The uveitis that accompanies ERA (Enthesitis related arthritis) is acute, painful, presents with a red eye and seldom leaves sequelae.
