Characteristics of a cohort of children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and JIA-associated Uveitis

Abstract

We confirm young age at JIA diagnosis and the oligoarticular JIA subtype as predictors of uveitis development. Although we were unable to identify predictors of ocular complications or blindness, AA children appeared to have a more severe disease course manifested by increased ocular complications, vision loss and blindness. Potential causes that warrant additional study include underlying disease severity, access to medical care and referral bias. Further investigation of the risk factors for vision-compromising uveitis and its' long-term effects should be conducted in a large racially diverse population.