Objectives. To analyse the prevalence and complications of uveitis and their predictors in a large cohort of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Objective. Rituximab (RTX), a chimeric mAb directed against the B-cell marker CD20, was investigated for its anti-inflammatory effect in treating refractory uveitis associated with JIA. Methods. Case series, retrospective multicentre. JIA patients with severe uveitis with vision-threatening complications (n = 10) and with insidious onset. All patients were treated with RTX for active uveitis refractory to topical and systemic CSs, immunosuppressives and at least one of the TNF-α inhibitors. All had active arthritis. Uveitis and arthritis course were assessed before and after RTX treatment. Results. After one RTX cycle (mean follow-up 11 months, range 7–18 months), uveitis inactivity was achieved in seven oligoarthritis patients (ANA⁺, HLA-B27⁻) for a prolonged period of time (mean 7.5 months, range 6–9 months). Therefore, CSs and immunosuppression could be spared. In three of four patients responding to RTX, uveitis recurred thereafter, and RTX re-treatment led to inactivity again. In another three patients (ANA⁺ polyarthritis, n = 1; ANA⁺ HLA-B27⁺ oligo- or polyarthritis, n = 2) uveitis activity persisted after RTX therapy. In seven patients, arthritis improved or was inactive after RTX treatment (PedACR30/50/70). Conclusion. RTX may represent a rescue therapy option for severe JIA-associated uveitis refractory to CSs, immunosuppression and TNF-α inhibitors.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common systemic disease associated with uveitis in childhood. The frequency of JIA-associated uveitis (JIAU) varies geographically, and between ethnicities. Uveitis risk is high in JIA associated with oligoarthritis, young age at arthritis onset and ANA positivity. Gender alters risk for the incidence of JIA and the severity of JIAU. Familial cases support the possible role of genetic influences in the pathogenesis. Arthritis typically precedes the uveitis, but uveitis may occur up to seven years following the arthritis onset. Although complications still occur, the frequency of bilateral blindness has dropped, probably by both improved screening of high-risk patients with JIA, and the increased use of early immunosuppression. However, there is still continuing persistence of JIAU into adulthood. For improvement of epidemiological knowledge of this complicated disease, large, well-defined, long-term population-based registries are needed with the application of universally agreed case definitions and outcome measures.

Aims: Our purpose was to detect the rate of initial manifestation of sarcoidosis in the eye. Material and Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review in a sarcoidosis clinic in Germany. Ophthalmological data were obtained by using a standardized protocol, including the medical history, any comorbidity, onset and type of ocular manifestation that was evaluated by slit lamp, tonometry and fundoscopy. Results: In the cohort of 1,800 patients (mean age 38.1 ± 11.8 years), diagnosis of sarcoidosis was established most commonly by bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy (96.2%), histopathology (46.9%) or other organ manifestations. The initial clinical presentation of sarcoidosis (mean age 34.1 ± 10.8 years) had often been eye manifestation (21.2%). Within this group, anterior uveitis was most common (76.4%), followed by intermediate (17.3%) and posterior uveitis (4.7%). Conclusions: The eye is commonly the first site for manifestation of sarcoidosis. Ophthalmologists have a critical role in establishing the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.

Objective.: Abatacept (ABA), a selective T cell costimulation modulator that binds to CD80 and CD86 on antigen-presenting cells, was investigated for its antiinflammatory effect in treating severe chronic uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).Methods.: Our retrospective study was conducted by members of the Multinational Interdisciplinary Working Group for Uveitis in Childhood (MIWGUC). Patients with JIA who are receiving ABA treatment for active uveitis were included. In all patients, uveitis had been refractory to previous topical and systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressives, and at least 1 tumor necrosis factor–α inhibitor. A standardized protocol was used to document uveitis (MIWGUC) and arthritis. Baseline visit and visits at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months before and after ABA start were evaluated. Primary outcome measure was defined as achievement of uveitis inactivity; secondary outcome measures were tapering of corticosteroid and/or immunosuppressive treatment, and occurrence of complications.Results.: In all, 21 patients (16 female) with active uveitis (n = 21) and arthritis (n = 18) were included (mean age 11.8 ± 3.6 yrs). In 7 of 18 patients with active arthritis at baseline, inactivity was achieved following ABA treatment. Uveitis inactivity was achieved in 11 patients, but recurred later in 8 of them, and remained active in another 10 cases. Systemic corticosteroids or immunosuppression were tapered in 3 patients, but uveitis recurred in all of them during further followup. Ocular complications secondary to uveitis were present in 17 patients at baseline, while 3 patients developed new ocular complications during followup.Conclusion.: A sustained response to ABA was uncommon in patients with severe and refractory uveitis.