An Overview of Pediatric Uveitis

Uveitis in childhood poses a distinct challenge, mainly because of the insidious onset and chronic course of intraocular inflammation in most cases, which may result in permanent visual loss due to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Although anterior uveitis, frequently associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, is the most common form of ocular involvement, idiopathic intermediate uveitis (pars planitis) is also a common uveitic entity in childhood. Posterior or panuveitis of a variety of noninfectious or infectious etiologies may be seen as well. Pediatric uveitis needs to be closely monitored since serious ocular complications such as intraocular pressure elevation, cataract, and macular edema may rapidly develop due to inadequately controlled inflammation and/or the use of corticosteroids. Methotrexate is generally the first line corticosteroid-sparing agent, and adalimumab is the first-line biologic in refractory cases of noninfectious uveitis. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to monitor systemic disease associations, treatment response, and adverse events in children with uveitis.