Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Am J Ophthalmol 2019 Jan 17. Epub 2019 Jan 17.

Rheumatology. Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain.

Purpose: Cystoid macular edema (CME) is a leading cause of blindness. In this study we assessed the efficacy and safety of Tocilizumab (TCZ) in refractory CME.

Design: Retrospective case series. Read More

Semin Arthritis Rheum 2018 Dec 4. Epub 2018 Dec 4.

The Society for Paediatric Rheumatology (GKJR), Germany.

Background: Uveitis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIAU) is frequently associated with the development of complications and visual loss. Topical corticosteroids are the first line therapy, and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are commonly used. However, treatment has not been standardized. Read More

Rheumatology (Oxford) 2018 Dec 26. Epub 2018 Dec 26.

German Rheumatism Research Center, a Leibniz Institute, Berlin.

Objective: To define predictors for the 2-year outcome in terms of achieving inactivity, subsequent uveitis reactivation and occurrence of uveitis-related complications of JIA-associated uveitis.

Methods: Demographic and clinical parameters and serum samples of JIA-associated uveitis patients enrolled in ICON at ⩽1 year of JIA diagnosis were collected at study enrolment, every 3 months during the first year and subsequently every 6 months. Predictors for the 2-year outcome were evaluated by linear mixed models. Read More

Clin Exp Rheumatol 2018 Nov-Dec;36(6 Suppl 115):68-73. Epub 2018 Dec 12.

Research Centre of Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases and Behçet's Disease and Rheumatology-Ophthalmology Collaborative Uveitis Centre, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Italy.

Objectives: To describe the epidemiology of non-infectious uveitis (NIU) in two tertiary referral rheumatology units in Central and Southern Italy.

Methods: Two hundred and seventy-eight consecutive NIU patients (417 eyes) evaluated between January 2016 and January 2017 were enrolled. Collected data were analysed in accordance with the primary anatomic site of inflammation, clinical course, and laterality. Read More

Indian J Ophthalmol 2019 Jan;67(1):165-167

INSERM UMR1163, Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Neuroinflammation, Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, Institut Imagine, Paris, France; Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Blau syndrome (BS) is a rare autoinflammatory disorder characterized by the clinical triad of arthritis, uveitis, and dermatitis due to heterozygous gain-of-function mutations in the NOD2 gene. BS can mimic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ocular tuberculosis. We report a family comprising a mother and her two children, all presenting with uveitis and arthritis. Read More

Indian J Ophthalmol 2019 Jan;67(1):69-74

Advanced Eye Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh, India.

Purpose: To assess the safety and efficacy of intraoperative intravitreal dexamethasone implant in patients of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis undergoing phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) implantation.

Methods: Retrospectively, data of patients with JIA-associated uveitis undergoing phacoemulsification with PCIOL implantation with intraoperative dexamethasone implant injection were analyzed. Patients with a minimum follow-up of 6 months were included. Read More

Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2018 Dec 14;16(1):79. Epub 2018 Dec 14.

Department of Rheumatology, Ajou University of medical school, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea.

Tocilizumab, an anti-interleukin-6 (IL-6) agent, is indicated as a treatment for several autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). IL-6 plays roles in both immune system dysregulation and inflammation, and thus efforts to extend the utility of tocilizumab in patients with autoinflammatory conditions are ongoing. Here, we survey the literature on the off-label use of tocilizumab in patients with juvenile-onset rheumatic diseases including juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), juvenile dermatomyositis (DM), vasculitis, juvenile scleroderma, and other autoinflammatory diseases. Read More

Arthritis Res Ther 2018 Dec 13;20(1):276. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

German Rheumatism Research Center, a Leibniz Institute, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.

Objective: The objective was to evaluate the 25(OH) vitamin D (25(OH)D) status of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and determine whether the 25(OH)D level is associated with disease activity and the course of JIA.

Methods: Patients ≤ 16 years of age with recently diagnosed JIA (< 12 months) were enrolled in the inception cohort of patients with newly diagnosed JIA (ICON), an ongoing prospective observational, controlled multicenter study started in 2010. Clinical and laboratory parameters were ascertained quarterly during the first year and half-yearly thereafter. Read More

Eye (Lond) 2018 Nov 28. Epub 2018 Nov 28.

Division of Rheumatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.

Aims: Methotrexate (MTX) is standard treatment in pediatric chronic anterior uveitis (CAU). Addition of tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors (TNFi) is often needed. We describe the timing and risk factors for TNFi use in children with CAU on MTX. Read More

Ophthalmology 2018 Oct 16. Epub 2018 Oct 16.

Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom; University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom.

Purpose: To investigate the cost effectiveness of adalimumab in combination with methotrexate, compared with methotrexate alone, for the management of uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Design: A cost-utility analysis based on a clinical trial and decision analytic model.

Participants: Children and adolescents 2 to 18 years of age with persistently active uveitis associated with JIA, despite optimized methotrexate treatment for at least 12 weeks. Read More

Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2018 Oct 17:1-11. Epub 2018 Oct 17.

b Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center , The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School , Jerusalem , Israel.

Purpose: To report the epidemiology, etiology, ocular characteristics, treatment and visual outcome of pediatric uveitis in Israel.

Methods: Retrospective study from two tertiary uveitis centers.

Results: Included were 107 patients (182 eyes), 55% females. Read More

J Ophthalmic Inflamm Infect 2018 Oct 16;8(1):17. Epub 2018 Oct 16.

UCLA Stein Eye Institute and David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, 100 Stein Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-7000, USA.

Background: Biomarkers in easily obtained specimens that accurately predict uveitis in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) are needed. Aqueous humor has been studied for biomarkers, but is not routinely available. We evaluated tears from children with chronic anterior uveitis (CAU) for biomarkers reported in aqueous humor. Read More

Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2018 Oct 15. Epub 2018 Oct 15.

Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.

Objective: Identification of the incidence of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis and its risk factors is essential to optimize early detection. Data from the Research in Arthritis in Canadian Children Emphasizing Outcomes (ReACCh-Out) inception cohort were used to estimate the annual incidence of new-onset uveitis following JIA diagnosis and identify associated risk factors.

Methods: Data were reported every 6 months for 2 years, then yearly to 5 years. Read More

Zhonghua Er Ke Za Zhi 2018 Oct;56(10):786-789

Orthopade 2018 Nov;47(11):910-916

Abteilung für Rheumaorthopädie und Handchirurgie, Zentrum für Rheumatologie, Orthopädie und Schmerztherapie, Klinik Oberammergau, Oberammergau, Deutschland.

The treatment of children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) has progressed substantially during recent years. Multiple different factors have played a role in this advancement: improved medical treatment due to the introduction of new drugs, structural improvements with provision of units specializing in childhood rheumatology, multidisciplinary treatment concepts, structured educational programs for patients and parents, improved functional treatment including sports therapy, and selective surgical and orthopedic interventions improving functional capacities. Current treatment strategies in JIA are aimed at achieving disease remission, i. Read More

Rheumatol Int 2019 Jan 1;39(1):13-27. Epub 2018 Oct 1.

Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, 06100, Turkey.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatic disease of joints in childhood. Glucocorticoids are being used in JIA treatment effectively for decades. Although systemic glucocorticoid use decreased with the introduction of biologic drugs, intraarticular glucocorticoid injections (IAGI) with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and non-biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) still remain the primary treatment in JIA, especially in oligoarticular subcategory. Read More

BioDrugs 2018 Oct;32(5):507-510

Springer, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand.

SB5 (Imraldi) is a biosimilar of the reference anti-TNF monoclonal antibody adalimumab. It is approved for use in the following indications for which reference adalimumab is approved: rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis [polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) and enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA)], axial spondyloarthritis [ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA)], psoriatic arthritis (PsA), psoriasis, pediatric plaque psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), Crohn's disease, pediatric Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis (UC), and non-infectious uveitis. SB5 has similar physicochemical and pharmacodynamic properties to those of reference adalimumab, and the pharmacokinetic similarity of these agents has been shown in healthy volunteers and patients with RA. Read More

Pediatr Qual Saf 2018 May-Jun;3(3):e084. Epub 2018 Jun 13.

Division of Rheumatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.

Introduction: Uveitis is a significant complication in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and can be asymptomatic until vision loss develops. Published guidelines recommend uveitis screening eye examinations every 3-12 months depending on multiple factors, but no literature evaluates adherence with and barriers to obtaining these screening eye examinations. This study assesses barriers in nonadherent patients to establish key drivers for future interventions. Read More

Eur J Ophthalmol 2018 Sep 12:1120672118799623. Epub 2018 Sep 12.

1 St. Erik Eye Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term outcome after cataract surgery with primary intraocular lens implantation in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis.

Methods: The medical records of all 24 children (34 eyes) with chronic juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis who underwent cataract surgery between 1990 and 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Primary intraocular lens implantation was performed in all patients. Read More

Rom J Ophthalmol 2018 Apr-Jun;62(2):105-113

"Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.

Purpose: Non-infectious uveitis has been long controlled with the use of corticosteroids with many side effects and poor control in some cases. The purpose of this paper was to assess the different biologic agents (in this case infliximab and adalimumab) and to compare their efficacy in the treatment of uveitis.

Results: Adalimumab has been proven very successful in replacing or aiding corticosteroid therapy in different autoimmune mediated uveitis (Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis) whereas infliximab has been used intravenously and recently intravitreally with very promising results in controlling Behcet's related uveitis. Read More

Mod Rheumatol 2019 Jan 29;29(1):41-59. Epub 2018 Oct 29.

k Department of Lifetime Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences , Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo , Japan.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common disease in pediatric rheumatism. There is no specific symptom or examination finding for JIA, and the diagnosis is made by exclusion and differentiation. Because non-pediatric rheumatologists are sometimes involved in medical care, 'proposal for JIA guidance on diagnosis and treatment for primary care pediatricians and non-pediatric rheumatologists' was first published in 2007. Read More

Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2018 Aug 6;16(1):51. Epub 2018 Aug 6.

University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK.

Background: There is a paucity of data on the ocular outcomes in paediatric non-infectious uveitis since the introduction of the biologic agents. The purpose of this study was to outline the clinical characteristics of children with non-infectious uveitis and determine the visual outcomes and ocular complication rates in the modern era.

Methods: Children with non-infectious uveitis from January 2011 to December 2015 were identified. Read More

Reumatologia 2018 30;56(3):149-154. Epub 2018 Jun 30.

Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Medical University of Łodz, Maria Konopnicka Memorial Teaching Hospital No. 4 in Lodz, Poland.

Objectives: Uveitis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) relatively often coexist. Inflammatory changes in the anterior segment of the eye are the most common extra-articular symptom in children with JIA, and JIA is, in turn, the main systemic cause of anterior uveitis in children. The aim of our study was to compare the course of anterior uveitis accompanying JIA and isolated uveitis. Read More

Pediatr Clin North Am 2018 08;65(4):657-674

Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1600 7th Avenue South, CPPN G10, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA. Electronic address:

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) comprises a group of heterogeneous diseases further divided into various categories based on shared clinical presentation, laboratory markers, and disease prognosis. Extra-articular complications include uveitis and growth abnormalities. Disease course and prognosis vary with respect to each JIA category and subsequently guide respective treatment. Read More

Arch Dis Child 2018 Jul 19. Epub 2018 Jul 19.

Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria.

Objectives: Assessing influence of anti-adalimumab (ADA) antibodies (AAA) on serum trough ADA levels and uveitis activity in long-term ADA treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis.

Patients And Interventions: This prospective observational study included 20 patients from a single centre treated with ADA for active uveitis refractory to conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. AAA, serum ADA trough levels and uveitis activity were evaluated at regular intervals up to 6 years. Read More

Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2018 Jul 11;16(1):46. Epub 2018 Jul 11.

Rheumatology Unit, Anna Meyer Children Hospital and University of Florence, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.

Background: Conventional pharmacological therapies for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) consist of non-biological, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, among which methotrexate (MTX) is the most commonly prescribed. However, there is a lack of consensus-based clinical and therapeutic recommendations for the use of MTX in the management of patients with JIA. Therefore, the Methotrexate Advice and RecommendAtions on Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (MARAJIA) Expert Meeting was convened to develop evidence-based recommendations for the use of MTX in the treatment of JIA. Read More

Br J Ophthalmol 2018 Jun 15. Epub 2018 Jun 15.

Department of Ophthalmology, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Aims: To analyse the clinical features, systemic associations, treatment and visual outcomes of uveitis in children from a referral centre in São Paulo, Brazil.

Methods: Clinical records of patients under 16 years old who attended the Uveitis Service, Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdadede Medicina, Universidade de São PauloFMUSP, between April and September 2017, were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with incomplete medical records, previous ocular trauma, or less than six6 months of follow-up were excluded. Read More

Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2018 May 28. Epub 2018 May 28.

Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC.

Objective: Systemic immunosuppressive treatment of pediatric chronic anterior uveitis (CAU), both juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated and idiopathic varies, making it difficult to identify best treatments. The Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) developed consensus treatment plans (CTPs) for CAU for the purpose of reducing practice variability and allowing future comparison of treatments by comparative effectiveness analysis techniques.

Methods: A core group of pediatric rheumatologists, ophthalmologists with uveitis expertise, and a lay advisor comprised the CARRA uveitis workgroup who performed literature review on pharmacologic treatments, held teleconferences, and developed a case-based survey administered to the CARRA membership to delineate treatment practices. Read More

Arthritis Rheumatol 2018 Oct 23;70(10):1533-1543. Epub 2018 Aug 23.

University College London, National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK, and University of Bristol, Bristol Eye Hospital, Bristol, UK.

Uveitis is defined as intraocular inflammation. It is an extraarticular manifestation of many forms of joint disease, which include spondyloarthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and Behçet's disease. Rheumatologists may be asked to consult on the ophthalmologic care of patients with uveitis in order to identify an associated systemic illness. Read More

Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2017 08 26;31(4):517-534. Epub 2018 Feb 26.

Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS2 8BJ, UK. Electronic address:

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the commonest rheumatic disease in children and JIA-associated uveitis its most frequent extra-articular manifestation. The uveitis is potentially sight-threatening and thus carries a considerable risk of morbidity with associated reduction in quality of life. The commonest form of uveitis seen in association with JIA is chronic anterior uveitis, which is almost always asymptomatic in the initial stages. Read More

Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2018 May 17:1-10. Epub 2018 May 17.

b Department of Pediatric Rheumatology and Immunology , University Hospital Muenster , Muenster , Germany.

Purpose: To characterize peripheral blood T cells in juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis (JIAU).

Methods: Blood samples were taken from children with JIAU (n = 18), JIA without ocular involvement (n = 11), idiopathic anterior uveitis (IAU, n = 12), and healthy controls (n = 11). Cells were stained for T cell surface markers, and intracellular cytokine staining was performed after cell stimulation and analyzed by flow cytometry. Read More

Ophthalmologe 2018 May 15. Epub 2018 May 15.

Universitäts-Augenklinik Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Str. 2, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland.

Medical registries and registry studies are frequently used for health services research as they represent a valuable means of capturing real-life data. Registry studies are particularly suitable for rare diseases for which epidemiological population-based or randomized controlled clinical studies are difficult. The are many examples of successful medical registries that have not only contributed to both epidemiological and clinical research, but which have also improved health service delivery. Read More

Arthritis Rheumatol 2018 Oct 21;70(10):1685-1694. Epub 2018 Aug 21.

St. Franziskus Hospital, Muenster, Germany.

Objective: To analyze the prognostic value of demographic, clinical, and therapeutic factors and laboratory biomarkers and to assess their role in predicting uveitis occurrence in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods: Patients with JIA were enrolled within the first year after JIA diagnosis. Demographic and clinical parameters were documented. Read More

J Rheumatol 2018 Jul 1;45(7):956-961. Epub 2018 May 1.

From the Division of Rheumatology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Institute for Research and Health Care (IRCCS), Rome, Italy.

Objective: To evaluate the rate of flare after etanercept (ETN) withdrawal in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) who attained clinical remission while taking medication, and to identify predictors of flare.

Methods: Patients were included with oligo- (oJIA) and rheumatoid factor-negative polyarticular JIA (pJIA) who received a first course of ETN for at least 18 months, maintained clinically inactive disease (CID) for at least 6 months during treatment, and were followed for 12 months after ETN withdrawal. Demographic and clinical features were collected at onset, at baseline (initiation of ETN), and at time of disease flare. Read More

Rheumatol Int 2018 Jun 23;38(6):1089-1094. Epub 2018 Apr 23.

Pediatrics Rheumatoloy Unit, Department of Pediatrics, São Paulo Federal University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Juvenile-Takayasu arteritis (j-TA) is a difficult diagnosis and some patients develop uncommon manifestations and associated diseases that may contribute to the delayed diagnosis. Our aim was to identify the misdiagnoses, the associated diseases and the atypical manifestations observed in a j-TA Brazilian multicentre study. 71 children and adolescents who met the classification criteria for j-TA were included. Read More

Front Immunol 2018 5;9:708. Epub 2018 Apr 5.

Department of Ophthalmology and Ophtha-Laboratory at St. Franziskus-Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.

Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis often develop chronic anterior uveitis (JIAU). JIAU patients possess a particularly high risk for developing secondary glaucoma when inflammatory inactivity has been achieved. By using multiplex bead assay analysis, we assessed levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, or metalloproteinases in the aqueous humor (AH) of patients with clinically inactive JIAU with (JIAUwG) or without secondary glaucoma (JIAUwoG), or from patients with senile cataract as controls. Read More

J Rheumatol 2018 Aug 15;45(8):1167-1172. Epub 2018 Apr 15.

From the Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padua, Padua; G. Pini Institute for Rheumatology; Fondazione Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan; Department of Ophthalmology, Sapienza University; Division of Rheumatology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome; Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo," Trieste; Anna Meyer Children's Hospital, and Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Transition Clinic, University of Florence, Florence; G. Gaslini Children's Hospital, Genoa; Department of Pediatrics, A. Perrino Hospital, Brindisi; Department of Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari; Ospedale Infantile Regina Margherita, University of Torino, Torino; Ophthalmology Unit, University Hospital Borgo Trento, Verona; IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.

Objective: Anti-TNF-α agents have significantly changed the management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). We evaluated the safety and efficacy of adalimumab (ADA) and infliximab (IFX) for the treatment of JIA-associated uveitis in patients treated for ≥ 2 years.

Methods: Patients with JIA-associated uveitis treated with IFX and ADA were managed by a standardized protocol and data were entered in the ORCHIDEA registry. Read More

Acta Ophthalmol 2018 Sep 14;96(6):648-651. Epub 2018 Apr 14.

Department of Ophthalmology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.

Purpose: We describe eight patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis-related chronic uveitis, who received a fluocinolone acetonide implant (FAI, Retisert®, Bausch&Lomb) in one eye. All patients had poor visual acuity (VA) due to persistent macular oedema in one or both eyes despite treatment with antirheumatic medication.

Methods: Median age of the patients was 22. Read More

J Infect Chemother 2018 Jul 30;24(7):531-537. Epub 2018 Mar 30.

Department of Pediatrics, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan. Electronic address:

Reactive arthritis after Group A streptococcal infection (poststreptococcal reactive arthritis: PSRA) that does not meet the Jones criteria for acute rheumatic fever (ARF) has been reported as a new entity for over a decade. In Japan there are few reports of PSRA. We encountered four children with arthritis accompanied with Group A streptococcal infection in our department. Read More

Ann Rheum Dis 2018 Aug 28;77(8):1107-1117. Epub 2018 Mar 28.

University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust & Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.

Background: In 2012, a European initiative called ingle Hub and Access point for pediatric Rheumatology in Europe (SHARE) was launched to optimise and disseminate diagnostic and management regimens in Europe for children and young adults with rheumatic diseases. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease in children and uveitis is possibly its most devastating extra-articular manifestation. Evidence-based guidelines are sparse and management is mostly based on physicians' experience. Read More

Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2018 Mar 14;16(1):17. Epub 2018 Mar 14.

Division of Rheumatology, SickKids, University of Toronto, 555 University Ave, Room 8253 Burton Wing, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada.

Background: Anti-TNF (Tumor necrosis factor) therapy is effective in treating pediatric patients with refractory rheumatic disease. There is however a concern that anti-TNF usage may increase the risk of malignancy. Reports on specific types of malignancy in this patient population have been emerging over the past decade, but there is a need for additional malignancy reports, as these events are rare. Read More

Arthritis Rheumatol 2018 Jul 29;70(7):1155-1165. Epub 2018 May 29.

University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Objective: Uveitis is a visually debilitating disorder that affects up to 30% of children with the most common forms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The disease mechanisms predisposing only a subgroup of children to uveitis are unknown. This study was undertaken to identify genetic susceptibility loci for uveitis in JIA, using a genome-wide association study in 522 children with JIA. Read More

Ann Rheum Dis 2018 Jul 28;77(7):961-962. Epub 2018 Feb 28.

Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.

Clin Exp Rheumatol 2018 Jan-Feb;36(1):163-168. Epub 2018 Jan 31.

Department of Paediatric Immunology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Objectives: Reaching a certain age, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients in paediatric care are transferred to adult care. An increased disease activity after transfer and increased dropout has been suggested, however, evidence is scarce. Our aim is to determine whether the process of transition is associated with increased disease-activity and dropout, and to identify associated factors. Read More

Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2018 Apr 18;256(4):801-808. Epub 2018 Feb 18.

Department of Ophthalmology, Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel.

Purpose: This study aimed to report the clinical outcome of children with uveitis treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) agents.

Methods: This included a retrospective cohort study. Children with uveitis treated with infliximab or adalimumab in 2008-2014 at five dedicated uveitis clinics were identified by database search. Read More

Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2018 Feb 16:1-7. Epub 2018 Feb 16.

d Department of Ophthalmology , University of Illinois at Chicago , Chicago , Illinois , USA.

Purpose: To assess treatment outcomes in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis and relapse rates upon discontinuation of immunomodulatory therapy (IMT).

Methods: Medical records of patients with JIA-associated uveitis seen at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the F.I. Read More

J Fr Ophtalmol 2018 Feb 1;41(2):170-182. Epub 2018 Feb 1.

Service d'ophtalmologie, hôpital Charles-Nicolle, CHU de Rouen, 1, rue de Germont, 76031 Rouen Cedex, France.

Anterior uveitis is the most common form of uveitis. There are several known and many possible etiologies for anterior uveitis. After examining the posterior segment and ruling out masquerade syndromes, the main step of etiologic diagnosis is clinical characterization. Read More

Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2018 Jan 15:1-8. Epub 2018 Jan 15.

a Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution , Waltham , Massachusetts , USA.

Purpose: To describe the distribution, clinical findings, visual outcomes, treatment, and complications of children with uveitis at a tertiary referral ophthalmic center.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study. We reviewed the medical records of all patients ≤16 years with uveitis referred to Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution from March 2005 to July 2016. Read More

Clin Exp Rheumatol 2018 Jul-Aug;36(4):652-657. Epub 2017 Dec 15.

Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL, Santander, Spain.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of golimumab (GLM), a fully humanised anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody, in refractory juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis.

Methods: This was a multicentre study of JIA-associated uveitis refractory to standard synthetic immunosuppressive drugs and in most cases to other anti-TNF-α agents. Results were expressed as mean±standard deviation or as median (range or interquartile range). Read More

J Fr Ophtalmol 2018 Jan 29;41(1):e11-e21. Epub 2017 Dec 29.

Service d'ophtalmologie, hôpital Charles-Nicolle, CHU de Rouen, 1, rue de Germont, 76031 Rouen cedex, France.

Anterior Uveitis is the most common form of uveitis. There are several known and many possible etiologies for anterior uveitis. After examining the posterior segment and ruling out masquerade syndromes, the main step of etiologic diagnosis is clinical characterization. Read More