Uveitis among people with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

People with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) encounter numerous ocular complications, including uveitis. MS-related uveitis is linked to diverse complications, encompassing cataracts, cystoid macular edema, band keratopathy, glaucoma, retinal detachment, retinoschisis, vitreous hemorrhage, and occlusive vasculitis. The relationship between uveitis and MS is firmly established, but various prevalence rates have been reported. Hence, this study aimed to determine the overall prevalence of uveitis and its different types among pwMS. The systematic search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science to identify studies published between January 1, 1990, and November 11, 2023. The meta-analysis was performed using R software version 4.3.2 with a random-effect model to calculate the pooled prevalence with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of uveitis among pwMS. From a total of 2,520 studies reviewed, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 54,402 pwMS. Of whom, 72% were female, and the mean (standard deviation) age was 43.5 (12.1) years. Meta-analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of uveitis among pwMS was 1.1% (95% CI: 0.6% to 1.7%, I²=95%, p-heterogeneity<0.01). Moreover, among various uveitis types, intermediate uveitis exhibited the highest prevalence of 0.6% (95% CI: 0.2% to 1.0%, I² = 87%, p-heterogeneity < 0.01) in pwMS. The current study determined that the prevalence of uveitis among pwMS is 1.1%. Among different uveitis types, intermediate uveitis stands out as the most prevalent in pwMS. The consideration of diagnosing uveitis in pwMS within clinics by specialists is imperative.