Juvenile idiopathic arthritis and associated uveitis: A review of pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management.

Abstract

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatologic disorder in children, posing significant physical and emotional challenges due to its chronic nature and the need for prolonged immunosuppressive therapies. Uveitis is the most common extra-articular manifestation of JIA, and it can be a sight-threatening condition. Despite advances in biologic treatments, JIA continues to present substantial therapeutic challenges, necessitating multiple treatment attempts and close monitoring for secondary failures. JIA-associated uveitis remains one of the most challenging and aggressive types of uveitis, particularly in children, due to its early onset, chronicity, and limited therapeutic responses despite new treatments. Early recognition and prompt treatment of both arthritis and uveitis are essential for achieving sustained remission and preventing complications. Effective management of JIA-uveitis requires a collaborative approach between pediatric rheumatologists and ophthalmologists to ensure timely assessments, regular screenings, and necessary therapy adjustments. This integrated care approach is crucial for achieving optimal outcomes. Therefore, this review aims to extensively analyze the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapy of JIA and its associated uveitis.