Comparison of pediatric patients with idiopathic uveitis, and uveitis due to juvenile idiopathic arthritis and Behçet's disease.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare the demographic, clinical features, treatment results and outcomes in pediatric patients with idiopathic uveitis and uveitis due to juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and Behçet's disease (BD).

Methods: 97 pediatric uveitis patients were divided into three groups according to the etiology of uveitis: Group 1 comprised idiopathic uveitis patients, Group 2 uveitis patients who had JIA, and Group 3 uveitis patients with BD.

Results: Symptomatic presentation and intermediate uveitis were more common in Group 1 (p < 0.005). Asymptomatic presentation and anterior uveitis in Group 2 (p < 0.005), whereas symptomatic presentation and posterior uveitis in Group 3 (p < 0.005). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was higher in patients with BD or JIA uveitis than those with idiopathic uveitis (p < 0.005). Biologic therapy was more commonly used in JIA group compared to other groups (p < 0.005). Patients who had a complication related with uveitis were more common in females, asymptomatic disease course, and needed use of biologic treatment than in those without any complication (p < 0.005).

Conclusion: Uveitis accompanying rheumatologic diseases may have asymptomatic and insidious course but have higher ESR as an important notice.