Challenges and management of childhood non-infectious chronic uveitis

Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2023 Mar 30. doi: 10.1080/1744666X.2023.2198210. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION: Childhood uveitis is a sight-threatening condition, because if not properly recognized and treated can lead to several ocular complications and blindness. It represents a real challenge not only from an etiologic/diagnostic point of view, but also for management and therapy.AREAS COVERED: In this review we will discuss the main etiologies, the diagnostic approach, risk factors associated to childhood non-infectious uveitis (cNIU), and the difficulties in eye examination in childhood. Moreover, we will discuss the treatment of cNIU in term of therapeutic choice, timing of initiation and withdrawal.EXPERT OPINION: Identification of specific diagnosis is mandatory to prevent severe complications, thus a thorough differential diagnosis is essential. Pediatric eye examination may be extremely challenging due to the scarce collaboration, but novel techniques and biomarkers will help in identify low grade of inflammation, eventually modify long-term outcomes. Once identified the appropriate diagnosis, recognition of children who may benefit of a systemic treatment is crucial. What, When and how long are the key questions to address in this field. Current evidence and future results of ongoing clinical trials will help in driving treatment. A proper ocular screening, not only in the context of systemic disease, should be discussed by experts.PMID:36996498 | DOI:10.108...
Source: Expert Review of Clinical Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Source Type: research