Off-label use of biological agents in the management of uveitis: experience from a pediatric rheumatology centre

Background Uveitis is a common extra-articular feature in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), particularly in female patients with the extended oligoarticular subtype. A significant number of patients already have ocular complications at time of diagnosis of uveitis. JIA-associated uveitis carries significant ocular morbidity that can progress into adulthood. Treatment with immunosuppressive agents can reduce the risk of ocular complications. Although controlled clinical trials are under way to assess the efficacy of biologic agents in JIA-associated uveitis, therapies with these agents seem to have encouraging results.