P058 Epidemiological clinical, etiologic spectrum and follow-up results of uveitis in children: a single center experience

Abstract Background Uveitis refers to the inflammation of the vascular tunic of the eye. This inflammation varies greatly in its clinical expressions and etiologies and is often a majordiagnostic challenge for physicians. These data cover symptoms, clinical examination results, complications, etiologies and treatments Methods A retro-prospective monocentric study was carried out on 22patients hospitalized in the pediatric department of the issaadhassani hospital of Algiers during the period of January 2017 to December 2021. Results The sex ratio is 1,2. Their average age was 8 years (4–15Y). Most of thepatients consulted for the three cardinal signs of uveitis: 81% for a decrease in visual acuity, 59% for redness, and 43% for ocular pain. Uveitis was bilateral in 55% of the cases. Inanatomical localization, 45,5% of patients had total uveitis, 27% had anterior uveitis, and 18% had intermediate uveitis, and 9% had anterior and intermediate uveitis. An etiologic diagnosis was made in 32% of the cases. The most frequent causes were inflammatory. Treatments consisted of local corticosteroid therapy for all thepatients, a general corticoid treatment for all of the patients, associated with an immunosuppressive treatment for 50% and biologic anti TNF α treatment (adalimumab) for23% cases. A good evolution after treatment was noted among patients with visual acuity <3/10 with a substantial decrease from 67% to 2%.77.5% are in remission, 13.5% are improving and 9% are in relapse the duration of the follow-up is 1 ½ years with intervals of 2 months and 5 years. Conclusion The results of the current study are generally compatible with the literature. however. The percentage of etiologies covered remains a point to improve, The pooled prevalence of uveitis in pediatric rheumatic diseases widely varied based on the underlying disease requiring more investigations in different subtypes of rheumatic diseases. The biologic medications, especially Adalimumab are the most effective treatments for uveitis in pediatric rheumatic diseases; however, a combination of the safe, available alternatives is preferred to achieve the most desirable treatment response.