Predictive value of selected biomarkers, polymorphisms, and clinical features for oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis.

PURPOSE: Uveitis is the most common extra-articular manifestation of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and is associated with considerable morbidity. The aim of this study was to examine the risk factors associated with uveitis in oligoarticular JIA.

METHODS

We conducted a chart review of 86 patients with oligoarticular JIA to assess if antinuclear antibody (ANA) status, gender, and age at JIA onset were associated with the development of uveitis. Biomarkers such as cytokine gene polymorphisms, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) level were also assessed.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients exhibited oligoarticular JIA-associated uveitis. Only the ESR at arthritis onset and the patient's age at arthritis onset were related to uveitis development in our patient sample.

CONCLUSIONS

An age-associated risk of uveitis was observed in children younger than 3 years at the time of JIA onset. ESR values at arthritis onset higher than 22 mm/h were also related to uveitis development.