Clinical characteristics and factors associated with uveitis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis - a long-term single-center experience

Oct 21, 2026

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Juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis (JIA-U) may progress without obvious symptoms, risking irreversible ocular damage. This retrospective single-center study evaluated the prevalence of uveitis in non-systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients and identified demographic, clinical, and laboratory factors linked to uveitis. Medical records from June 2010 to June 2024 were compared between patients with and without uveitis to determine risk markers for closer screening and earlier intervention.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time20 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Int Ophthalmol (2026) 46:243 [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-026-04116-5](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-026-04116-5) Clinical characteristics and factors associated with uveitisin juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a long‑term single‑center experience Doğacan Sarısoy · Fatma Aydın · Pınar Özge Avar Aydın · Fatime Nilüfer Yalçındağ · Zeynep Birsin Özçakar Received: 8 April 2026 / Accepted: 16 May 2026 © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2026 Abstract Purpose Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis uveitis (JIAU) can progress without obvious clinical signs and cause permanent damage if left untreated, therefore early detection through regular screening is crucial for managing the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of uveitis and factors associated with uveitis in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) patients. Methods The medical records of patients with a diagnosis of non-systemic JIA who were under the D. Sarısoy · F. Aydın (*) · P. Ö . Avar Aydın · Z. B. Özçakar Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey e-mail: [fatma4326@yahoo.com](fatma4326@yahoo.com) [D. Sar](D. Sar)ı[soy](soy) e-mail: [dogacansarisoy@hotmail.com](dogacansarisoy@hotmail.com) P. Ö . Avar Aydın[e-mail: pinarozgeavar@gmail.com](e-mail: pinarozgeavar@gmail.com) Z. B. Özçakar e-mail: [zbozcakar@yahoo.com](zbozcakar@yahoo.com) [F. N. Yal](F. N. Yal)çındağ Department of Ophtalmology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey e-mail: [nil.yalcindag@gmail.com](nil.yalcindag@gmail.com) Z. B. Özçakar Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey care of the Department of Paediatric Rheumatology at Ankara University between June 2010 and June 2024 were reviewed retrospectively. The demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of the patients were recorded and compared between those with and without uveitis. Results 144 patients (92 girls, 63.9%; 83 oligoarticular JIA, 57.6%) were included in the study. Uveitis was detected in 26 patients (18.1%) . 12 patients (46.2%) with JIA-U experienced complications and 3 of these patients had complications at the time of JIA-U diagnosis. The group who experienced JIA-U was characterised with female sex (p = 0.048), antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity (p = 0.039), younger age at the time of JIA diagnosis (p = 0.014), and more frequent articular flare-ups (p = 0.014) . No significant difference was found between the groups when comparing JIA subtypes and affected joints (p >0.05) . Conclusion Uveitis may present with an insidious clinical course in patients with JIA. Particularly, early onset of the disease, female gender, positive ANA status, and articular relapses should be considered warning signs for uveitis. Keywords Juvenile idiopathic arthritis · Uveitis · Pediatric rheumatology · Inflammatory uveitis Introduction Arthritis that manifests before the age of 16 and persists for a minimum duration of six weeks is categorised as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), subsequent to the exclusion of other potential etiologies. The International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) classification system categorises JIA into seven subgroups: systemic arthritis, oligoarthritis, rheumatoid factor-negative polyarthritis, rheumatoid factor-positive polyarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, enthesitis-related arthritis and undifferentiated arthritis [1] . Over the past two decades, therapeutic strategies for JIA have advanced markedly, especially with contemporary incorporation of biologic agents. This evolution has led to a significant enhancement in the control and remission rates of the disease [2, 3] . Despite these advencements in treatment, it can be challenging to control joint or extra-articular involvement, including uveitis, interstitial lung disease and macrophage activation syn

FAQs

What was the main purpose of this study on JIA-U?

To evaluate the prevalence and clinical course of uveitis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients and to determine demographic, clinical, and laboratory factors associated with developing uveitis.

How were patients selected and what type of study design was used?

Patients with non-systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis meeting ILAR criteria were enrolled in a retrospective observational study covering June 2010 to June 2024; systemic JIA patients were excluded.

Which factors were associated with uveitis in the JIA group?

Uveitis was more common among patients with female sex, antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity, younger age at JIA diagnosis, and more frequent articular flare-ups. No significant differences were found for JIA subtypes and affected joints.

Oct 21, 2026

Uploaded by Aditya