Characteristics of JIA-associated uveitis at the age of transition.
Nearly half of juvenile idiopathic arthritis-uveitis patients had eye complications by transition to adult care
Characteristics of JIA-associated uveitis at the age of transition.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (juvenile idiopathic arthritis) is the most common rheumatic disease in children.
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and past or present uveitis who transitioned to adult rheumatology at Cochin Hospital between 2016 and 2024.
nearly half developed cataracts, glaucoma, or other eye damage by adulthood
Median age at juvenile idiopathic arthritis diagnosis was 7.5 years [IQR 2.0-16.0] and median age at first uveitis was 6.0 years [IQR 3.0-12.2].
Most patients were female (80%, n = 37) and had oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (59%, n = 27).
Chronic uveitis predominated (83%, n = 38).
Over half (57%, n = 13/23) experienced ≥ 5 flares since diagnosis.
This study highlights the substantial burden of juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis at the time of transition to adult care, characterized by frequent complications, persistent disease activity, and a high need for biologic therapy.
Our findings emphasize the necessity of structured and continuous ophthalmologic follow-up across all juvenile idiopathic arthritis subtypes, alongside close multidisciplinary collaboration, to prevent long-term ocular damage and preserve visual function.