Laser Flare Photometry: A Useful Tool for Monitoring Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis-associated Uveitis

Purpose We evaluated laser flare photometry (LFP) values in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis. Methods Retrospective study. A decrease of the LFP value between baseline visit and 1 month after anti-inflammatory treatment intensification allowed us to define two groups of patients: group 1 (decreased LFP value >= 50%) and group 2 (<50%). We evaluated the prevalence of vision-threatening complications in both groups. Results Fifty-four patients (87 eyes) were followed for 9.9 +/- 5 years. Group 1 eyes (n = 54) had significantly fewer ocular complications than group 2 eyes (n = 33) at both 5 years visit (p= .03) and final visit (p= .047). At the final visit, group 2 eyes had significantly more band keratopathy, trabeculectomy, cataract surgery, glaucoma and papille edema. Group 1 eyes kept a better visual acuity (p< .0001). Conclusion The decrease of LFP values >= 50% of the initial value 1 month after treatment intensification is a good early prognostic factor.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the LFP values in patients with JIA-associated uveitis and found that a decrease of LFP value >= 50% after 1 month of intensified treatment is a good early prognostic factor, indicating fewer ocular complications and better visual acuity.