Social Medical Consequences of Uveitis in Childhood and Adolescence: Results of a Pilot Study

Abstract

Background Chronic illness - such as uveitis - may lead to socio-economic consequences, and poorer quality of life. Objective To study the influence of uveitis on quality of life and professional development. Material and Methods Prospective evaluation of juvenile patients with uveitis (age < 18 years, classification of uveitis as in Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature [SUN] criteria, duration of disease ≥ 12 months) seen in a tertiary referral centre. Influence of uveitis on quality of life, recreational activities, educational training and development of severe disability were analysed. Results were correlated to clinical data, and analysed by descriptive statistics. Results 39 patients of 49 (80 %) had anterior uveitis (69.4 % in both eyes), of which 34 (69 %) presented with associated systemic disease (juvenile idiopathic arthritis, n = 28). 33 (80 %) had developed complications caused by uveitis. 15 patients (31 %) had undergone ophthalmic surgery due to these complications. Many patients were treated with conventional (n = 37; 76 %) and biological (n = 18; 37 %) disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). In 41 % of the cases, quality of life and recreational time (23 %) were markedly reduced. Sick leave from pre-school or school because of uveitis (mean 12.5 days/year; 15 % > 20 days) was recorded in 32 patients (65 %). Uveitis negatively influenced school education in 29 %, and resulted in the necessity to repeat class (n = 3) or to change school (n = 3). Severe disability due to uveitis was found in 30 % of the patients. Conclusions Uveitis in childhood and adolescence may have a substantial impact on social and professional perspectives. Uveitis may result in severe disability even in early childhood.