Uveitis Group Research Articles

Pharmacoproteomic analysis of topical dapsone and prednisolone interventions in the aqueous humor of anterior uveitis

Uveitis is the inflammation of uveal tract comprising of iris, ciliary body and choroid. Blood ocular barriers maintaining the homeostasis of eye breach during uveitis, leads to high risk for sight-threatening complications. The purpose of this study was to compare the anti-inflammatory activity enabled by two diverse pharmacological agents (prednisolone and dapsone) using their effect on aqueous humor proteome. Wistar rats of either sex (150-200g) were used and randomly divided into various groups. Normal group was injected with 0.1ml normal saline (NS), endotoxin (LPS) (200 μg/0.1ml NS) was injected into endotoxin induced inflammatory groups followed by 0.1% dapsone and 1% prednisolone treatment in endotoxin induced uveitis (EIU) groups, respectively. Aqueocentesis was performed post 24 hour inflammation and samples were subjected for clinical parameter evaluation, cytokine analysis as well as global proteomic analysis using High-resolution mass spectrometer. Following which spectrum analysis, production spectra of peptides were matched against R. Norvegicus Protein Database (Uniport) using Proteome Discoverer (v2.2). Upon clinical evaluation, the anterior segment images post dapsone and prednisolone treatment have shown marked decrease in hyperaemia, miosis and iridial vessels vasodilation in rat eyes as compared to inflammation group. The result of cytokine analysis revealed 0.1% dapsone and prednisolone both significantly decreased the TNF-α levels. HRMS studies analysis expressed 140, 160, 158 and 141 proteins unique to normal, EIU, Dapsone and prednisolone group respectively. To conclude aqueous humor pharmacoproteomic revealed the anti-inflammatory activity of the dapsone comparable to the prednisolone treatment in endotoxin induced uveitis. The topical dapsone may be used as an alternative therapeutic option in treating uveitis without elevating intraocular pressure.

Uveitis as a potential predictor of acute myocardial infarction in patients with Behcet’s disease: a population-based cohort study

ObjectivesTo investigate whether uveitis is a predictor of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) among patients with Behcet’s disease (BD).DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingPatients with BD were retrieved from the whole population of the...

Corneal and anterior chamber morphology in patients with nonınfectious ıntraocular ınflammation.

To evaluate the corneal and anterior chamber morphology in phakic eyes with noninfectious intraocular inflammation. This study included 59 eyes with active uveitis, 62 with inactive uveitis, and 95 healthy eyes. Corneal endothelial cell density, hexagonal cell ratio, coefficient of variation (CV), corneal thickness and volume, maximum keratometry, and anterior chamber volume and depth (ACD) measurements were performed using a specular microscope and Pentacam HR. The mean duration of uveitis was 24.6 ± 40.5 (0-180) months. The mean number of uveitis attacks was 2.8 ± 3.0 (1-20). Coefficient of variation was significantly higher in the active uveitis group compared with inactive uveitis group (p=0.017, Post Hoc Tukey). Anterior segment parameters other than coefficient of variation were not significantly different between active/inactive uveitis and control groups (p>0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that coefficient of variation was greater in active uveitis compared with inactive uveitis after adjusting for the duration of uveitis, type of uveitis, having a rheumatologic disease, and having immunosuppressive treatment (p=0.003). The duration of uveitis and number of attacks were not significantly correlated with ocular parameters (p>0.05, Spearman's correlation). The difference in parameters was not significant based on uveitis type (p>0.05). Coefficient of variation was higher in eyes with active uveitis than that in eyes with inactive uveitis, whereas corneal endothelial cell density and anterior chamber morphology did not significantly differ between active/inactive uveitis and control groups.

Proteomic profile of vitreous in patients with tubercular uveitis

ObjectiveTo elucidate disease-specific host protein profile in vitreous fluid of patients with intraocular inflammation due to tubercular uveitis (TBU). MethodsVitreous samples from 13 patients with TBU (group A), 7 with non-TBU (group B) and 9 with no uveitis (group C) were analysed by shotgun proteomics using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were subjected to pathway analysis using WEB-based Gene SeT Analysis Toolkit software. ResultsCompared to control groups (B + C combined), group A (TBU) displayed 32 (11 upregulated, 21 downregulated) DEPs, which revealed an upregulation of coagulation cascades, complement and classic pathways, and downregulation of metabolism of carbohydrates, gluconeogenesis, glucose metabolism and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways. When compared to group B (non-TBU) alone, TBU displayed 58 DEPs (21 upregulated, 37 downregulated), with an upregulation of apoptosis, KRAS signaling, diabetes pathways, classic pathways, and downregulation of MTORC1 signaling, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and glucose metabolism. ConclusionThis differential protein profile provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of TBU and a baseline to explore vitreous biomarkers to differentiate TBU from non-TBU, warranting future studies to identify and validate them as a diagnostic tool in TBU. The enriched pathways generate interesting hypotheses and drive further research.

Characterization of serum protein fractions of dogs naturally infected with Ehrlichia canis or Anaplasma platys associated with uveitis.

Uveitis associated with Ehrlichia canis or Anaplasma platys infections were reported in dogs. However, only two E. canis-infected dogs with hypergammaglobulinemia showed acute blindness were reported. There were limited data of the species of Ehrlichia or Anaplasma and the alteration of serum protein fractions in infected dogs. Thus, the species of causative pathogen were investigated and compared the serum protein fractions between infected dogs associated with anterior uveitis and panuveitis in clinical situations. All 103 studied dogs were brought into the ophthalmology clinic which each dog showed signs of unilateral or bilateral uveitis related to ehrlichial infection. Dogs were divided into anterior uveitis and panuveitis groups. The species of Ehrlichia or Anaplasma were identified using nested-PCR based on the 16S rRNA gene and DNA sequencing from blood samples. The serum protein fractions were analyzed using electrophoresis. Fifty-eight dogs (56.31%) were positive of which E. canis and A. platys were detected in 51 and 7 dogs, respectively. The total serum protein and globulin levels were higher in the infected dogs associated with panuveitis than anterior uveitis while the albumin levels were significantly lower in the panuveitis group. The A/G ratios significantly decreased in both groups. Gamma globulin was detected at high levels in both groups while beta globulin significantly increased in the panuveitis group. Hypergammaglobulinemia was detected in 76.92 and 90.90% of infected dogs associated with anterior uveitis and panuveitis, respectively. Most of the infected dogs associated with panuveitis showed significantly levels of hyperproteinemia, hyperbetaglobulinemia and hypergammaglobulinemia compared with anterior uveitis group. E. canis was found as the major pathogen in infected dogs associated with uveitis in this study.

Update on noninfectious uveitis in children and its treatment.

To give an overview of recently published articles covering risk factors, novel biomarkers and treatment for noninfectious uveitis in children. In the last few years, several genetic markers, serum biomarkers, aqueous humor markers, tear biomarkers and clinical factors have been identified, which are associated with childhood noninfectious uveitis. We describe the most important reports in this field that may help to tailor the screening and monitoring of this population in the future and might become the target of novel therapies. The advances in the biologic therapy of paediatric uveitis, thanks to evidence provided by the SYCAMORE, ADJUVITE and APTITUDE trials, offer new possibilities for the treatment of patients who fail methotrexate with adalimumab and tocilizumab. We discuss the importance of comprehensive outcome measures as proposed by the Multinational Interdisciplinary Working Group for Uveitis in Childhood (MIWGUC). Paediatric noninfectious uveitis is a sight-threatening condition and the identification of risk factors and novel biomarkers is critical for tailored management. Biologic therapies are revolutionizing the outcomes of patients resistant to conventional therapy. Increasing our knowledge of disease pathogenesis is crucial to improve targeting of screening to those at highest risk and stratification of treatments.

An Increase of Oxidized Phospholipids and the Role of Macrophages in Intraocular Inflammation

PurposeThe present study was conducted to examine the profile of oxidized phospholipids (OxPLs) in uveitis using rat model and clinical specimens, and to elucidate the role of macrophages in the metabolism of OxPLs.MethodsLewis rats were immunized with a bovine interphotoreceptor retinoid- binding protein (bIRBP) peptide with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) to induce experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). The aqueous humor (AH) was collected 2 weeks after immunization. Fifty-four human AH specimens, among which 21 eyes had a history of chronic uveitis, were collected during their cataract surgery. The profile of OxPLs in the AH specimens were analyzed by liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In addition, the involvement of macrophages in the viability of cells treated by OxPLs was investigated through a WST-1 assay using ARPE-19 cells and C57BL/6 mouse alveolar macrophages (AMs). The influence of macrophages in the trend of OxPLs was traced by thin layer chromatography (TLC) using AMs.ResultsSix species of OxPLs were detected in the AHs of rats and humans. The content of each OxPL was higher in the uveitis group. Four kinds of OxPLs found in AHs showed cytotoxicity to ARPE-19 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The cytotoxicity was reduced by pretreatment of OxPLs with AMs. When the OxPLs were applied on AMs, a marked reduction of OxPLs in the medium was observed.ConclusionsThe OxPLs formed by intraocular inflammation could induce cytotoxicity. The present findings suggest that the phagocytic macrophages emerging in the inflammation site eliminate OxPLs, and prevent intraocular tissue damage following uveitis.

AB0492 INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA COMPOSITION OF PATIENT’S WITH BEHCET’S DISEASE: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EYE, MUCOCUTANEOUS AND VASCULAR INVOLVEMENT (RHEUMA-BIOTA STUDY)

Background:Recently, it has been shown that changes in microbiota composition play a role in the etiology and pathogenesis of chronic diseases. Changes in oral and intestinal microbiota diversity and composition are suggested in Behcet disease (BD), however there are no study available about the potential gut microbiota changes among different clinical forms of BD.Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate the intestinal microbiota composition of patient with BD and healthy controls, and also compare BD patients regarding to their eye, mucocutaneous and vascular involvement.Methods:In this prospective cohort study,27 patients diagnosed with BD and 10 aged and sex matched healthy controls were included. Patients with a body mass index> 35, who have used antibiotics or probiotics in the last 4 weeks, patients with chronic gastrointestinal or other systemic diseases, and those with acute / severe gastrointestinal symptoms requiring medical treatment were excluded from the study. For the intestinal microbiota analysis, gene amplification, library formation, sequence analysis and bioinformatic evaluation of the results were performed with 16SrRNA next generation sequencing methods with Illumina MiSeq.Results:There was no difference between the BD group and the control group in terms of alpha (Chao-1 and Shannon) and beta (Bray-Curtis) microbiota diversity indices (p> 0.05).Actinomyces, Libanicoccus, Collinsella, Eggerthella, Enetrohabdus, Catenibacterium and Enterobacterwere significantly higher in BD group compared to the control group. In addition,Bacteriodes, Cricetibacter, Alistipes, Lachnospira, Dielma, Akkermansia, Sutterella, Anaerofilum, Ruminococcease-UCG007, Acetanaerobacterium; and Copropaacterwere lower than the control group. There was no difference between the uveitis, mucocutaneous and vascular involvement groups in terms of alpha (Chao-1 and Shannon) and beta (Bray-Curtis) microbiota diversity and wealth indices (p> 0.05) while we obtained a significant p value of the beta diversity between three groups in weighted UniFrac PCoA (p<0.05). When we compared 3 three different system involvement (Eye, Mucocutaneous and Vascular), The LEfSe provides us with cladograms of six-level (from kingdom to genus). We found difference for the generaLachnospiraceae NK4A136in uveitis group,Dialister, İntestinomonas and Marvinbryantiain mucocutaneous group andGemellain vascular involvement group.Conclusion:There was a significant difference in the composition of intestinal microbiota in Behçet’s disease compared to healthy adults. We found also found the different clinical forms of Behcet’s disease have some different gut microbiota composition. Especially in Behçet’s disease, it will be useful to evaluateCatenibacterium, Collinsella and Eggerthellaincrease,Bacteroides and Akkermansiadecrease in larger series. In addition, due to the increase in theEggerthella lentastrain observed both in the FMF and Behcet patient group, it is useful to make more detailed metagenomic analyzes regarding the role of this agent in the etiopathogenesis and course of rheumatic diseases.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Similarities in clinical course and outcome between juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated and ANA-positive idiopathic anterior uveitis: data from a population-based nationwide study in Germany

BackgroundTo analyze whether ANA-positive idiopathic anterior uveitis differs from JIA-associated uveitis concerning clinical course, response to treatment, and disease outcome.MethodsProspective study of the National Paediatric Rheumatological Database (NPRD) including its uveitis add-on module from the years 2002 to 2016. Cross-sectional data from the years 2002 to 2016 were analyzed. Patients with JIA-associated uveitis and with ANA-positive idiopathic anterior uveitis were included and the disease manifestation investigated in terms of uveitis characteristics and disease course.ResultsOf the total cohort of 34,458 patients enrolled in the NPRD, including 3551 patients with uveitis, those with detailed uveitis documentation were taken into account: 62 ANA-positive patients with idiopathic anterior uveitis (group 1), 688 patients with initial uveitis diagnosis after JIA onset (group 2), and 61 JIA patients with initial uveitis diagnosis before arthritis onset (group 3). Anterior uveitis was documented in 100%, 94%, and 80% of patients and with insidious onset of uveitis flare in 50%, 70.9%, and 56.1% each in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Use of topical or systemic corticosteroids and conventional synthetic or biological DMARDs did not significantly differ between the patient groups, either at the initial or the 2-year follow-up (2-FU) visits (mean 2 years, each p > 0.05). At 2-FU, uveitis inactivity was achieved in 64.7%, 55.8%, and 61.5% of patients in groups 1, 2, and 3 (p > 0.05). Uveitis-related complications were more frequent at the initial visit and at 2-FU in groups 1 and 3, as compared to group 2.ConclusionsANA-positive idiopathic uveitis and JIA-associated uveitis do not significantly differ concerning clinical course of uveitis, treatment, and response to corticosteroids and DMARDs.

Quantitative Analysis of Anterior Chamber Inflammation Using the Novel CASIA2 Optical Coherence Tomography

We evaluated the clinical utility of a novel anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) device, CASIA2, to evaluate parameters indicative of anterior chamber (AC) inflammation severity in uveitis, including AC cell number, flare, and keratic precipitates (KPs). Prospective evaluation of a diagnostic device. Uveitis eyes were classified into active and inactive groups. The number of hyperreflective dots representing AC cells and optical density ratio (aqueous-to-air relative intensity [ARI] index) for flare qualification were calculated from AS-OCT images. In addition, a program was designed to quantify the posterior corneal surface smoothness (PCSS) of each image for KPs evaluation. The maximum, minimum, and average PCSS values were calculated from 128 images per eye and compared among active uveitis, inactive uveitis, and control eyes. Correlations between Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature grade and both hyperreflective dot number and ARI index were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to test the values of these indicators for uveitis diagnosis. AC hyperreflective dot count, ARI index, and maximum and average PCSS values were all significantly higher in the active uveitis group than in the inactive and control groups. Hyperreflective dot count and ARI index were associated with Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature cell and flare grade. According to ROC curve analysis, maximum PCSS was the best indicator for the diagnosis of uveitis involving the anterior segment, meanwhile the hyperreflective dot number was the best to identify active AC inflammation from the inactive. Quantification of AC cell number, flare, and KPs using the CASIA2 device is a promising strategy for the objective assessment of AC inflammation.

Clinical and Epidemiological Study on Tubercular Uveitis in a Tertiary Eye Care Centre in Italy.

Purpose To describe frequency, clinical characteristics, and visual prognosis of tubercular uveitis (TBU) in a nonendemic country. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 3743 charts of patients with endogenous uveitis visited from 2008 to 2018 at a tertiary referral centre in Rome, Italy. We included immunocompetent patients with diagnosis of TBU. Patients were divided in two groups: patients with history of uveitis without a previous diagnosis of TBU (group A) and patients at their first episode of TB uveitis (group B). Results TBU was diagnosed in 28 (0.75%) out of 3743 patients. Twelve (42.9%) patients came from tuberculosis endemic areas. All patients received specific antitubercular treatment (ATT) and were evaluated for a mean follow-up of 3.2 ± 2.9 years. Group A showed a greater number of ocular complications when compared with group B. ATT was effective in reducing the frequency of recurrences of uveitis in patients of group B. Conclusion Intraocular inflammation can be the first manifestation of tuberculosis. Our data highlight that early diagnosis and specific treatment of TBU may allow to decrease recurrences and to improve visual outcomes.

Pattern of uveitis in a tertiary eye care center of central India: Results of a prospective patient database over a period of two years.

Purpose:To identify the pattern of uveitis at a tertiary eye center in the central India and to compare with other reported studies.Methods:This prospective observational study was undertaken with all new uveitis cases attending the uvea clinic between January 2016 and September 2017. A standard clinical protocol and detailed investigations were done to find out the specific cause of uveitis.Results:A total of 210 patients with uveitis were evaluated. Anterior uveitis (47.1%) followed by intermediate uveitis (31.90%) were the most common type of uveitis in this study. Specific etiology of uveitis could be established in a majority of cases of uveitis (51.91%), except in intermediate uveitis group where the cause was mostly idiopathic (77.61%).Conclusion:Tuberculosis (46.29%) and viral etiology (38.88%) were the most common forms of infective uveitis (25.71%), whereas spondyloarthropathy (27.27%) and traumatic cause (14.54%) were the most common in the noninfective group of uveitis (26.19%).

Ultrastructural Analysis of the Anterior Lens Epithelium in Cataracts Associated with Uveitis

Purpose: To investigate the transmission electron microscopic findings of lens epithelial cells (LECs) in patients with different subtypes of uveitis and to compare the findings with those in age-matched controls. Methods: In this prospective case-control study, the anterior lens capsules were taken from 47 eyes of 47 patients with uveitis of different subtypes (17 with Fuchs uveitis syndrome [FUS], 13 with ­Behçet’s uveitis, 10 with idiopathic uveitis, and 7 with herpetic keratouveitis) and from 15 eyes of 15 control patients. Results: In the FUS group, the LECs had homogeneous thickening and irregularity, with some small vacuoles and widespread, oval-shaped pigment clusters in some areas. In the Behçet uveitis group, there was evident thinning in the lens epithelium. The subepithelial tissue under the epithelium was thickened, and edematous areas were detected. In the idiopathic uveitis group, the LECs were thinner with small vacuoles, and the cubic structure of the LECs was transformed into a squamous one. Moreover, the LECs included some small vacuoles, similar to those in the FUS group. In the herpetic keratouveitis group, two prominent cell types were observed: (1) completely normal LECs and (2) degenerated-type LECs with pyknotic nuclei, condensation of chromatin, swelling in the cytoplasm, membrane ruptures, and intra­cytoplasmic inclusion bodies. In the control group, the LECs and all of their elements occurred in normal ultrastructural patterns, with the exception of a few small intraepithelial vacuoles, which were fewer in number and smaller than those in the FUS and idiopathic uveitis groups. Conclusion: The electron microscopic analysis of LECs of patients with different subtypes of uveitis revealed significant ultrastructural alterations, which may be related to the summation of oxidative stress and intraocular inflammation.

Proposal for a definition for response to treatment, inactive disease and damage for JIA associated uveitis based on the validation of a uveitis related JIA outcome measures from the Multinational Interdisciplinary Working Group for Uveitis in Childhood (MIWGUC)

BackgroundJIA-associated uveitis (JIAU) is a serious, sight-threatening disease with significant long-term complications and risk of blindness, even with improved contemporary treatments. The MIWGUC was set up in order to propose specific JIAU activity and response items and to validate their applicability for clinical outcome studies.MethodsThe group consists of 8 paediatric rheumatologists and 7 ophthalmologists. A consensus meeting took place on November 2015 in Barcelona (Spain) with the objective of validating the previously proposed measures. The validation process was based on the results of a prospective open, international, multi-centre, cohort study designed to validate the outcome measures proposed by the initial MIWGUC group meeting in 2012. The meeting used the same Delphi and nominal group technique as previously described in the first paper from the MIWGUC group (Arthritis Care Res 64:1365–72, 2012). Patients were included with a diagnosis of JIA, aged less than 18 years, and with active uveitis or an uveitis flare which required treatment with a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug. The proposed outcome measures for uveitis were collected by an ophthalmologist and for arthritis by a paediatric rheumatologist. Patient reported outcome measures were also measured.ResultsA total of 82 patients were enrolled into the validation cohort. Fifty four percent (n = 44) had persistent oligoarthritis followed by rheumatoid factor negative polyarthritis (n = 15, 18%). The mean uveitis disease duration was 3.3 years (SD 3.0). Bilateral eye involvement was reported in 65 (79.3%) patients.The main findings are that the most significant changes, from baseline to 6 months, are found in the AC activity measures of cells and flare. These measures correlate with the presence of pre-existing structural complications and this has implications for the reporting of trials using a single measure as a primary outcome. We also found that visual analogue scales of disease activity showed significant change when reported by the ophthalmologist, rheumatologist and families.The measures formed three relatively distinct groups. The first group of measures comprised uveitis activity, ocular damage and the ophthalmologists’ VAS. The second comprised patient reported outcomes including disruption to school attendance. The third group consisted of the rheumatologists’ VAS and the joint score.ConclusionsWe propose distinctive and clinically significant measures of disease activity, severity and damage for JIAU. This effort is the initial step for developing a comprehensive outcome measures for JIAU, which incorporates the perspectives of rheumatologists, ophthalmologists, patients and families.

Ultrasonographic assessment of femoral cartilage thickness in patients with and without uveitis in Behçet's disease.

The objective for this study is to evaluate the femoral cartilage thickness in patients with/without uveitis in Behçet's disease (BD). Patients with BD aged 18-70years were included. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. The thickness of femoral articular cartilage was measured with musculoskeletal ultrasound. Cartilage thickness was measured bilaterally from the central points of medial condyle (MFC), lateral condyle (LFC), and intercondylar area (ICA). 20 patients with uveitis [uveitis (+)] and 20 patients without uveitis [uveitis (-)] were included. Both right and left MFC and LFC had statistically significant thinner cartilage in uveitis (+) group (p < 0.05). For the ICA, uveitis (+) patients had thinner femoral cartilage than uveitis (-) patients; however, in the left side, statistically significance could not be detected. Femoral cartilage was thinner in uveitis (+) patients than in uveitis (-) patients in BD. This relationship between uveitis and femoral cartilage thickness may be helpful in the prevention and early treatment of cartilage degeneration.

Patterns of Vitamin D Levels and Exposures in Active and Inactive Noninfectious Uveitis Patients

To compare serum vitamin D levels and patterns of ultraviolet light and dietary exposure among patients with active and inactive noninfectious uveitis and population controls. Prospective case-control study. All participants (n= 151) underwent serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D measurement and completed a questionnaire on vitamin D intake and ultraviolet light exposure. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels were compared between active and inactive uveitis groups and with local population estimates. Adult patients with active and inactive noninfectious uveitis were recruited from 2 Victorian tertiary hospitals and 1 private ophthalmic practice. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels were compared between patients with active and inactive uveitis and population-based estimates of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels, stratified by geographic region and season. Vitamin D intakes and exposures based on questionnaire results, including vitamin D supplementation and sunlight exposures on weekdays and weekends, were compared between active and inactive uveitis groups. Serum vitamin D levels, intake of vitamin D, and exposure to sources of vitamin D. The median level of serum vitamin D in those with active uveitis (n= 74) was 46 nmol/l (interquartile range [IQR], 29-70 nmol/l), significantly lower than in the inactive control group (n= 77) at 64 nmol/l (IQR, 52-79 nmol/l; P < 0.001). The active uveitis group also showed lower median serum vitamin D levels than the local population median of 62 nmol/l (IQR, 46-77 nmol/l). Vitamin D supplementation also was associated significantly with uveitis inactivity (P= 0.026, Kendall's τ test). In a subanalysis of vitamin D-deficient participants, sun exposure was associated significantly with uveitis inactivity (P= 0.014 for weekday and weekend analyses). Participants with active uveitis showed significantly lower serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels than inactive uveitis patients and local population-based estimates. Vitamin D supplementation was found to be associated with decreased uveitis activity, as was sun exposure in those with vitamin D deficiency. These results suggest that vitamin D supplementation should be studied as an option for the prevention of uveitis relapse in at-risk patients.

Evaluating the Impact of Uveitis on Visual Field Progression Using Large-Scale Real-World Data

To compare rates of visual field (VF) loss in uveitis patients with glaucoma against patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and explore the association between intraocular pressure (IOP) and rate of VF loss. Retrospective cohort study. Anonymized VFs and IOP measurements extracted from the electronic medical records of 5 regionally different glaucoma clinics in England. A total of 205 eyes with diagnosis of uveitis plus glaucoma were compared with 4600 eyes with POAG only. Minimum inclusion criteria were ≥4 visits within a 4-year window. Relative risk (RR) of being a "rapid progressor" (mean deviation [MD] loss ≥1.5 dB/year) was calculated. A mixed-effects model (MEM) and a pointwise VF progression analysis of pattern deviation were used to confirm differences between the groups. Longitudinal IOP mean, range, and variability were compared with rate of VF progression. Median (interquartile range) baseline MD in the uveitis and POAG groups was -3.8 (-8.7, -1.5) dB and -3.1 (-6.6, -1.2) dB, respectively. The uveitis and POAG groups had 23 of 205 (11%) and 331 of 4600 (7%) "rapidly progressing" eyes, respectively. Age-adjusted RR for "rapid progression" in uveitic vs POAG eyes was 1.9 (95% confidence interval: 1.8-2.0). The MEM confirmed that uveitic eyes (-0.49 dB/year) showed higher rates of VF progression than the POAG group (-0.37 dB/year; P < .01). IOP range and variability were higher in the "rapidly progressing" uveitic eyes. Our analysis suggests that VF loss occurs faster in glaucoma patients with uveitis than those without uveitis. The risk of progressing rapidly in glaucoma with uveitis is almost double than in those without uveitis. Early identification of "rapid progressors" may enable targeted intervention to preserve visual function in this high-risk group.

The effects of inflammation and anti-inflammatory treatment on corneal endothelium in acute anterior uveitis

Objective: To establish the magnitude of endothelial cells alterations in acute anterior uveitis (AAU) and the clinical impact of local anti-inflammatory treatment. Methods: 27 patients at first episode of unilateral AAU were included. According to the moment of presentation in our departments, two different groups were created, early treatment uveitis group (ETUG) and delayed treatment uveitis group (DTUG). Each patient underwent a corneal endothelial specular microscopy, in both eyes, two weeks after we begun the topical treatment. Results: A statistically significant endothelial cells loss in the uveitis eye was identified in both groups, more important in DTUG. Also, in this group, the pleomorfism, polimegathism and central corneal thickness (CCT) were statistically significant increased. Conclusions: The patients with unilateral AAU and delayed presentation showed more important alterations, first structural and then functional, due to a prolonged inflammatory response. This, in association with other favorable ocular conditions can progress to a permanent corneal endothelial decompensation. The sooner the anti-inflammatory treatment was initiated, the more limited were the destructive processes. Abbreviations: AAU = Acute Anterior Uveitis, ETUG = Early Treatment Uveitis Group, DTUG = Delayed Treatment Uveitis Group, CCT = Central Corneal Thickness, CV = Coefficient of Variation, ECD = Endothelial Cells Density, HEX = Percentage of Hexagonal Cells.

Prevalence of antibody seroconversion to Toxoplasma gondii in uveitis and non-uveitis dogs

ObjectivesTo evaluate the prevalence of seroconversion to Toxoplasma gondii in dogs with uveitis and dogs without uveitis.MethodsIn total, 135 dogs were evaluated: 51 dogs were diagnosed with uveitis, and 84...

Evaluation of Ocular Surface and Meibomian Glands Alterations with Meibography in Patients with Inactive Behçet’s Uveitis

ABSTRACTPurpose: To evaluate the ocular surface and meibography of patients with inactive Behçet’s uveitis.Methods: Twenty-five right eyes of 25 patients with inactive Behçet’s uveitis (Group 1) and 25 right eyes of 25 healthy individuals (Group 2) were enrolled. Detailed eye examination along with Schirmer 1 test, tear film break-up time (t-BUT), ocular surface staining with fluorescein and Oxford scoring, and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score assessment were performed. Lower and upper eyelid Meibomian glands were examined with infrared filter of slit-lamp biomicroscope (SL-D701 with DC-4 digital camera and BG-5 background illuminator, TOPCON, Tokyo, Japan (from grade 0 (no dropout of Meibomian glands) to grade 3 (gland dropout >2/3 of the total Meibomian glands)).Results: The mean ages were 36.84 ± 7.39 (range, 23–59) and 33.88 ± 8.25 (range, 18–55) in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively (p = 0.547). When compared with Group 2, in Group 1, best-corrected visual acuity (0.28 vs. 0.00 logMAR, p < 0.001), Schirmer 1 test (18.68 vs. 23.69, p = 0.017) and mean tear film break-up time (10.76 vs. 13.36, p = 0.026) were significantly lower; Oxford scale and OSDI scores were higher (p = 0.039 and p < 0.001, respectively). No significant difference in lower, upper and total (upper + lower) meiboscores were detected in between groups (p = 0.062, p = 0.228 and p = 0.152, respectively).Conclusion: Despite the tendency toward dry eye syndrome, Behçet’s uveitis does not seem to be associated with quantitative Meibomian gland changes, which is demonstrated by gland drop-out with meibography.