Die rheumatische Uveitis im Kindesalter

Uveitis in childhood is frequently associated with underlying rheumatic diseases, especially with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Chronic iridocyclitis (uveitis anterior), which is observed together with JIA-oligoarthritis, JIA-rheumatic factor-negative polyarthritis, JIA-psoriatic arthritis or sarcoidosis, is often followed by irreversible, sight-threatening iridocyclitis complications. Acute iridocyclitis, which is typical for JIA-enthesitis-associated arthritis, for juvenile spondarthritis or juvenile reactive arthritis including Reiter's syndrome, on the other hand, has a more favourable prognosis. Most important for a favourable prognosis of such cases of uveitis are the early diagnosis, that is to say a diagnosis before irreversible eye complications have appeared, and the early onset of a competent treatment. This is made possible by the use of prophylactic slit-lamp examinations which, depending on the risk of developing uveitis complications, are to be performed routinely once every 4 weeks to once every 6 months. It is the paediatrician's responsibility to identify the children at risk, to initiate the mandatory diagnostic measures and to monitor the follow-up.