Adalimumab in the Therapy of JIA-Associated Uveitis

Study Objective: To identify the risk factors of uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and to demonstrate the efficacy of Adalimumab in the management of refractory JIA-associated uveitis.

Study Design: Open single-site observational cohort study.

Materials and Methods. The study enrolled 43 patients aged 4.5 to 17.5 years old with JIA and associated rheumatoid uveitis refractory to baseline therapy. All children required genetically engineered biologic drugs (GEBDs). A detailed case report is presented to support the efficacy of Adalimumab in the management of JIA with uveitis.

Study Results. During the original study, patients with JIA-associated uveitis refractory to baseline therapy demonstrated a number of patterns: predominantly girls, early onset, oligoarticular and polyarticular JIA seronegative for rheumatoid factor, positive antinuclear factor (ANF). These patterns correlate with the data from reviewed literature sources. The case report also reveals the results. In the case report analysis, it is demonstrated that uveitis remission, active polyarthritis arrest, improved clinical, laboratory and instrumental values in the female patient were achieved with Adalimumab therapy.

Conclusion. Early manifestations, female sex, oligoarticular and polyarticular JIA, ANF positivity are the risk factors for uveitis. Adalimumab is the most efficient drug for the management of JIA-associated uveitis. Concurrent uveitis usually requires genetically engineered biologic therapy, as evidenced by the study and case report.

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