Ocular manifestations in paediatric rheumatic diseases: Experience from a paediatric referral hospital

Background: Rheumatic diseases are characterised by inflammation of the joints, muscles, bones and skin. The musculoskeletal system is commonly involved in rheumatic diseases but ocular involvement, which can lead to loss of vision, may be a clue to the diagnosis or may add to the severity of disease. There is paucity of data regarding ophthalmic findings in children with rheumatic diseases, especially in India.

Objectives: To describe the clinical spectrum of ocular manifestations in paediatric rheumatic diseases in a tertiary level paediatric hospital in South India. 

Method: A hospital-based cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in which 220 children diagnosed with rheumatic diseases were subjected to complete ophthalmic evaluation between January 2019 and June 2020 and the different ocular manifestations were documented.

Results: Of the 220 children with rheumatic disease, 29 (13.2%) had ocular involvement. Anterior uveitis was the most common ocular finding occurring in 8 (29.6%) cases. Duration of the disease and HLA B 27 had significant association with abnormal ophthalmic findings.

Conclusions: In this study, ocular involvement was present in 13.2% children with rheumatic diseases. Anterior uveitis was the most common ocular finding. Duration of disease and HLA B 27 positivity were significantly associated with abnormal ophthalmic findings.

Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2023; 52(1): 13-20