Clinical and therapeutic characteristics of childhood uveitis in a tertiary center in Tunisia.

INTRODUCTION: Childhood uveitis is a rare condition with various associated diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

AIM: We proposed to describe the distribution, clinical findings, treatment, complications, and visual outcomes of uveitis in children at a tertiary referral center in Sfax, Tunisia.

METHODS: A retrospective study of 33 children (54 eyes) with uveitis collected over the period from January 2009 to December 2018 was carried out at the Ophthalmology Department of Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia. The data from the clinical examination, the etiological assessment, and the used treatments were collected. Standard diagnostic criteria were used for all uveitic syndromes or entities.

RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 11.42 years with a male-to-female ratio of 0.74. Uveitis was bilateral in 63% of the patients. The most common anatomical form was intermediate uveitis (39%). Idiopathic cases accounted for 52%. The major complications were posterior synechiae, optic disc edema, cataract, and cystoid macular edema. Anti-infective treatment was prescribed in 24% of the patients. Oral corticosteroid therapy was used in 67% of the patients. 18% of the patients received immunosuppressive therapy and 6% received a biological agent. The mean final visual acuity was 4.6/10.

CONCLUSION: Childhood uveitis is a serious pathology with frequent and vision-threatening complications. The etiologies are variable and the assessment can remain negative. A rigorous diagnostic approach, an oriented etiological assessment in collaboration with the pediatrician, and an appropriate therapy are necessary for management.