To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of multiple sclerosis (MS) associated uveitis in Finland.
Methods
Patients with an MS diagnosis, 18 - 60 years of age, living in Pirkanmaa Hospital District and capable of independently visiting the Tays Eye Centre, were identified within the national MS register and invited for an ocular screening in Feb 2021 - Mar 2023. Additionally, patients with MS and who had attended a comprehensive ocular examination by a uveitis specialist during the study period, were included in the study. Data collected included the demographics of the patients and complete ocular examination findings.
Results
25 of 344 patients (7 %) were diagnosed with uveitis, 12 of those were newly diagnosed at screening. Mean age at diagnosis of uveitis was 39 years (range 19 - 58). 18 (72 %) patients were female and 14 (56 %) were on disease modifying therapy for MS at the time of screening.
20 patients had intermediate uveitis (IU). 4 patients had relapsing, symptomatic anterior uveitis (AU) and 1 had chronic AU. Uveitis-related complications were seen in 5 patients, in 7 eyes. Treatment for uveitis was given to 7 patients with IU, 5 were treated with rituximab and/or azathioprine and systemic steroid treatment was given to 4 patients. AU was treated with topical steroids in all 5 patients.
Conclusion
Uveitis was rare, 7 %, in this registry-based cross-sectional study. The rate was higher than in retrospective studies but much lower than in a previous cross-sectional study. Based in this study, we do not recommend screening of uveitis in MS but recommend comprehensive ocular examinations for any MS patients with ocular symptoms.
Conflict of interest
No
Authors 1
Last name
MÄKELÄ
Initials of first name(s)
HM
Department
Department of Ophthalmology, Tampere University Hospital
City
Tampere
Country
Finland
Authors 2
Last name
LEINONEN
Initials of first name(s)
S
Department
Department of Ophthalmology, Tampere University Hospital
City
Tampere
Country
Finland
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