[Laser tyndallometry and monitoring of treatment in 20 children with juvenile uveitis]. / Laser-Tyndallometrie und Therapie-Monitoring bei juveniler Uveitis--eine retrospektive Untersuchung bei 20 Kindern.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Treatment of children with juvenile uveitis requires adequate control of inflammation while minimizing systemic or ocular side effects. The study was performed to evaluate the potential use of the laser flare-cell meter in monitoring and adjustment of therapy in juvenile uveitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospectively, we monitored 20 children (11 girls and 9 boys) with an age range from 3 to 15 years presenting with juvenile iridocyclitis (10/20), intermediate (5/20) or posterior (5/20) uveitis. During the follow-up period (median 25.2 months, range 2 to 83 months) multiple clinical controls were performed. We recorded clinical data, present therapy, and measurements using the laser flare-cell meter (Kowa FC-1000). RESULTS: Laser flare-cell meter measurements were easily obtained and highly reliable even in these young patients. During follow-up, 36 recurrences of intraocular inflammation were detected in 19 eyes. Relapses of inflammation as well as a response to treatment were seen at an early stage. Semiquantitative observations of cells and aqueous flare in the anterior chamber, or visual acuity of patients were less reliable in predicting recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Laser tyndallometry offers a reliable, examiner-independent method to assess intraocular inflammation in children with juvenile uveitis and to adjust the necessary treatment.