A review of pediatric uveitis: Part I. Infectious causes and the masquerade syndromes

J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2008 May-Jun;45(3):140-9. doi: 10.3928/01913913-20080501-16.

Abstract

Uveitis is a manifestation of complex processes that can represent an infectious or a purely immune system modulated condition and may have grave effects on the eye. Much of the morbidity in these conditions is the result of the immune response to these stimuli. These infectious diseases may be successfully treated by addressing the inciting organism with recognized interventions. Treatment of the immune response to the organism often must be pursued simultaneously to minimize long-term complications caused by structural changes within the eye. Assisting the individual's immune response to eliminate the organism while minimizing the immune response's damaging effects remains a unique challenge drawing on both the science and the art of medicine. Several non-infectious conditions that are not autoimmune diseases may commonly masquerade as uveitis, leading to delays in appropriate treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Eye Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Syndrome
  • Uveitis / etiology*