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Kaisu Kotaniemi

Publications and source records attributed to Kaisu Kotaniemi.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Infliximab and etanercept in the treatment of chronic uveitis associated with refractory juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) treatment in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis. METHODS: 24 patients with uveitis taking etanercept and 21 taking infliximab were studied. The endpoint ophthalmological evaluation was at 24 months or at the termination of the first biological agent. The ocular inflammatory activity was graded on the basis of the number of anterior chamber cells. RESULTS: Of the 45 patients, uveitis improved in 14 (31%), no change was observed in 14 (31%) and the activity of uveitis increased in 17 (38%). Inflammatory activity improved more frequently (p=0.047) in the patients taking infliximab than in those taking etanercept. The number of uveitis flares/year was higher (p=0.015) in the patients taking etanercept (mean 1.4, range 0-3.2) than in those taking infliximab (mean 0.7, range 0-2). Uveitis developed for the first time while taking anti-TNF treatment in five patients-4 taking etanercept (2.2/100 patient-years) and 1 taking infliximab (1.1/100 patient-years). CONCLUSIONS: During anti-TNF treatment, the ophthalmological condition improved in one-third of the patients with uveitis. In chronic anterior uveitis, associated with refractory JIA, infliximab may be more effective than etanercept.

Adolescent↗

Intraocular lens implantation in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the development of cataract and the results of cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in patients with chronic uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A hospital-based retrospective case series consisted of 25 patients with JIA-associated uveitis. The mean age of the patients was 5.8 years at the onset of arthritis and 6.8 years at the onset of uveitis. During the 15-year study period cataract surgery with implantation of an IOL was performed in 36 eyes. In 17 eyes phacoemulsification and initial posterior capsulectomy with anterior core vitrectomy were performed. The treatment of JIA and uveitis was carefully adjusted with systemic immunosuppressive drugs and topical corticosteroids perioperatively. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 3.3 years. RESULTS: The first signs of cataract were observed 2.3 years (mean) after the diagnosis of uveitis and the cataract operation of the first eye was performed 4.5 years (mean) after the diagnosis of uveitis. After IOL surgery the visual result was good (> or = 0.5) in 64%, moderate (0.3 to < 0.5) in 11% and impaired (< 0.3) in 25% of eyes. Secondary cataract developed in 16 eyes but in none of the eyes with initial posterior capsulectomy and core vitrectomy. Secondary glaucoma developed in 18 eyes, retinal detachment in 2, cystoid macular edema in 16 and band keratopathy in 12 eyes. CONCLUSION: Cataract is an early complication of JIA-associated uveitis. Under strict control of uveitis, IOL implantation is an important alternative in visual rehabilitation for this type of patient.

Adolescent↗

Recent advances in uveitis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Chronic scarring-type uveitis is a frequent extra-articular manifestation of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It occurs in about 20% of children with this disease, commencing typically within a few years from its onset. The risk of uveitis is greatest in antinuclear antibody-positive girls with early onset oligoarthritis. The classic clinical picture is chronic bilateral anterior uveitis, usually asymptomatic until substantial damage to intraocular structures occurs. In view of the asymptomatic nature of the condition, routine screening of juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients 2-4 times a year is crucial to prevent complications. The treatment consists of topical corticosteroids and mydriatics, in severe cases with immunosuppressive agents, and surgical management of complications. Although the prognosis of uveitis is improving, there are cases refractory to standard regimens. Patients in whom uveitis commences prior to the onset of arthritis present a special problem.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗