Laser Flare Photometry to Monitor Childhood Chronic Uveitis: A Preliminary Report of a Monocentric Italian Experience

Background: Childhood chronic non-infectious uveitis (cNIU) is a challenging disease that needs close monitoring. Slit lamp evaluation (SLE) is the cornerstone of ophthalmological evaluation for uveitis, but it is affected by interobserver variability and may be problematic in children. Laser flare photometry (LFP), a novel and objective technique, might be used in children with uveitis. Aim: The aim of this study was to attempt the use of LFP in cNIU clinical practice. Methods: Children, attending the Rheumatology Unit and who were scheduled to receive ophthalmological evaluation, were prospectively enrolled to concomitantly receive SLE and LFP. SLE was performed blind to LFP measure. Demographic, laboratory, clinical, and ophthalmology data were collected. Results: A total of 29 children (58 eyes) were enrolled, including 3 with juvenile idiopathic arthritis without uveitis (JIA-no-U), 15 with JIA-associated uveitis (JIA-U), and 11 with idiopathic chronic uveitis (ICU). We observed significantly higher LFP values in the eyes of children with uveitis compared to the others (10.1 IQR 7.1–13.6 versus 6.2 IQR 5.8–6.9, p = 0.007). Accordance between the SLE and LFP measures, at baseline (ρ.498, p < 0.001) and during the follow-up (LFP II ρ 0.460, p < 0.001, LFP III ρ 0.631, p < 0.001, LFP IV ρ 0.547, p = 0.006, LFP V ρ 0.767, p = 0.001), was detected. We evaluated significant correlation between LFP values and the presence of complications (ρ 0.538, p < 0.001), especially with cataract formation (ρ 0.542, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In this cohort, LFP measurements showed a good correlation with SLE. LFP values showed a positive correlation with the presence of complications. LFP might be considered as a reliable objective modality to monitor intraocular inflammation in cNIU.