Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Noninfectious Acute Anterior Uveitis with or without Human Leukocyte Antigen B27 in Adults - Expert Consensus in Taiwan

ABSTRACT

Background

Anterior uveitis is the most common anatomical type of uveitis. Patients with noninfectious anterior uveitis may develop various ocular complications and eventually visual impairment. Appropriately differentiating the etiologies can help clinicians to predict the outcome, arrange clinical follow-up, and decide the treatment or prevention strategy. Adequate treatment and effective prevention strategies can reduce the frequency of recurrence and the risk of developing complications. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 is the most common positive finding in patients with noninfectious AAU in many countries including Taiwan.

Purpose

To report a consensus from experienced uveitis specialists and rheumatologists was made in Taiwan.

Methods

A panel of nine ophthalmologists from nine different referral centers with expertise in the management of uveitis and an experienced rheumatologist was held on January 16, 2022. A comprehensive literature review was performed. Differential diagnoses for etiologies, general treatments, and prevention strategies were discussed. Each statement in the consensus was made only if more than 70% of the experts agreed.

Results

A flow chart and seven statements regarding the differential diagnoses for etiologies, treatments and preventions, and co-management with rheumatologists were included in the consensus.

Conclusions

This article discusses the general diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of noninfectious acute anterior uveitis, with or without HLA-B27, in adults for general ophthalmologists to improve overall outcomes of these patients

KEYWORDS:

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• anterior
• B27
• diagnosis
• human leukocyte antigen
• prevention
• spondyloarthropathy
• Taiwan
• treatment
• uveitis

Disclosure statement

All authors declare that there is no conflict of interest related to the subject matter or materials discussed in this article.

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by Technology [MOST 111-2314-B-075-036-MY3] and Taipei Veterans General Hospital [V111C-209].