DR. ISHA ACHARYA

DR. PADMAMALINI MAHENDRA DAS, DR. PADMAMALINI MAHENDRA DAS, DR. ANKUSH KAWALI, PROF.ROHIT SHETTY

Abstract

AIM: To study clinical activity in HLA-B27 uveitis with tear biomarker correlation

Methods: Cross-sectional study in patients presenting with acute HLA-B27 uveitis from January-April 2022 was done. Eight tear inflammatory biomarkers were assessed (chip-based) at presentation and correlated with clinical activity.

Results: 14 eyes (7 patients; mean age 42±14 years; male-71%) were included. 28% of eyes were quiet with acute presentation of respective contralateral eyes. Tear biomarker analysis showed raised IL-17A in all the eyes irrespective of clinical activity followed by increased MMP-9 (85%), TNFα (78%), and IL-6 (78%) compared to controls. However, quiet eyes had relatively fewer raised biomarkers than contralateral eyes with activity. Oral methotrexate (61%) and/or systemic steroid (38%) were prescribed in majority of the patients.

Conclusion:Tear biomarker assessment provides an insight into the severity and nature of inflammation and can be used to manage patients accordingly.