The influence of demographic and socioeconomic factors in paediatric uveitis

A US study has observed the effect of demographic and socioeconomic factors on visual outcomes and ocular complications in paediatric uveitis.

The research, which was published in AJO International, examined data from 3611 patients aged 18 or under with non-infectious uveitis.

The study found that black children were more likely than white children to have a final visual acuity of 6/60 or less. They were also more likely to develop glaucoma and cystoid macular oedema.

Compared to children with private insurance, children who received treatment funded by the government insurance programme, Medicaid, were also more likely to have a final visual acuity of 6/60 or less. They had a higher chance of developing amblyopia, posterior synechiae, and band keratopathy than children whose treatment was funded by private health insurance.

The scientists also determined that children aged 12 and younger were more likely than children between the ages of 13 and 18 to develop band keratopathy and amblyopia.

“In summary, social position and economic factors can be associated with both visual outcomes and ocular complications in patients with paediatric uveitis,” the authors highlighted.

Potential measures to reduce health inequalities suggested in the research include providing written material in multiple languages to improve health literacy, expanding office hours to accommodate work schedules, providing telemedicine visits and being willing to see uninsured and underinsured patients.

“Further work is needed to understand better how to advocate for and support patients and their families during treatment for paediatric uveitis to help ensure better health outcomes for all patients regardless of background,” the researchers concluded.