The risk of uveitis due to prostaglandin analogs in pediatric glaucoma

J AAPOS. 2022 Jun;26(3):126.e1-126.e5. doi: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2022.03.004. Epub 2022 May 10.

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the incidence of uveitis in children prescribed prostaglandin analogs (PGAs) for glaucoma.

Methods: In this dual-center cohort study, the medical records of consecutive patients <18 years old treated with a PGA between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2018, were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with all forms of glaucoma, including those with a prior history of uveitis, were included. Patients who had been on a PGA prior to their first recorded visit were excluded. Patient charts were reviewed for new or recurrent uveitis during the first year of PGA therapy.

Results: A total of 103 children (147 eyes) were included, with a total PGA exposure of 1,352 child-months. Ninety-eight children (142 eyes) tolerated the PGA without an episode of uveitis. Five patients with a documented prior history of uveitis experienced a unilateral episode of uveitis. A review of their medical records identified prescribed or unscheduled decrease in topical steroids or immunosuppressive medication as the most likely cause of uveitis recurrence.

Conclusions: This study provides further evidence that PGAs are unlikely to induce uveitis in children being treated for glaucoma and suggests that this may also be true in those with a history of uveitis. We are unable to evaluate whether PGAs make recurrence more likely or the tapering of steroids more difficult.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cohort Studies
  • Glaucoma* / drug therapy
  • Glaucoma* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure
  • Prostaglandins A / therapeutic use
  • Prostaglandins, Synthetic / adverse effects
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Steroids
  • Uveitis* / chemically induced
  • Uveitis* / diagnosis
  • Uveitis* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Prostaglandins A
  • Prostaglandins, Synthetic
  • Steroids