Acute exacerbation of COPD increases the risk of hip fractures: a nested case-control study from the Korea National Health Insurance Service

Background/Aims@#Hip fracture and acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD) could increase mortality in patients with COPD. There are no data on the relationship between AE-COPD and hip fracture, which may significantly affect the prognosis of patients with COPD. Therefore, we conducted this study to determine the effects of AE-COPD on hip fractures in patients with COPD. @*Methods@#This retrospective, nested, case-control study included 253,471 patients with COPD (≥ 40 years of age) identified from the Korea National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening Cohort (NHIS-HEALS) from 2002 to 2015. Among 176,598 patients with COPD, 1,415 patients with hip fractures were identified. Each case was matched to one control for age (within 10 years), sex, and year of COPD diagnosis. We estimated the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for hip fractures associated with AE-COPD using conditional logistic regression analysis, adjusting for underlying diseases and smoking history. @*Results@#In patients with AE-COPD, the risk of hip fracture was 2.50 times higher, regardless of systemic corticosteroid use and underlying disease (aOR, 2.50; 95% CI, 1.67 to 3.75). The risk of hip fracture increased if there was one episode of AE in the year before hip fractures (aOR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.66 to 3.05). Moreover, the risk of hip fracture also increased in patients with more than two episodes of AE the year before hip fractures (aOR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.61 to 4.10). @*Conclusions@#AE-COPD increases the risk of hip fracture regardless of underlying diseases, including osteoporosis, and treatment with systemic corticosteroids.

Motor Asymmetry and Interocular Retinal Thickness in Parkinson's Disease

Background@#To analyze the relationship between interocular difference of retinal thickness and motor asymmetry in Parkinson's disease (PD). @*Methods@#Prospective case-control series analyzed 62 eyes of 31 patients with PD and 62 eyes of 31 age- and sex-matched control. Ophthalmologic examinations including optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans were performed in both groups, and in the patients with PD, motor function was evaluated on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS-III) to determine the clinically more affected side. Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (pRNFLT) and macular retinal thickness (mRT) were measured in both eyes, after which the interocular asymmetry of the OCT parameters was determined. Additionally, the more and less affected sides of the UPDRS-III were evaluated using Symmetric index. @*Results@#The average and quadrant pRNFLT and mRT values between the two groups were not different, but the interocular asymmetry of the average mRT and asymmetry index of retinal thickness (AIRT) of temporal mRT were significantly higher in the PD patients than in the controls (P = 0.026 and 0.044). The sum of UPDRS-III showed a discrepancy between the more and less affected sides (P = 0.002); the calculated Symmetric index was 0.21 ± 0.19, which suggested asymmetric motor symptoms. The Symmetric index of UPDRS-III showed significant relations for interocular asymmetry of superior mRT and AIRT of average mRT (P = 0.001 and 0.008). @*Conclusion@#In the PD patients, the interocular asymmetry of mRT was larger than in the controls, and the motor symptoms were asymmetric. Additionally, the interocular asymmetry of mRT showed a significant correlation with motor-symptom laterality.

Motor Asymmetry and Interocular Retinal Thickness in Parkinson's Disease

Background@#To analyze the relationship between interocular difference of retinal thickness and motor asymmetry in Parkinson's disease (PD). @*Methods@#Prospective case-control series analyzed 62 eyes of 31 patients with PD and 62 eyes of 31 age- and sex-matched control. Ophthalmologic examinations including optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans were performed in both groups, and in the patients with PD, motor function was evaluated on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS-III) to determine the clinically more affected side. Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (pRNFLT) and macular retinal thickness (mRT) were measured in both eyes, after which the interocular asymmetry of the OCT parameters was determined. Additionally, the more and less affected sides of the UPDRS-III were evaluated using Symmetric index. @*Results@#The average and quadrant pRNFLT and mRT values between the two groups were not different, but the interocular asymmetry of the average mRT and asymmetry index of retinal thickness (AIRT) of temporal mRT were significantly higher in the PD patients than in the controls (P = 0.026 and 0.044). The sum of UPDRS-III showed a discrepancy between the more and less affected sides (P = 0.002); the calculated Symmetric index was 0.21 ± 0.19, which suggested asymmetric motor symptoms. The Symmetric index of UPDRS-III showed significant relations for interocular asymmetry of superior mRT and AIRT of average mRT (P = 0.001 and 0.008). @*Conclusion@#In the PD patients, the interocular asymmetry of mRT was larger than in the controls, and the motor symptoms were asymmetric. Additionally, the interocular asymmetry of mRT showed a significant correlation with motor-symptom laterality.

Effect of Phacoemulsification on Intraocular Pressure in Healthy Subjects and Glaucoma Patients

BACKGROUND: We investigated how cataract surgery might influence long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) change in both healthy subjects and glaucoma patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients who had had clear corneal phacoemulsification with a minimum of 12 months of follow up was performed. Glaucoma patients with medically controlled open-angle glaucoma and healthy subjects with no glaucoma were included in the analysis. The change of IOP after phacoemulsification and factors associated with postoperative IOP change were investigated. RESULTS: In total, 754 eyes of 754 patients, specifically 106 patients with glaucoma and 648 patients with no glaucoma (i.e., healthy subjects) were enrolled. The phacoemulsification effected a reduction of IOP: 1.03 ± 3.72 mmHg in healthy subjects and 1.08 ± 3.79 mmHg in glaucoma patients at postoperative 1 year (P = 0.656). There were negative coefficients of IOP until 1 year of follow up (all P < 0.001), but the IOP change gradually showed a less steeply decreasing slope (correlation coefficient: −0.993), compared with those for 1 week and 1 month of follow up (correlation coefficients: −1.893 and −1.540, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, age and preoperative IOP showed significant associations with postoperative IOP change (regression coefficients: −0.034 and 0.419 respectively, all P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification resulted in IOP reduction, which effect regressed in healthy subjects and glaucoma patients over the course of long-term follow up. Therefore, long-term monitoring of IOP change is needed. In cases of higher preoperative IOP and young patients, phacoemulsification alone is a reliable option for IOP control.

Genetic markers of severe cutaneous adverse reactions

Adverse drug reactions can cause considerable discomfort. They can be life-threatening in severe cases, requiring or prolonging hospitalization, impeding proper treatment, and increasing treatment costs considerably. Although the incidence of severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) is low, they can be serious, have permanent sequelae, or lead to death. A recent pharmacogenomic study confirmed that genetic factors can predispose an individual to SCARs. Genetic markers enable not only elucidation of the pathogenesis of SCARs, but also screening of susceptible subjects. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotypes associated with SCARs include HLA-B*57:01 for abacavir (Caucasians), HLA-B*58:01 for allopurinol (Asians), HLA-B*15:02 (Han Chinese) and HLA-A*31:01 (Europeans and Koreans) for carbamazepine, HLA-B*59:01 for methazolamide (Koreans and Japanese), and HLA-B*13:01 for dapsone (Asians). Therefore, prescreening genetic testing could prevent severe drug hypersensitivity reactions. Large-scale epidemiologic studies are required to demonstrate the usefulness and cost-effectiveness of screening tests because their efficacy is affected by the genetic differences among ethnicities.

Peripheral Eosinophilia and Clinico-radiological Characteristics among Health Screening Program Recipients / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilia is well recognized in specific conditions. The objective of the present study was to determine clinico-radiologic characteristics of eosinophilia and changes in prevalence over 10 years in recipients of private health screening program at a tertiary hospital in Korea. METHODS: Data of private health screening program recipients at the health promotion center of Chung-Ang University Hospital from 2004 to 2013 were collected. Health-related questionnaires and laboratory findings of private health screening program with possible relation with eosinophilia were reviewed. Results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for parasite, chest computed tomography, and pulmonary function test were also reviewed. RESULTS: The cumulative prevalence of eosinophilia was 4.0% (1,963 of 48,928). Prevalence of eosinophilia showed a decreased trend from 2004 to 2013. Most cases (96.6%) had mild degree of eosinophilia. Eosinophilic subjects were older and male-predominant. They showed lower levels of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁%), forced vital capacity (FVC%), and FEV₁/FVC than those without eosinophilia. Eosinophilic subjects showed higher positive rate for common parasite in ELISA than those without eosinophilia. On radiologic findings, consolidation and ground glass opacities were positively associated with the degree of eosinophilia. When eosinophil was classified based on severity, statistically significant correlation between the severity of eosinophil and radiologic abnormalities was found. CONCLUSION: Eosinophilia is uncommon in healthy population. It usually occurs at a mild degree. Eosinophilic patients have more radiologic abnormalities compared to those without eosinophilia. Such radiologic abnormalities are associated with the severity of eosinophilia.

Epidemiological trend of pulmonary thromboembolism at a tertiary hospital in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Despite increasing interest in pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), data on recent trends in PTE incidence are limited. This study evaluated the recent incidence rate of PTE. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with PTE admitted to Chung-Ang University Hospital during the 10-year period from 2006 to 2015. Age-standardized incidence and mortality rates were calculated by the direct method per 100,000 populations. To analyze the trend of risk factor, we also calculated the proportions of cancer, major operation, and recent major fracture over that time. RESULTS: Total crude incidence rate of PTE per 100,000 was 229.36 and the age-sex adjusted standardized incidence rate was 151.28 (95% confidence interval [CI], 127.88 to 177.10). The incidence rate have been significantly increased 1.083 times annually from 2006 (105.96 per 100,000) to 2015 (320.02 per 100,000) (95% CI, 1.049 to 1.118; p < 0.001). These incidences also increased annually in age group of 35 to 54, 55 to 74, and ≥ 75 years, and in both males (odds ratio [OR], 1.071; 95% CI, 1.019 to 1.127; p = 0.007) and females (OR, 1.091; 95% CI, 1.047 to 1.136; p < 0.001). Cancer accounted for most of the increase from 20.0% at 2006 to 2007 to 42.8% at 2014 to 2015 (OR, 1.154; 95% CI, 1.074 to 1.240; p < 0.001), while the proportions of recent fracture and major operation remained constant. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of pulmonary embolism has gradually increased over the 10 years. The increase of PTE incidence was mainly due to increased proportion of cancer patients.

Bronchial Artery Aneurysm Presenting Hemoptysis, Initially Mis-diagnosed as Bronchial Arterio-venous Malformation: A Case Report

Normal bronchial arteries are small vessels that arise mostly from the descending thoracic aorta. Bronchial artery aneurysm is defined as a dilatation of the bronchial arteries with a diameter over 2 mm, and is reported in less than 1% of bronchial arterial angiography. A 70-year-old male patient was presented with hemoptysis. He had been treated for pulmonary tuberculosis 50 years ago. He also had a history of admission with hemoptysis 10 years ago, for which he was diagnosed as bronchiectasis on computed tomography imaging. Upon arrival to our hospital, abnormal vascular structure was detected on the mediastinum, arising from the descending thoracic aorta. It was dilated to 14 mm with a saccular form. Initially, we evaluated the structure as a bronchial arteriovenous malformation because it seemed to be drained into the pulmonary vein directly. For further evaluation, he had received a trans-catheter bronchial artery angiography. Both bronchial arteries were hypertrophied, but direct arteriovenous shunt was not detected; as such, we concluded this structure to be bronchial artery aneurysm. We performed embolization for both bronchial arteries and filled the aneurysm with coiling. He had no recurrence of hemoptysis and was discharged on 4 days post embolization. Our case reports an incidental bronchial artery aneurysm, which was initially misdiagnosed as bronchial arteriovenous anomaly, and finally treated with embolization and coiling.

Gender Differences in Relations of Smoking Status, Depression, and Suicidality in Korea: Findings from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008-2012

OBJECTIVE: As mental health problems may play an important role in initiating and maintaining cigarette smoking in females and there are an increasing number of female smokers, we evaluated the relationship between smoking status and mental health problems including depression and suicide ideation in women in Korea. METHODS: We analyzed the 5-year cumulative data (19 years of age or older, n=32,184) from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) conducted from 2008 to 2012. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate associations between cigarette smoking status and mental health parameters while controlling for potentially confounding variables. RESULTS: Among current smokers, females showed higher lifetime prevalence in having a depressive episode, a doctor-diagnosed major depression, a current diagnosis of depression, or receiving treatment for depression in comparison with males. In addition, females were more likely to report on having a depressive episode, suicidal ideation and attempts, and psychiatric counselling within the previous year, as compared to males. Female former smokers showed intermediate characteristics in parameters of mental health status within the previous year, ranking between lifetime non-smokers and the current smokers. CONCLUSION: Identifying the factors related to mental health status among current smokers can increase opportunities for an early intervention and help reduce the prevalence of smoking and increase smoking cessation rates particularly in females. Developing adaptive coping strategies other than smoking in female youth is potentially important in reducing the initiation of smoking.

Delayed diagnosis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis due to absence of asthmatic symptoms

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a pulmonary disease with small prevalence. Exposure to aspergillus mold causes immunologic hypersensitivity and may cause ranges of symptoms from minimal to detrimental outcomes. Diagnosing and treating the disease before the development of bronchiectasis may save the patient from poor outcomes. This report presents a case of recurrent ABPA without any symptom of asthma, which impeded the correct diagnosis even after numerous hospitalizations.

Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in a selective IgG3 deficient patient with recurrent respiratory infections and asthma attacks

The IgG subclass deficiency is defined as a significant decrease in the serum concentrations of one or more subclasses of IgG in a patient whose total IgG concentration is normal. IgG subclass deficiency can predispose to recurrent sinopulmonary infections. A 29-year-old female patient with a 4-year history of bronchial asthma presented with cough, sputum, dyspnea, and recurrent respiratory infections. She had frequently been treated with antibiotics and systemic steroids for recurrent respiratory infections and acute asthma exacerbations. Chest X-ray and computed tomography showed pectus excavatum and bronchial wall thickening without lung parenchymal abnormalities. On immunological evaluation, she was found to have a low serum IgG3, with normal total IgG concentration. Under diagnosis of selective IgG3 deficiency, she was started on monthly infusions of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. The frequency and severity of respiratory infections and acute asthma exacerbations were markedly decreased during 3 years of IVIG therapy. Our case report suggests that a patient who has underlying selective IgG3 deficiency and asthma may benefit from IVIG therapy as this can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of recurrent respiratory infections and acute asthma exacerbations.

Lung Microbiome Analysis in Steroid-Naїve Asthma Patients by Using Whole Sputum / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Although recent metagenomic approaches have characterized the distinguished microbial compositions in airways of asthmatics, these results did not reach a consensus due to the small sample size, non-standardization of specimens and medication status. We conducted a metagenomics approach by using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis of the induced whole sputum representing both the cellular and fluid phases in a relative large number of steroid naïve asthmatics. METHODS: Induced whole sputum samples obtained from 36 healthy subjects and 89 steroid-naїve asthma patients were analyzed through T-RFLP analysis. RESULTS: In contrast to previous reports about microbiota in the asthmatic airways, the diversity of microbial composition was not significantly different between the controls and asthma patients (p=0.937). In an analysis of similarities, the global R-value showed a statistically significant difference but a very low separation (0.148, p=0.002). The dissimilarity in the bacterial communities between groups was 28.74%, and operational taxonomic units (OTUs) contributing to this difference were as follows: OTU 789 (Lachnospiraceae), 517 (Comamonadaceae, Acetobacteraceae , and Chloroplast), 633 (Prevotella), 645 (Actinobacteria and Propionibacterium acnes), 607 (Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus otakiensis, Lactobacillus sunkii, and Rhodobacteraceae), and 661 (Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and Leptotrichiaceae), and they were significantly more prevalent in the sputum of asthma patients than in the sputum of the controls. CONCLUSION: Before starting anti-asthmatic treatment, the microbiota in the whole sputum of patients with asthma showed a marginal difference from the microbiota in the whole sputum of the controls.

The Effects of the Scleral Suture in 23-Gauge Transconjunctival Sutureless Vitrectomy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of scleral suture for the sclerotomy wound leakage and the clinical outcomes in 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy with fluid-air exchange. METHODS: A retrospective, comparative chart review of 75 eyes of 75 patients who underwent 23-gauge transconjunctival vitrecomy with fluid air exchange was performed. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the scleral suture used at the end of the operation, sclera-sutured group and sutureless group. The amount of intraocular gas remnants was measured to compare the degree of sclerotomy wound leakage and the postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) and reoperation rate were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean IOP on postoperative day 1, 7 and 14 was 15.5 +/- 4.0 mm Hg in the sclera-sutured group and 15.8 +/- 6.2 mm Hg in the sutureless group, without statistical difference (p = 0.874). The percentage of intraocular gas remnants in eyes on postoperative day 1 was significantly higher in the sclera-sutured group (92.9 +/- 9.7%) than in the sutureless group (82.4 +/- 16.2%; p = 0.002) as well as on postoperative days 7 and 14. The reoperation rate was not statistically significantly different between the sclera-sutured group (6.5%) and sutureless group (9.1%; p = 0.683) CONCLUSIONS: In the cases of 23-gauge sutureless vitrectomy with fluid-air exchange, the scleral suture may be effective to prevent the sclerotomy wound leakage and maintain the intraocular gas longer, but there was no statistically significant difference in the final success rate between the 2 groups. However, as more intraocular gas remained in the sclera-sutured group than in the sutureless group statistically, the scleral suture should be considered in cases that require long-term gas tamponade.

Two Cases of Newly Diagnosed Asthma with Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum During Asthma Exacerbation

Pneumomediastinum, a condition in which air is present in the mediastinum, is generally regarded as a benign, self-limited process. Rare life-threatening causes such as esophageal rupture must be excluded. A 26-year-old woman with allergic rhinitis presented with a 3-day history of increasing dyspnea, wheezing, and chest pain. Her high resolution CT (HRCT) showed extensive pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema without visible airway injury on the CT scan. With application of oxygen through a nasal cannula, bronchodilator inhalation, and systemic steroids, her pneumomediastinum and asthma symptoms were improved. A 30-year-old man with acute exacerbation of newly diagnosed asthma and spontaneous pneumomediastinum was treated with application of oxygen and asthma medication. Here, we reported two cases of newly diagnosed asthma with spontaneous pneumomediastinum during asthma exacerbation.

Seven-Day Continuous Abstinence Rate from Smoking at 1, 2, or 3 Years after the Use of Varenicline / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Varenicline, a selective partial agonist/antagonist of the alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptor, has proven effectiveness for smoking cessation by several randomized, controlled trials. Because few studies have evaluated the long-term efficacy of varenicline, we tried to evaluate the smoking status of varenicline users up to 3 years after the initial prescription of the drug. METHODS: We interviewed varenicline users who were prescribed the drug from June 2007 to May 2010 by telephone, from June 2010 to May 2011. RESULTS: One-hundred and thirty-three of 250 varenicline users (53.2%) were available for the survey. Seven-day continuous abstinence from smoking was adhered to by 17 of 39 respondents (43.6%) at 1 year, and 11 of 36 (30.6%) and 19 of 58 (32.8%) at 2 and 3 years since the first use of varenicline, respectively. Compared to current smokers, successful quitters were older (55.0 years vs. 49.9 years, p=0.01), had better compliance to the 12-week course (27.7 vs. 9.3%, p=0.01), and had taken varenicline longer (10.1 vs. 5.9 weeks, p=0.01). Fifty-four of 71 current smokers (76.1%) were willing to stop smoking in the near future. The preferred ways to cease smoking were will-power (48.1%), varenicline (25.9%), nicotine replacement therapy (11.1%), and others (14.9%). CONCLUSION: Smokers should be encouraged to stick to the proven way for recommended period of time for successful cessation of smoking.

A Case of Antiphospholipid Syndrome Refractory to Secondary Anticoagulating Prophylaxis after Deep Vein Thrombosis-Pulmonary Embolism / 결핵및호흡기질환

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an acquired systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by a combination of clinical criteria, including vascular thrombosis or pregnancy morbidity and elevated antiphospholipid antibody titers. It is one of the causes of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism that can be critical due to the mortality risk. Overall recurrence of thromboembolism is very low with adequate anticoagulation prophylaxis. The most effective treatment to prevent recurrent thrombosis is long-term anticoagulation. We report on a 17-year-old male with APS, who manifested blue toe syndrome, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary thromboembolism, and cerebral infarction despite adequate long-term anticoagulation therapy.

Familial Occurrence of Pulmonary Embolism after Intravenous, Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cell Therapy

The therapeutic potential of human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells, especially human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hASC), is promising. However, there are concerns about the safety of infusion of hASC in human. Recently, we have experienced pulmonary embolism and infarct among family members who have taken multiple infusions of intravenous autologous hASC therapy. A 41-year-old man presented with chest pain for one month. Chest CT showed multiple pulmonary artery embolism and infarct at right lung. Serum D-dimer was 0.8 microg/mL (normal; 0-0.5 microg/mL). He had received intravenous autologous adipose tissue-derived stem cell therapy for cervical herniated intervertebral disc three times (one, two, and three months prior to the visit). His parents also received the same therapy five times and their chest CT also showed multiple pulmonary embolism. These cases represent artificial pulmonary embolisms and infarct after IV injection of hASC. Follow-up chest CT showed spontaneous resolution of lesions in all three patients.

A Case of Giant, Benign Schwannoma Associated with Total Lung Collapse by Bloody Effusion / 결핵및호흡기질환

Benign schwannoma is the most common neurogenic tumor in the mediastinum. Mediastinal benign schwannomas are most often asymptomatic and rarely accompanied by bloody pleural effusion. In the clinical analysis of 7 cases of pulmonary schwannomas, pleural effusion, and blood invasion were evident in 3 patients with malignant schwannoma. Herein, we report a rare case of giant, benign schwannoma presented with total collapse of right lung by massive, bloody pleural effusion.

Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia Leading to Acute Respiratory Failure in a Current Systemic Corticosteroid User

A 69-year-old female patient visited the emergency room with fever (38.3degrees C) and dyspnea. She had been taking prednisolone (5 mg once per day) and methotrexate (2.5 mg once per week) for rheumatoid arthritis for 2 years. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed bilateral, multifocal ground glass opacity with interlobular septal thickening. Peripheral blood leukocyte count was 6,520/mm3 (neutrophils, 77.4%; eosinophils, 12.1%). During the night, mechanical ventilation was initiated due to the development of severe hypoxemia. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid showed a high proportion of eosinophils (49%). Her symptoms improved dramatically after commencement of intravenous methylprednisolone therapy. This is the first report of idiopathic acute eosinophilic pneumonia developing in a current user of systemic corticosteroids.

Clinical Manifestation of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Associated Uveitis in Korea

PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence and clinical characteristics of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis in Korea and to identify the risk factors for developing uveitis and poor visual outcome. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of 149 patients who were diagnosed as JIA between January 2001 and December 2012. Patients were classified based on the International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) criteria and the incidence and clinical course of uveitis according to each subtype was investigated. We also evaluated the risk factors for poor prognostic outcomes. RESULTS: The present study included 79 males and 70 females and the mean age was 7.42 +/- 3.82 years. In 13 patients (8.6%), uveitis manifested evenly among JIA subtypes, including 5 patients with oligoarthritis type, 4 patients with polyarthritis rheumatoid negative type, and 4 patients with systemic type. Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) was detected more in the uveitic group (46.13%). The characteristics of uveitis were acute (85%), bilateral (85%), and anterior uveitis (92%). Chronic uveitis occurred in only 2 patients who had uveitis at an early age (mean age of 5 years) and had severe anterior chamber reaction at presentation. Poor visual outcome was associated with band keratopathy and posterior synechiae preceded by the chronic uveitis. CONCLUSIONS: JIA-associated uveitis occurred evenly in each subtype. Uveitis was increased in the presence of ANA. Most uveitis showed good visual outcomes but in cases of early uveitis onset and with severe anterior chamber reaction at presentation the risk of chronic uveitis increased resulting in poor visual outcomes.