The Accuracy of Self–Reporting Acute Anterior Uveitis

Abstract

 

Abstract:

 

To measure the accuracy of self–reporting acute anterior uveitis (AAU), i.e. the phenotype of uveitis associated with the HLA–B27–positive spondyloarthropathies.

 

Participants who reported a diagnosis of uveitis consistent with AAU at screening were enrolled by informed consent into the study of genetic susceptibility to AAU. Participants were divided into four groups: those who contacted us independently, seen in the Casey Eye Institute (CEI) uveitis clinic, referred by a collaborating ophthalmologist or rheumatologist, or referred by the Spondylitis Association of America (SAA). Ophthalmology records were reviewed by one uveitis specialist (JRS) to confirm AAU (i.e., sudden onset, anterior and multiple unilateral attacks <12 weeks duration). Resultant chart reviews were grouped as follows: confirmed AAU; no AAU; inconclusive medical records; and probable AAU with only a single episode documented.

 

176 participants (97 females and 79 males; ages 13–84, mean 48.5) were evaluated by chart review. AAU was confirmed in 145 (82.4%) participants, while 20 (11.4%) had no AAU. There were 6 and 5 cases of inconclusive and single episodes of AAU, respectively. The table illustrates each participant group. A Chi–square test was performed with 3 degrees of freedom (P=0.410).

 

 

^{In this study only 11% of patients claiming to have had iritis were inaccurate. This is in marked contrast to studies on diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus that show that the majority of people providing a history of the disease do not actually have the disease. The relatively straight–forward nature of uveitis/iritis might account for this historical accuracy.}

 

 

Keywords: uveitis-clinical/animal model • clinical research methodology