Epidemiology of endogenous uveitis in north-eastern Italy; Analysis of 655new cases

Purpose: To report the results of a retrospective analysis among endogenous uveitis patients in the north-eastern area of Italy. Methods: The authors reviewed a series of 655 new cases treated between Oct ober 1986 and December 1993, The incidence of endogenous uveitis was calcul ated based on a 100,000 patient population. Results: The average incidence was 11.40/100,000, The majority of patients were between the ages of 20 and 70 years (74.43%), A probable diagnosis was determined in 55.57% of cases; anterior uveitis was diagnosed in 58.01% of cases, posterior uveitis in 26.11%, panuveitis in 12.98%, and intermediate uveitis in 2.9% of cases. The authors observed recurrences in 25.49% of ca ses. While the first cases are almost equally distributed in the various mo nths, the recurrences seem to be significantly more frequent in the cold (f rom November to February; mean air temperature<8<degrees>) and transitional months (October and from March to May; mean air temperature from 8 degrees C to 18 degreesC) than in the warm months (from June to September; mean air temperature >18 degreesC). Respectively p=0.003 and p=0.029. Conclusion: The incidence in this series is lower than in other European an d American studies, Despite the high rate of idiopathic cases in this study , the authors support that the presentation of single case experiences may allow improved multi-centric analysis and a greater understanding of the ep idemiology of uveitis.