Prevalence and Subtypes of Uveitis in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PP-36)

Background: Individuals with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) frequently experience various ocular complications, including uveitis. MS-associated uveitis can lead to several complications such as cataracts, cystoid macular edema, band keratopathy, glaucoma, retinal detachment, retinoschisis, vitreous hemorrhage, and occlusive vasculitis. Although the link between uveitis and MS is well-established, reported prevalence rates vary widely. This study aimed to determine the overall prevalence of uveitis and its subtypes among pwMS.
Method: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science for studies published between January 1, 1990, and November 11, 2023. A meta-analysis was performed using R software version 4.3.2 with a random-effects model to calculate the pooled prevalence of uveitis among pwMS, with a 95% confidence interval (CI).
Results: From 2,520 reviewed studies, 12 met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a total of 54,402 pwMS. Of these participants, 72% were female, with a mean (standard deviation) age of 43.5 (12.1) years. The meta-analysis revealed a pooled prevalence of uveitis among pwMS of 1.1% (95% CI: 0.6% to 1.7%, I² = 95%, p-heterogeneity < 0.01). Intermediate uveitis was the most prevalent subtype, with a prevalence of 0.6% (95% CI: 0.2% to 1.0%, I² = 87%, p-heterogeneity < 0.01).
Conclusion: The study found that the prevalence of uveitis among pwMS is 1.1%. Intermediate uveitis is the most common subtype among pwMS. It is crucial for specialists to consider diagnosing uveitis in pwMS in clinical settings.