HLA-B27-associated uveitis: overview and current perspectives.
OBJECTIVE
To review current knowledge about the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and treatment of HLA-B27-associated uveitis, which is the most commonly identified cause of uveitis in community-based practice and an important cause of ocular morbidity.


RESULTS
Significant advances have been made in understanding the pathogenesis of HLA-B27-associated ocular and systemic disease, especially with regard to the genetic underpinning of these diseases. Increasing attention has also been focused on the use of alternative therapies in the treatment of HLA-B27-associated uveitis, with special attention to sulfa class antibiotics, historically have been used to treat the articular manifestations of the spondyloarthritides, and newer drugs that inhibit tumor necrosis factor-alpha.


CONCLUSIONS
The next several years promise to yield exciting new advances in understanding of the genetic epidemiology and treatment of HLA-B27-associated uveitis.
Suhler
Eric B
EB
Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, and Portland VA Medical Center, Ophthalmology Service, 97239, USA. eric.suhler@med.va.gov
Martin
Tammy M
TM
Rosenbaum
James T
JT
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D015796:HLA-B27 Antigen / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D014605:Uveitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D015796:HLA-B27 Antigen; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha