Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Imaging Based Uveitis Screening for Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

This study is investigating different ways to screen for an eye condition called uveitis in children who have recently been diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Uveitis is an inflammatory eye disease, and half of the children who get it also have JIA. Currently, children with JIA have regular eye checks at a specialist centre to try and spot uveitis early, as this can help prevent vision loss. This research aims to compare the usual eye examination with a newer imaging technique called Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). OCT is a non-contact scan that takes pictures of the eye. Researchers want to see if this imaging method is a good option for future screening, gather information to help design a bigger study, and understand families' thoughts on using these tools.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Institute of Child Health

Enrolment target

Start

01 May 2024

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2026

Uveitis, Anterior Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

What is this study about?

This study is all about finding the best way to check for an eye condition called uveitis in children who have been diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). JIA is a type of arthritis that affects children, and it's quite common for children with JIA to also develop uveitis, which is an inflammation inside the eye. If not caught early, uveitis can unfortunately lead to problems with a child's vision.

Currently, children with JIA have regular eye check-ups with a specialist. These usually involve what's called a slit lamp examination. This study wants to see if a newer method, using a special camera called Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), could be a good alternative. The OCT machine takes detailed pictures of the eye, like a non-X-ray scan. It's painless and doesn't touch the eye. Researchers have already found that this type of imaging might be effective and that families like the idea of a more objective way to check their child's eyes.

The main goal of this particular study is to work out if it's practical to compare the traditional eye exam with the new OCT scan in a larger research project. They want to gather important information to help them plan that bigger study in the future. They also hope to understand how parents, children, and healthcare staff feel about using these advanced imaging tools to check for eye problems.

Key takeaways

Compares standard eye checks with a new imaging scan (OCT) for uveitis.
For children aged 2-12 newly diagnosed with JIA.
Aims to find better ways to detect eye problems early.
Helps plan a larger study on eye screening methods.
OCT is a painless, non-contact eye scan.
Participation will help researchers understand family and staff views.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for children aged between 2 and 12 years old. They need to have been diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) within the last year and be due for regular eye checks for uveitis.

Children won't be able to join the study if they've already been diagnosed with uveitis, or if they have any other eye or brain condition that affects their vision now or might do in the future. Also, if a child has difficulties with learning or understanding that might make it hard for them to take part in the examinations or agree to be in the study, they wouldn't be eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child aged between 2 and 12 years old?
Has your child been diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) in the last 12 months?
Does your child not currently have uveitis or another eye problem affecting vision?
Can your child understand and cooperate with eye examinations?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This is a 'feasibility' study, which means it's a smaller study designed to help plan a larger one. If your child takes part, they would be randomly assigned to either continue with the routine slit lamp eye examinations or to have the new OCT imaging scans instead. This comparison will help researchers understand which method is better and more practical.

Your child would attend appointments as scheduled for their uveitis screening. The study will look at how well the new imaging works, whether families find it acceptable, and collect information on how consistent the results are. The total duration of participation would be over the period your child would normally have their regular eye checks, as the study is comparing these screening methods.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the benefit of potentially identifying uveitis earlier or with a new, potentially less intrusive, method. The OCT scan is non-contact and doesn't involve radiation. There are no known risks beyond those of routine eye examinations. You are free to withdraw your child from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting their medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Great Ormond Street Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is uveitis?

Uveitis is an inflammation inside the eye that can affect children, especially those with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

What is JIA?

JIA stands for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, which is a type of arthritis that affects children.

What is an OCT scan?

It's a special camera that takes detailed pictures of the eye to check for changes. It's painless and doesn't involve touching the eye or radiation.

What is a slit lamp examination?

This is a standard eye check where a doctor uses a special microscope with a light to look closely at the different parts of the eye.

What does a 'feasibility study' mean?

It means this is a small study designed to see if a bigger study comparing the two screening methods would be practical and successful to run in the future.

How to find out more

Ameenat Solebo

a.solebo@ucl.ac.uk +44 20 3987 2162 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.