Re: Uveitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Posted By cindy on June 16, 1999 at 12:44:32
I've hade anterior uveitis twice within the last year.  I also currently have severe joint stiffness in my right hand, mostly in the morning.  Test for Rheumatoid factor is normal.  Is uveitis related to rheumatoid arthritis?  I'm having a hard time believing that these two conditions are not related but so far there is no conclusive evidence that I have rheumatoid.  Thank you for any info you can provide.

[hfhs md ke]

Posted By hfhs md ke on June 16, 1999 at 13:00:20
recurrent uveitis is related to a systemic condition about 50% of the time.  having had 2 episodes of this puts u in the recurrent catergory.  however, specifically, rheumatoid arthritis tends not to cause anterior uveitis
( otherwise known as iritis ) but instead causes dry eyes and inflammation of the hard outer shell of the eye, called scleritis.  that being said, it is possible. but what i am getting at is i agree that the joint stiffness may not be just a coincidence, and i would encourage u to ask for a larger workup to look for other disorders, such as lupus or lyme disease, that could be related. there is also a condition called HLA B 27 positive iritis that may tie them together.  my suggestion is that u make sure that u r seeing an ophthalmologist, and if u are and are still not satisified, consider finding a Uveitis sub specialist. i wish u best of luck.
key words: uveitis, iritis, lupus, lyme disease, HLA B27










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Uveitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis cindy 6/16/1999
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Re: Uveitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis hfhs md ke 6/16/1999
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Re: Uveitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis HFHS M.D.-JL 6/16/1999
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