Proteomic tears profile in the diagnosis of eye damage in children with rheumatic diseases

Purpuse. Evaluation of the proteomic tears profile in children with uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis in relation to the search for pathognomonic markers of this pathology. Material and methods. The study included 29 children aged 2 to 17 years. 17 patients had active uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, 2 – juvenile idiopathic arthritis without uveitis, 3 – systemic vasculitis, 4 – idiopathic uveitis, 3 – healthy children. The evaluation of the qualitative and quantitative composition of proteins in tears in children from the presented groups was carried out. Results. The study showed the possibility of early diagnosis of uveitis, associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, using the proteomomic profile of tears. Lactotransferin is one of the key proteins that allows it’s identification. It can be considered the most likely biomarker thanks to which it is possible to recognize the etiology of uveitis even before the appearance of clinical symptoms of joint damage. This will allow us to start adequate therapy, which can save young patients from deep disability in the future. Key words: early diagnosis of uveitis, biomarkers of tears, proteomic profile, juvenile idiopathic arthritis