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Many children lose their sight or suffer impaired vision due to an inflammatory complication of the condition.

Scientists believe they may have uncovered the silver bullet when it comes to stopping this devastating damage.

A pioneering trial, funded by the charity Arthritis Research UK and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), has discovered a drug combination which has very impressive results.

The trial was first of its kind in the world and the findings are being hailed as a major step forward for thousands of children.

The trial's co-chief investigators, Professors Athimalaipet Ramanan, based at Bristol's Children Hospital and Michael Beresford, based in Liverpool, found that a drug called Adalimumab, in combination with Methotrexate, was an effective therapy in children with arthritis who go on to develop Uveitis an inflammation of the eye A staggering 75 per cent of those treated with the medication experienced a significant reduction in eye inflammation.

Early analysis of the data was so convincing that the trial was stopped prematurely.

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Professor Ramanan, who also works at Bristol University, said, Uveitis in children is an important cause of loss of vision.

This study demonstrates the benefit of Adalimumab in children with uveitis. This is the first randomised trial of its kind worldwide and the results will have a major impact in children with uveitis all around the world.

Professor Beresford from University of Liverpool and Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust said: This landmark trial has demonstrated the commitment and leadership of colleagues across the UK in working closely with patients and parents in tackling a key priority of finding the very best way of caring for children with arthritis and this serious problem of uveitis.

It has shown the UK to be extremely well placed to deliver challenging trials in children, with the support of the NIHR Clinical Research Network and other research networks that are in place across the UK.

There are 15,000 children and adolescents in the UK with the auto-immune disease JIA. One third of those are likely to develop uveitis, leading to more serious visual impairments and may be registered as blind.

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Stephen Simpson, the director of research and programmes at Arthritis Research UK said: We are thrilled of the outcome of this trial and the huge promise it heralds for transforming the quality of life for the large numbers of children with JIA-associated uveitis.

This trial is an impressive example of how investing in exceptional science can ultimately help change how treatment is delivered with direct and immediate benefit for patients.

Go here to read the rest:
British trial will save the sight of thousands of arthritic children - Express.co.uk

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