The association of HLA-B8, B51, DR2, and multiple sclerosis in pars planitis.

PURPOSE

To establish a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) association in a homogeneous population of patients with pars planitis.

METHODS

A strict set of inclusion parameters was established for the diagnosis of pars planitis. Forty patients with pars planitis who met these criteria underwent HLA analysis of class I and II phenotypes.

RESULTS

HLA-B8 was present in 15 (37.5%) of 40 patients versus 85 (19.7%) of 431 controls (relative risk, 2.44; P = 0.011). HLA-B51 was present in 9 (22.5%) of 40 patients versus 51 (11.8%) of 431 controls (relative risk, 2.16; P = 0.049). HLA-DR2 was present in 27 (67.5%) of 40 patients versus 121 (28.0%) of 431 controls (relative risk, 5.32; P < 0.0001). HLA-DR2 has been associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Exclusion of five patients with pars planitis in whom MS subsequently developed did not change the significance of these findings.

CONCLUSIONS

The strongest association of pars planitis with HLA-DR2 and the temporal development of MS in some patients with pars planitis further supports an association between pars planitis and MS.