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Pediatrics International : Official... Dec 2021The rate of glucocorticoid (GC) use is significantly higher in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) than other juvenile idiopathic arthritis subtypes. There is...
BACKGROUND
The rate of glucocorticoid (GC) use is significantly higher in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) than other juvenile idiopathic arthritis subtypes. There is no consensus on the duration and dosage of GC treatment. We aimed to investigate the risk factors for a polyphasic / persistent disease course and the effect of dose and duration of GC treatment on SJIA prognosis.
METHODS
Forty-two patients who were diagnosed with SJIA, and for whom the duration of disease was longer than 2 years, were included. Patients were divided into monophasic and others (polyphasic / persistent disease course). Risk factors for polyphasic / persistent disease course, which were clinical and laboratory findings regarding the patients, treatment options, dose, and duration of GCs, were evaluated for the first active disease periods and for all flares in the entire disease course.
RESULTS
Of the 42 SJIA patients, 21 had monophasic, and 21 had polyphasic / persistent disease. Cumulative dosages and durations of glucocorticoid treatment were similar in the two groups at the first flare (odds ratio (OR): 1.032 P: 0.671; OR:1,113 P: 0.115). Durations of the first active disease period were longer in the polyphasic / persistent group (OR:1.275, P: 0.01). Active disease duration cut-off values of 1.5 months with sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 52.4% were observed on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The presence of hepatosplenomegaly at first flare was detected as an independent risk factor of polyphasic/persistent disease by multivariate analysis included both dosage and duration of a steroid (hazard ratio (HR): 4.129, P: 0.034), (HR: 3.992, P: 0.038). Multivariate recurrent events survival analysis determined ALT levels as a risk factor affecting polyphasic / persistent disease (HR: 0.986, P: 0.037).
CONCLUSIONS
Glucocorticoid dose and duration did not affect the active disease periods and disease course in SJIA. An active disease period longer than 1.5 months, presentation of hepatosplenomegaly at the initial disease course, and high ALT levels at the recurrences should warn physicians of polyphasic / persistent disease.
Topics: Arthritis, Juvenile; Disease Progression; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Prognosis
PubMed: 33760311
DOI: 10.1111/ped.14706 -
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism Dec 2019Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is not a disease but an umbrella term that gather all forms of chronic arthritis of unknown origin and with onset in childhood. Some... (Review)
Review
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is not a disease but an umbrella term that gather all forms of chronic arthritis of unknown origin and with onset in childhood. Some of these disorders appear to be the childhood equivalent of adult diseases and share therefore the same therapeutic targets. A form characterized by early onset and antinuclear antibody positivity seems to be specific for children but further evidence is needed. Systemic JIA (sJIA), although equivalent to adult onset Still disease is much more frequent in childhood. Novel potential targets for sJIA as well as for macrophage activation syndrome, its more severe complication, have therefore been investigated mainly in children.
Topics: Adolescent; Arthritis, Juvenile; Biological Factors; Child; Clinical Trials as Topic; Humans; Immunity, Cellular
PubMed: 31779842
DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2019.09.017 -
Ophthalmology Apr 2020
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Anti-Allergic Agents; Arthritis, Juvenile; Cataract; Child; Humans; Uveitis
PubMed: 32200820
DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2019.10.042 -
Journal of Pediatric Psychology Oct 2019Given the high levels of pain and low rates of treatment adherence in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and their families, this study sought to examine...
OBJECTIVE
Given the high levels of pain and low rates of treatment adherence in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and their families, this study sought to examine the relationship between parent pain cognitions (i.e., pain catastrophizing, fear of pain) and treatment adherence, and how barriers to treatment (e.g., forgetting treatments, children resisting injections) may be implicated in this relationship.
METHODS
Parents of children under 18 years of age who have been diagnosed with JIA were recruited to complete an online survey. In total, 221 parents (93% mothers) of children aged 2-17 years (M = 11.10, SD = 4.25) took part, completing questions regarding their pain cognitions, perceived barriers to treatment, and their child's arthritis treatment adherence ability.
RESULTS
Hierarchical regressions demonstrated that both pain cognitions (i.e., pain catastrophizing and fear of pain) were related to a decrease in parent-reported treatment adherence, however, pain catastrophizing was no longer significant when fear of pain was added to the model. The presence of treatment barriers partially mediated the relationship between fear of pain and treatment adherence, above and beyond the alternate model proposed.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that parent pain catastrophizing and fears of pain are related to a greater difficulty following treatment plans, possibly in part because of barriers parents experience that preclude adherence. Given these findings, the identification and management of parent pain cognitions is critical to improving treatment adherence and outcomes for children with JIA and their families.
Topics: Adolescent; Arthritis, Juvenile; Catastrophization; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Male; Pain; Parents; Surveys and Questionnaires; Treatment Adherence and Compliance
PubMed: 31509198
DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsz067 -
Indian Journal of Pediatrics Apr 2022To describe the experience of managing chronic childhood uveitis from a tertiary care center in India.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the experience of managing chronic childhood uveitis from a tertiary care center in India.
METHODS
All children diagnosed as chronic uveitis between January 2005 and December 2012 and on follow-up in Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic and Uveitis Clinic, were eligible for enrollment. Information regarding demographics, type of uveitis, treatment, complications, and surgical procedures was obtained from clinic records. All the enrolled patients were assessed for outcome prospectively and underwent a detailed ophthalmological examination to document visual acuity, refraction, intraocular pressure (IOP), slit lamp examination, fundus examination, and vitreous haze findings.
RESULTS
Sixty-seven children with chronic uveitis were enrolled in the study. Anterior uveitis was the commonest type seen in 45 children. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was the commonest known etiology and diagnosis of uveitis was made during routine screening in a majority of the JIA patients. No cause could be identified in 43% patients. After a mean follow-up period of 3.95 ± 1.99 y, only 16% eyes were in remission and off therapy. Prolonged oral glucocorticoids were required, besides other immunosuppressants, to control inflammation in 50% patients. Ocular complications were seen in 87% cases with posterior synechiae, band-shaped keratopathy and cataracts being the commonest complications.
CONCLUSIONS
Among patients with chronic uveitis, 43% had no identifiable cause. JIA was the commonest known cause. Significant ocular complications were common. Even after a mean follow-up of 3.95 ± 1.99 y, a vast majority continued to need immunosuppression for control of disease activity.
Topics: Arthritis, Juvenile; Child; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Uveitis; Uveitis, Anterior
PubMed: 34731440
DOI: 10.1007/s12098-021-03884-5 -
Archives of Disease in Childhood.... Jun 2022Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatic disease affecting children and young people today. However, it is not a single disease entity,... (Review)
Review
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatic disease affecting children and young people today. However, it is not a single disease entity, but an umbrella term that gathers together a heterogeneous collection of complex, chronic inflammatory conditions with oligoarticular JIA the most common form in both Europe and North America. Due to its relative rarity in daily practice and potential to mimic other conditions, oligoarticular JIA can present a diagnostic and management challenge to healthcare professionals in both primary care and general paediatrics. The aim of this article is to provide a summary of the key aspects of diagnosis, investigation and management of this condition, with the hopes of building clinicians' confidence when facing a possible case of oligoarticular JIA.
Topics: Adolescent; Arthritis, Juvenile; Child; Europe; Humans
PubMed: 34083213
DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-321088 -
The Journal of Rheumatology Nov 2023To describe the efficacy and safety data of children with polyarticular-course juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pcJIA) treated with abatacept (ABA) + methotrexate (MTX) or...
OBJECTIVE
To describe the efficacy and safety data of children with polyarticular-course juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pcJIA) treated with abatacept (ABA) + methotrexate (MTX) or ABA monotherapy when prior MTX use was either ineffective or not tolerated.
METHODS
Posthoc analysis of 2 phase III trials of subcutaneous (SC) and intravenous (IV) ABA over 2 years in patients with pcJIA (aged 2-17 years). Patients were stratified by treatment with ABA + MTX or ABA monotherapy and further by prior biologic use. Efficacy outcomes included JIA-American College of Rheumatology (JIA-ACR) responses, Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score in 27 joints using C-reactive protein (JADAS27-CRP), and safety. Descriptive pharmacokinetic analyses were also performed.
RESULTS
Efficacy responses (JIA-ACR and JADAS27-CRP) were similar between patients receiving ABA + MTX (n = 310) or ABA monotherapy (n = 99) and persisted over 2 years. Clinical response rates were similar in biologic-naïve patients and prior biologic users; this was independent of MTX use. Across both studies, ABA + MTX and ABA monotherapy displayed similar safety profiles. Pharmacokinetic results revealed similar minimum steady-state trough ABA concentrations between studies. Further, baseline MTX did not influence ABA clearance and was not a significant predictor of JIA-ACR responses.
CONCLUSION
ABA monotherapy (SC and IV) was effective and well tolerated in children with pcJIA when prior MTX use was ineffective or not tolerated. Treatment effects of ABA appear to be independent of MTX coadministration. Consequently, ABA monotherapy can be considered for those with prior biologic therapy if MTX use is inappropriate. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01844518 and NCT00095173).
Topics: Child; Humans; Methotrexate; Abatacept; Arthritis, Juvenile; Antirheumatic Agents; Drug Therapy, Combination; Biological Products; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37453737
DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.2022-1320 -
Current Vascular Pharmacology 2020Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), is a term used to describe a group of inflammatory disorders beginning before the age of 16 years. Although for the majority of...
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), is a term used to describe a group of inflammatory disorders beginning before the age of 16 years. Although for the majority of children remission is achieved early, those with systemic or polyarticular form of the disease may present persistent symptoms in adulthood. Considering that there is overlap in the pathogenesis of JIA with adult rheumatic diseases, concerns have been raised as to whether JIA patients could be at increased cardiovascular (CV) risk in the long-term. In this review, we summarize evidence for CV involvement in JIA and present data on CV risk factors and surrogate markers of arterial disease. We also provide information on beneficial and harmful CV effects of anti-inflammatory medications in the context of JIA and suggest strategies for CV screening. Overall, patients with systemic forms of JIA demonstrate an adverse lipid profile and early arterial changes relevant to accelerated arterial disease progression. Although there is paucity of data on CV outcomes, we recommend a holistic approach in the management of JIA patients, which includes CV risk factor monitoring and lifestyle modification as well as use, when necessary, of antiinflammatory therapies with documented CV safety.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age of Onset; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antirheumatic Agents; Arthritis, Juvenile; Cardiovascular Diseases; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Heart Disease Risk Factors; Humans; Inflammation; Male; Prognosis; Risk Assessment; Young Adult
PubMed: 32268865
DOI: 10.2174/1570161118666200408121307 -
Expert Review of Clinical Immunology Aug 2021The search for biomarkers in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a promising and rapidly expanding field of investigation. The biomarkers identified so far may help... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The search for biomarkers in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a promising and rapidly expanding field of investigation. The biomarkers identified so far may help to dissect the clinical heterogeneity of the illness, measure the level of disease activity, predict clinical remission, relapse, response to medications, course over time, complications, and forestall disease flares.
AREAS COVERED
We provide a summary of the most recent advances in the development and application of biomarkers in JIA. We performed a PubMed search for significant articles combining predetermined keywords related to biomarkers in non-systemic and systemic JIA, chronic uveitis, and macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). The biomarkers available or under study are presented and discussed separately for non-systemic and systemic subtypes and for the two main disease complications, uveitis and MAS.
EXPERT OPINION
The incorporation of valid and reliable biomarkers in standard clinical care may help to design better patient-tailored treatment regimens and to improve the therapeutic strategies based on the treat-to-target approach. The establishment of biomarkers that predict the risk of disease flare may lead to define the optimal modalities for treatment discontinuation after the achievement of clinical remission.
Topics: Arthritis, Juvenile; Biomarkers; Humans; Macrophage Activation Syndrome; Uveitis
PubMed: 34139935
DOI: 10.1080/1744666X.2021.1945441 -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2020Juvenile idiopathic arthritis and adult rheumatoid arthritis are two major groups with chronic joint pain and inflammation, extra-articular manifestations, and high risk... (Review)
Review
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis and adult rheumatoid arthritis are two major groups with chronic joint pain and inflammation, extra-articular manifestations, and high risk of comorbidities, which can cause physical and ocular disability, as well as create great socio-economic pressure worldwide. The pathogenesis of arthritis manifested in childhood and adulthood is multifactorial, unclear, and overly complex, in which immunity plays an important role. Although there are more and more biological agents with different mechanisms of action for the treatment of arthritis, the results are not as expected, because there are partial responses or non-responsive patients to these compounds, high therapeutic costs, side effects, and so on; therefore, we must turn our attention to other therapeutic modalities. Updating knowledge on molecular and cellular mechanisms in the comparative pathogenesis of chronic arthritis in both children and adults is necessary in the early and correct approach to treatment. Photobiomodulation (PBM) represents a good option, offering cost-effective advantages over drug therapy, with a quicker, more positive response to treatment and no side effects. The successful management of PBM in arthritis is based on the clinician's ability to evaluate correctly the inflammatory status of the patient, to seek the optimal solution, to choose the best technology with the best physical parameters, and to select the mode of action to target very precisely the immune system and the molecular signaling pathways at the molecular level with the exact amount of quantum light energy in order to obtain the desired immune modulation and the remission of the disease. Light is a very powerful tool in medicine because it can simultaneously target many cascades of immune system activation in comparison with drugs, so PBM can perform very delicate tasks inside our cells to modulate cellular dysfunctions, helping to initiate self-organization phenomena and finally, healing the disease. Interdisciplinary teams should work diligently to meet these needs by also using single-cell imaging devices for multispectral laser photobiomodulation on immune cells.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Arthritis; Arthritis, Juvenile; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Child; Female; Humans; Inflammation; Low-Level Light Therapy; Male; Middle Aged
PubMed: 32911717
DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186565