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Pulmonary function in children affected by juvenile spondyloarthropathy
G Camiciottoli1, S Trapani, M Ermini
1Department of Clinical Pathophysiology, University of Florence, Italy.
The Journal of Rheumatology
|June 25, 1999
Summary
Pulmonary function tests revealed that 33% of juvenile spondyloarthropathy (JSpA) patients had lung impairment, primarily a restrictive pattern. No changes or correlations with disease factors were observed over two years.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Clinical Investigation
Background:
- Pleuropulmonary involvement is recognized in adult spondyloarthropathy (SpA), often presenting as upper lobe fibrosis on radiology.
- Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in adults with SpA typically show reduced vital capacity and total lung capacity.
- Pulmonary involvement in juvenile SpA (JSpA) is understudied, with limited data on PFT alterations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of PFT alterations in JSpA patients over a two-year follow-up.
- To analyze the relationship between PFT findings and disease duration, activity, and chest/spine mobility in JSpA.
Main Methods:
- Eighteen JSpA patients without clinical lung disease or abnormal chest radiographs underwent PFTs (volumes, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide [DLCO]) at baseline, 12, and 24 months.
- Disease activity was assessed using clinical and hematological data at each time point.
Main Results:
- Significant PFT impairment was found in 33% of patients, including reduced forced vital capacity (22%) and DLCO (11%).
- No significant changes in PFT alterations were observed between 12 and 24 months.
- No correlation was identified between PFT results and disease duration, activity, or clinical scores.
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion (33%) of JSpA patients exhibit PFT alterations, predominantly a restrictive pattern, despite the absence of clinical or radiological lung findings.
- PFT abnormalities did not progress or change over the two-year study period.
- No association was found between PFT alterations and disease parameters like duration or activity in this cohort.