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Bone mass development and bone metabolism in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: treatment with growth hormone for 4 years

Susanne Bechtold1, Peter Ripperger, Walter Bonfig

  • 1Endocrine Division, University Children's Hospital, Dr. von Haunersches Kinderspital, Lindwurmstrasse 4, 80337 Munich, Germany. Susanne.Bechtold@med.uni-muenchen.de

The Journal of Rheumatology
|July 2, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Growth hormone (GH) therapy in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) increased bone turnover and stabilized volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) over four years. Long-term studies are needed to confirm GH

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Rheumatology
  • Bone Metabolism

Background:

  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) can affect bone mass acquisition.
  • Growth hormone (GH) therapy is used in pediatric conditions, but its effect on bone density in JIA is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To longitudinally assess bone mass and bone mineral density (BMD) changes in children with JIA undergoing GH therapy.
  • To compare bone acquisition in JIA patients with healthy children.

Main Methods:

  • Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure bone mineral content (BMC) and BMD.
  • Volumetric BMD (vBMD) was calculated after adjusting for vertebral size.
  • Measurements were taken over 4 years in 11 children with JIA.

Main Results:

  • Children with JIA had low BMD at baseline (mean aBMD z-score -2.04).
  • Four years of GH treatment significantly increased vBMD (p < 0.03) and bone turnover markers.
  • vBMD changes relative to age and bone age were comparable to healthy children.

Conclusions:

  • GH therapy increases bone turnover in children with JIA.
  • vBMD stabilized during GH treatment, showing potential for bone density improvement.
  • Long-term GH treatment efficacy on bone density and metabolism in JIA requires further investigation.
Abstract

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