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[Growth disorders in the course of chronic juvenile arthritis]

Marta Bartnicka1, Anna Górska, Mirosława Urban

  • 1Zakład Medycyny Rodzinnej i Pielegniarstwa Srodowiskowego AM w Białymstoku.

Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism
|September 21, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Growth deficiencies affect 25% of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), correlating with joint damage and reduced bone mass. This highlights the impact of JIA on physical development and bone health in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Growth and Development

Background:

  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a common chronic condition in children, characterized by inflammation that can lead to deformities and growth inhibition.
  • Understanding the factors influencing physical development disturbances in JIA is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between physical development disturbances in children with JIA and disease duration, clinical type, disease severity (Steinbrocker class), and applied therapy.
  • To assess the impact of JIA on growth and bone mineral density.

Main Methods:

  • Anthropometric parameters were analyzed in 97 children (aged 2-18 years) diagnosed with JIA.
  • Bone densitometry (DXA) was performed on 51 children to evaluate whole-skeleton bone mineral mass (Total BMD) and L2-L4 vertebrae.
  • Children were categorized based on growth deficiency (Standard Deviation Height Score < -2.0) and joint destruction (Steinbrocker class).

Main Results:

  • Growth deficiency (below -2.0 SDHS) was observed in 25.8% of children with JIA, predominantly in older children with the polyarticular type.
  • Children with severe joint destruction (Steinbrocker class III/IV) exhibited significantly lower height and reduced bone mineral mass compared to those with less joint damage.
  • Significant differences in Body Mass Index (BMI) and total bone mineral density (BMD) were noted between children with and without growth deficiencies.

Conclusions:

  • Growth deficiencies, strongly correlated with joint destruction and inflammatory activity, were identified in 25% of pediatric JIA patients.
  • Growth retardation in JIA is associated with a significant reduction in bone mass, underscoring the systemic effects of the disease.
Abstract

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