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Erosion Identification in Metacarpophalangeal Joints in Rheumatoid Arthritis using High-Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography
06:31

Erosion Identification in Metacarpophalangeal Joints in Rheumatoid Arthritis using High-Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography

Published on: October 6, 2023

[Osteopenia in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis]

Tania-Elena Rusu1, Alina Murgu, Evelina Moraru

  • 1Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie Gr.T. Popa" Iaşi, Facultatea de Medicină, Clinica a IIa Pediatrie.

Revista Medico-Chirurgicala a Societatii De Medici Si Naturalisti Din Iasi
|August 6, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Osteopenia is a common complication in children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), affecting over a third of patients. Disease activity and poor nutrition are key risk factors, with increased bone resorption driving bone loss.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Bone Metabolism
  • Arthritis Research

Background:

  • Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting children.
  • Osteopenia, a condition characterized by reduced bone mass, is a known complication of JIA.
  • Understanding the etiopathogenesis of osteopenia in JIA is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of osteopenia in children diagnosed with JIA.
  • To investigate the factors contributing to the development of osteopenia in this population.
  • To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of bone loss in pediatric arthritis.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative ultrasound (Sunlight Omnisense 7000s) assessed bone status at the distal radius and midshaft tibia.
  • Clinical evaluations included modified Giannini's criteria and the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CHAQ) questionnaire.
  • Laboratory tests measured inflammatory markers (ESR, Fibrinogen), minerals (calcium, magnesium), vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase, and urinary hydroxyproline.

Main Results:

  • Osteopenia was identified in 36.5% of the 41 children with JIA.
  • Disease activity (clinical criteria, ESR, Fibrinogen) and nutritional status were significantly associated with osteopenia (p<0.001).
  • Increased bone reabsorption, indicated by elevated urinary hydroxyproline, was a primary pathogenic mechanism.

Conclusions:

  • Osteopenia is a frequent complication in children with JIA.
  • Active disease and compromised nutritional status are major risk factors for osteopenia.
  • Increased bone resorption, potentially linked to calcium and magnesium deficits, drives osteopenia in JIA, while bone synthesis appears unaffected.
Abstract

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