[Correlation between intima-media thickness in carotid artery and markers of epithelial cell dysfunction in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis]
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Updated: Jun 17, 2026

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
Published on: February 7, 2015
Mirosława Urban1, Edyta Pietrewicz, Anna Górska
1II Klinika Chorób Dzieci, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Białymstoku, 15-274 Białystok. 2klchdz@umwb.edu.pl
Insights
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is linked to early atherosclerosis. Measuring carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and sICAM-1 levels can detect preclinical disease in children with JIA.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Biomarker Discovery
Context:
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a common childhood rheumatic disease.
- Chronic inflammation in JIA accelerates atherosclerosis development.
- Early detection of atherosclerosis in JIA is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose:
- To investigate the correlation between carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1).
- To assess the utility of IMT, CRP, and sICAM-1 as markers for preclinical atherosclerosis in children with JIA.
Summary:
- The study analyzed 63 children (40 with JIA, 23 controls).
- Measurements included carotid artery IMT, CRP, and sICAM-1 concentrations.
- A significant correlation was found between IMT and sICAM-1 (r=0.75, p<0.001).
Impact:
- Carotid artery IMT and sICAM-1 levels can serve as valuable indicators of preclinical atherosclerosis in pediatric JIA patients.
- This finding supports the use of these markers for early detection and management strategies.
- Facilitates proactive cardiovascular risk assessment in children with JIA.
Unlabelled:
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatic disease in children. Prolonged immunological inflammatory process leads in these patients to an early onset of atherosclerosis. That is why it seems to be important to find methods of detecting atherosclerosis in its very early stage to start appropriate treatment.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to determine whether there is any correlation between intima-media thickness (IMT) in carotid artery and concentrations of markers of epithelial cell dysfunction - C-reactive protein and Intercellular Adhesive Molecule -1 (sICAM-1).
Materials And Methods:
63 children were enrolled in the study (40 with JIA and 23 healthy as control group). C-reactive protein concentration was assayed by immunoturbidimetric method with Hitachi 912 Chemistry Analyzer and sICAM-1 was assayed by ELISA. IMT was measured as defined by Pignoli.
Results:
Mean CRP concentration in the study group was 1.97 mg/dl and in the control group -0.08 mg//dl. sICAM-1 concentration was 333.4 mg/ml, and mean IMT in carotid artery in children with JIA was 0.43 mm (max=0.58 mm, min=0.36 mm). There was a correlation between IMT and sICAM-1 concentration (r=0.75, p<0.001).
Conclusions:
Assessment of IMT in carotid artery and concentrations of sICAM-1 and CRP may be used as a marker of preclinical arthrosclerosis in children with JIA.
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