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Evaluation of Changes in Hydration and Body Cell Mass with Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis after Exercise Program for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
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Evaluation of Changes in Hydration and Body Cell Mass with Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis after Exercise Program for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Published on: July 14, 2023

Nutritional status and clinical characteristics in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Shou-Ting Shin1, Hsin-Hui Yu, Li-Chieh Wang

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

Journal of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection = Wei Mian Yu Gan Ran Za Zhi
|May 12, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) in Taiwanese children is linked to impaired nutritional status, with lower Body Mass Index (BMI) observed in affected children compared to healthy peers.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Rheumatology
  • Nutrition Science

Background:

  • Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting children.
  • Understanding the clinical profile and nutritional status of JRA patients is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical characteristics of JRA in Taiwanese children.
  • To assess the nutritional status, specifically Body Mass Index (BMI), of JRA patients.
  • To compare the nutritional status of JRA patients with a healthy control group.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 53 Taiwanese children diagnosed with JRA was studied.
  • Clinical data, including disease subtype and patient characteristics, were recorded.
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) was measured and compared between JRA patients and 75 age-matched healthy controls.

Main Results:

  • Inflammation markers were elevated in the systemic JRA group.
  • JRA patients exhibited significantly lower BMI compared to controls (p = 0.006).
  • This BMI difference was more pronounced in males, children over 4 years old, and those with oligoarticular onset JRA.

Conclusions:

  • Nutritional status is frequently compromised in children with JRA.
  • Lower BMI in JRA patients, particularly males and those with later onset, highlights nutritional concerns.
  • Oligoarticular onset JRA was the most prevalent subtype in this Taiwanese cohort.
Abstract

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