Effect of wrist involvement on median nerve electrophysiology in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Localized compression of the median nerve due to wrist arthritis is a frequently reported complication in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis. However, in only two cases median nerve compression has been reported in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients. In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of wrist involvement on median nerve electrophysiology in JIA patients.

Thirty-three patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for JIA according to the International League of Associations for Rheumatology and twenty-three healthy controls were enrolled. All subjects underwent a thorough neuromuscular examination and median and ulnar nerve conduction studies. The presence of wrist arthritis was noted. Complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C reactive protein, renal/liver function tests were measured.

Sensory examination and provocative tests for CTS were normal both in patient and control groups. Age, height and electrophysiological data of the subjects were compared within three groups: JIA patients with wrist arthritis, those without wrist arthritis and healthy controls. None of the electrophysiological data of median nerve revealed significant differences between groups.

In the light of our preliminary results, the median nerve seems not to be affected due to wrist involvement in patients with JIA.