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Clinical and biochemical characteristics of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Shakeel Ahmed1, Syed Rehan Ali1, Sidra Ishaque1

  • 1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.

Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP
|July 24, 2014
PubMed

Insights

This study characterizes Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) in Pakistani children, finding a predominantly polyarticular JIA subtype with early onset and distinct clinico-biochemical features. Results highlight specific patterns in rheumatoid factor and ANA positivity, particularly in girls.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Immunology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease affecting children.
  • Understanding regional variations in JIA presentation is crucial for effective management.
  • Tertiary care centers play a vital role in diagnosing and managing complex pediatric rheumatic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To delineate the clinical and biochemical characteristics of children diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA).
  • To analyze the subtypes, presenting symptoms, and demographic profiles of JIA patients.
  • To identify specific patterns in laboratory findings and disease outcomes within the study population.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive study was conducted at the Paediatric Rheumatology Clinic of Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.
  • Data from 68 children under 15 years diagnosed with JIA (ILAR criteria) between January 2008 and December 2011 were analyzed.
  • Clinical features, laboratory profiles, JIA subtypes, and treatment responses were evaluated.

Main Results:

  • The study enrolled 68 pediatric patients with JIA, with a mean age at onset of 6.45 years.
  • The polyarticular subtype was most common (54%), with rheumatoid factor positivity in 24% of these cases.
  • Fever and arthritis were the primary symptoms; uveitis was rare, and gender distribution was nearly equal.

Conclusions:

  • JIA in this Pakistani cohort presents with distinct clinico-biochemical characteristics, including early onset and a high prevalence of the polyarticular subtype.
  • A notable finding was the increased frequency of rheumatoid factor and ANA positivity in girls.
  • These findings underscore the importance of localized data for understanding JIA heterogeneity.
Abstract

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