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Association of juvenile idiopathic arthritis and morphea: a case series
Teresa Giani1,2, Anna Madera1, Rolando Cimaz3,4
1Pediatric Rheumatology, AOU Meyer, Florence, Italy.
Abstract:
The association of different autoimmune diseases in the same subject is not uncommon, also in the pediatric age. The coexistence of morphea and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is however exceptional. We report four such cases. Unlike the few other reported cases, in 3/4 of our patients, morphea appeared well after the onset of JIA, when the articular disease was in full clinical remission. Based on the epidemiology of pediatric morphea in the general population, this association is unlikely to be fortuitous. Pediatric rheumatologists should be aware of this possible association, and follow clinically patients who achieve long-term clinical remission. Key Points ⦁ Morphea is an unusual occurrence in the context of JIA. These conditions have a common autoimmune background, but are very rarely reported together. ⦁ It is important to follow JIA patients even during long-term remission since other autoimmune phenomena can occur.
Insights
The rare co-occurrence of morphea and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in children is highlighted. Pediatric rheumatologists should monitor JIA patients in remission for potential morphea development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Dermatology
- Autoimmunology
Background:
- Autoimmune diseases frequently coexist in individuals, even in pediatric cases.
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and morphea are autoimmune conditions that rarely present together in children.
Observation:
- This study details four pediatric cases of coexisting morphea and JIA.
- In most cases, morphea developed after JIA onset, often during JIA remission.
Findings:
- The association between morphea and JIA is statistically unlikely to be coincidental.
- Morphea manifestation after JIA remission suggests a potential link beyond random occurrence.
Implications:
- Pediatric rheumatologists must be vigilant for this rare association.
- Continued clinical monitoring of JIA patients in long-term remission is crucial for detecting secondary autoimmune phenomena like morphea.
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