Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Published on: January 12, 2019
Pubertal disorders in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a systemic review
Soumaya Boussaid1,2, Sonia Rekik1,2, Hanene Lassoued Ferjani2,3
1Rheumatology Department, Rabta Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.
Insights
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) frequently disrupts puberty, causing delayed menarche and menstrual irregularities in affected children. Factors like JIA subtype and steroid use significantly influence these pubertal disorders.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Rheumatology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting children under 16.
- Inflammatory cytokines, medications, and genetics are implicated in JIA-related puberty disorders.
- Understanding JIA's impact on puberty is crucial for pediatric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the literature on puberty disorders in children with JIA.
- To identify factors influencing the disruption of normal pubertal development in JIA patients.
- To elucidate the relationship between JIA and pubertal development.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted using Medline, Google Scholar, and Scopus.
- The search identified 4,011 articles, with 11 ultimately included based on PRISMA guidelines.
- Data on menarche onset, Tanner stage, and pubertal signs were extracted and compared.
Main Results:
- Girls with JIA experienced delayed menarche onset (12.0–13.39 years) and menstrual irregularities.
- Delayed puberty was more prevalent in polyarticular and oligoarticular JIA subtypes.
- Steroid use, JIA subtype, disease duration, and age at onset were key influencing factors.
Conclusions:
- Pubertal disorders are common in JIA, particularly in polyarticular and systemic subtypes.
- Early identification and management of influencing factors like steroid use can mitigate pubertal disruptions.
- Further research is needed on puberty's effect on JIA outcomes.
Introduction:
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic inflammatory disease beginning before 16 years. Inflammatory cytokine, medication, and genetic factors may lead to puberty disorders in children with JIA. The main objectives of this systematic review were to elucidate the impact of JIA on puberty and identify the influential factors that disrupt puberty.
Content:
A systematic literature review was performed on pubertal disorders from Medline, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. This systematic review followed the preferred reporting items for systematic review guidelines. The initial search yielded 4,011 articles: identified by Google Scholar (3,880), PubMed (99), and Scopus (940). Finally, 11 articles were retained.
Summary And Outlook:
The age of menarche onset, Tanner stage, and pubertal signs were later compared with controls. The mean age of menarche onset ranged from 12.0 ± 0.3 to 13.39 ± 0.93 years for the JIA girls. This delay was more reported in the polyarticular and oligoarticular subtypes. Menstrual irregularities, metrorrhagia with irregular cycles, primary oligomenorrhea, and secondary amenorrhea were also reported. Factors found to influence delayed menarche and puberty were steroid use, JIA subtype, disease duration, and age at onset. Any studies have focused on the effect of puberty on JIA outcomes. Overall, our review revealed that pubertal disorders are frequent in JIA patients with polyarticular and systemic subtypes. However, some influencing factors remain editable if well-assessed and controlled.
Related Concept Videos
01:20The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
01:29Autoimmune Disorders
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune...
01:20Disorders of the Urinary System
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common urinary system disorders. They are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and can spread to the bladder resulting in cystitis. Pyelonephritis is the result of a UTI that has ascended to the level of the...
01:20Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations