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A Rat Tibial Growth Plate Injury Model to Characterize Repair Mechanisms and Evaluate Growth Plate Regeneration Strategies
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Methotrexate use in juvenile idiopathic arthritis and its impact on growth plate development: A prospective

Shreyansh Ahirwar1, Prashant Panale2, Chetan Shokeen3

  • 1Department of Dentistry, District Hospital, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Bioinformation
|December 15, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Methotrexate (MTX) therapy in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) may subtly impact children's growth. This study found reduced growth velocity and subtle skeletal changes in MTX-exposed children, underscoring the need for monitoring.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Skeletal Biology

Background:

  • Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting children.
  • Growth plate and bone elongation can be disrupted in JIA.
  • The effects of Methotrexate (MTX), a common JIA therapy, on skeletal development are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of MTX on growth plate morphology, growth velocity, and biochemical markers in children with JIA.

Main Methods:

  • 40 children with JIA were divided into MTX-exposed and non-MTX groups.
  • Evaluated growth plate morphology via imaging, growth velocity using height-for-age Z-scores, and biochemical markers (IGF-1, ALP, Vitamin D) over 12 months.

Main Results:

  • The MTX group exhibited significantly reduced growth velocity (ΔZ = 0.31 vs. 0.58, p < 0.01).
  • Increased epiphyseal irregularities were observed on MRI in the MTX group (35% vs. 5%).
  • Lower IGF-1 and ALP levels were noted in the MTX group compared to controls.

Conclusions:

  • MTX therapy may subtly affect skeletal growth in children with JIA.
  • Findings suggest potential, though not severe, skeletal alterations.
  • Longitudinal monitoring of growth is recommended for children with JIA receiving MTX treatment.

Keywords:
IGF-1Juvenile idiopathic arthritisMRIgrowth plategrowth velocitymethotrexatepediatric rheumatology

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