Study on clinico-serological profile of juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children

Background: Chronic arthritis, the most common chronic rheumatic disease of childhood, is one of the more frequent chronic illnesses of children. Besides clinical examination, various hematological and immunological markers are being used to diagnose Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). The present study was designed to be conducted in our institution to find out the clinico-serological profile of JIA. Materials and Methods: All children under 14 years, attending the OPD and suspected to be suffering from Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, during September 2010 to September 2012 were included in the study. They were screened for the diagnosis of JIA. All the cases were subjected to hematological, immunological, biochemical and radiological investigation. Analysis was made on clinico-serological profile of the disease. Results: Majority out of 40 cases belonged to the age group 5-10 years and males out-numbered the females. Pallor was present in 100% of SOJIA and Polyarticular RF +ve JIA, 78.5% in Polyarticular RF –ve JIA, and 60% of Enthesitis related arthritis (ERA). In systemic onset JIA, soft tissue swelling was found in 66.67% cases. No cases of psoriatic arthritis or undifferentiated types were detected. Juxta articular osteoporosis was found in 66.67% cases. Methotrexate, Oral steroid and Hydroxychloroquine were the drugs used for most of the varieties of JIA. Conclusion: Even though, different varieties of JIA were detected, no cases of psoriatic arthritis or undifferentiated types were found. Chronic arthritis in childhood shows very diverse clinical pattern. JIA is like an iceberg, the diagnosis of which is usually missed due to lack of definite diagnostic parameters and less accessibility of the common man to the health facility.