Clinical Characteristics of Adolescents With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Transitioning to Adult Rheumatology Care in Canada: Results From the CAPRI Registry.

OBJECTIVE: Using Canadian Alliance of Pediatric Rheumatology Investigators (CAPRI) juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) registry data, we describe (1) clinical characteristics of patients with JIA transitioning to adult care, (2) prevalence of disease-related damage and complications, and (3) changes in disease activity during the final year prior to transfer. METHODS: Registry participants who turned 17 years between February 2017 and November 2021 were included. Clinical characteristics and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) at the last recorded pediatric rheumatology visit, and changes observed in the year prior to that visit were analyzed. Physicians completed an additional questionnaire characterizing cumulative disease-related damage and adverse events by age 17 years. RESULTS: At their last visit, 88 of 131 participants (67%) had inactive and 42 (32%) had active disease. Overall, 96 (73%) were on medications and 41 (31%) were on biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Among 80 participants for whom the additional questionnaire was completed, 26% had clinically detected joint damage, 31% had joint damage on imaging, 14% had uveitis, and 7.5% had experienced at least 1 serious adverse event. During the final year, 44.2% of patients were in remission, 28.4% attained inactive disease, and 27.4% became or remained active. Mean scores of PROs were stable overall during that last year, but a minority reported marked worsening. CONCLUSION: A substantial proportion of youth with JIA transitioning to adult care in Canada had a high disease burden, which was reflected by their degree of disease activity, joint damage, or ongoing medication use. These results will inform pediatric and adult providers of anticipated needs during transition of care.

A decade of progress in juvenile idiopathic athritis treatments and outcomes in Canada: results from ReACCh-Out and the CAPRI registry.

OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) treatments and outcomes in Canada, comparing a 2005-2010 and a 2017-2021 inception cohorts. METHODS: Patients enrolled within three months of diagnosis in the Research in Arthritis in Canadian Children Emphasizing Outcomes (ReACCh-Out) and the Canadian Alliance of Pediatric Rheumatology Investigators Registry (CAPRI) cohorts were included. Cumulative incidences of drug starts and outcome attainment within 70 weeks of diagnosis were compared with Kaplan Meier survival analysis and multivariable Cox regression. RESULTS: The 2005-2010 and 2017-2021 cohorts included 1128 and 721 patients, respectively. JIA category distribution and baseline clinical juvenile idiopathic arthritis disease activity (cJADAS10) scores at enrolment were comparable. By 70 weeks, 6% of patients (95% CI 5, 7) in the 2005-2010 and 26% (23, 30) in the 2017-2021 cohort had started a biologic DMARD (bDMARD), and 43% (40, 47) and 60% (56, 64) had started a conventional DMARD (cDMARD), respectively. Outcome attainment was 64% (61, 67) and 83% (80, 86) for Inactive disease (Wallace criteria), 69% (66, 72) and 84% (81, 87) for minimally active disease (cJADAS10 criteria), 57% (54, 61) and 63% (59, 68) for pain control (<1/10), and 52% (47, 56) and 54% (48, 60) for a good health-related quality of life. CONCLUSION: Although baseline disease characteristics were comparable in the 2005-2010 and 2017-2021 cohorts, cDMARD and bDMARD use increased with a concurrent increase in minimally active and inactive disease. Improvements in parent and patient reported outcomes were smaller than improvements in disease activity.

Long-term outcomes and disease course of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis in the ReACCh-Out cohort: a two-centre experience.

OBJECTIVE: To assess long-term outcomes of children with JIA diagnosed in the biologic era. METHODS: Chart review of patients prospectively enrolled in the Research in Arthritis in Canadian Children Emphasizing Outcomes inception cohort at two Canadian centres. Inactive disease and remission were defined according to Wallace criteria. RESULTS: We included 247 of 254 (97%) eligible patients diagnosed 2005-10. At the last follow-up visit at a median age of 16.9 years, 47% were in remission off medications, 25% in remission on medications and 27% had active disease; 51% were on at least one anti-rheumatic medication (22% on biologics). Patients with systemic JIA had the highest frequency of remission off medications (70%) and patients with RF-positive polyarthritis had the lowest (18%) (P <0.05 by Fisher's exact test). Among 99 patients with oligoarthritis at enrolment, 14 (14%) had an oligoarthritis extended course. Forty-five patients (18%) had at least one erosion or joint space narrowing in X-rays or MRI, and two (0.8%) required joint replacement. CONCLUSION: Relative to historical cohorts, this study suggests a reduction in JIA permanent damage, a more favourable prognosis for systemic JIA and a lower progression to oligoarthritis extended category. However, in an era of biologic therapy, one in four patients with JIA still enter adulthood with active disease and one in two still on treatment.

Real-World Effectiveness of Common Treatment Strategies for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Results From a Canadian Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: Undervaluing the effectiveness of conventional treatments may lead to overtreatment with biologic medications in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Using data from a nationwide inception cohort and strict methods to control bias, the aim of our study was to estimate the real-world effectiveness of simple JIA treatment strategies recommended in current guidelines. METHODS: Children with JIA who were recruited at 16 Canadian centers from 2005 to 2010 were followed for up to 5 years. For each child, all observed treatment changes over time were assessed by independent physicians using prospectively collected data and published response criteria. Success was defined as attainment of inactive disease or maintenance of this state when stepping down treatment; minimally active disease was deemed acceptable for children with polyarticular JIA. Success rates were calculated for treatments tried ≥25 times, and logistic regression analysis identified features associated with success. RESULTS: A total of 4,429 treatment episodes were observed in 1,352 children. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) monotherapy was attempted 697 times, mostly as initial treatment when <5 joints were involved, with a 54.4% success rate (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 50.3-58.6). NSAIDs plus joint injections had a 64.7% success rate (95% CI 59.8-69.7). Adding methotrexate to NSAIDs and/or joint injections (attempted 566 times) had a 60.5% success rate (95% CI 55.7-65.3). In adjusted analyses, each additional active joint reduced chances of success for treatment with NSAIDs (odds ratio [OR] 0.90 [95% CI 0.85-0.94]) and for methotrexate combinations (OR 0.96 [95% CI 0.94-0.99]). Each additional year after disease onset reduced chances of success for treatment with methotrexate combinations (OR 0.83 [95% CI 0.72-0.95]). CONCLUSION: These real-world effectiveness estimates show that conventional nonbiologic treatment strategies that are recommended in current guidelines are effective in achieving treatment targets in many children with JIA.

Power Color Doppler and Spectral Doppler Ultrasonography to Evaluate Response to Intra-articular Steroid Injection in Knee Joints in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of ultrasonographic indices (Color Fraction and Resistive Index) in assessing the effect of intra-articular steroid (IAS) injection on synovial inflammation in knee joints of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) patients and to determine the correlation between these ultrasonographic indices and clinical and laboratory parameters in JIA patients after IAS. METHODS: Twenty seven patients of JIA and equal number of age and sex matched healthy controls were enrolled. Thirty six knee joints were injected with IAS. Duration of morning stiffness, swelling score, tenderness score, range of motion, visual analogue scale for pain, Physician global assessment of disease activity, Patient/Parent assessment of general well being, Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), synovial thickness, synovial effusion, Color fraction (CF) and Resistive index (RI) were measured at base line and at one and two months of follow-up. RESULTS: At baseline, a significant difference was found in ESR, CRP, CF and RI values between cases and controls. A significant decrease in various clinical, core set variables and ultrasonographic parameters was observed at each follow-up. Synovial thickness, synovial effusion and CF decreased by 51.78%, 64.67% and 49.35% respectively and range of motion and RI increased by 166% and 31.94% respectively at second follow-up. Both CF and RI showed a significant correlation with active joint count. Both CF and RI had a high inter and intra-class correlation. CONCLUSIONS: Power Color Doppler and Spectral Doppler ultrasonographic indices (CF and RI) may have a role in assessment of the response to IAS injection of inflamed knee joints.

Idiopathic musculoskeletal pain in Indian children-Prevalence and impact on daily routine.

OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence of idiopathic musculoskeletal pain (IMSP) in school going children and its impact on daily life. METHODS: One thousand eighteen apparently healthy school children aged 5-16 years were assessed and analysed for IMSP and its associated problems. Standard tests for significance were applied. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-five (16.2%) children mostly males (55.2%) reported IMSP. Lower limbs (52.1%) were the most common location of pain. More than 1 year of pain history was present in 15%. Thirty-seven percent children complained of discomfort during walking, 30.9%, had pain during physical exercise, 29.2% had difficulty attending lessons and 4.2% had interference in pursuing hobbies. The children were also further sub grouped into preadolescents and adolescents. There was significant difference in pain duration and duration of each pain episode in the two groups (p=0.01). A significant number of children (21.2%) with IMSP reported school absenteeism (p<0.001). A significant number of adolescents had history positive for contact sports (p=0.001). Sleep disturbances were also reported to be higher in children with IMSP (29% vs. 5.7%, p=0.001). Other associated problems in children with IMSP found were day time tiredness (51.1%), headache (47.3%) and abdominal pain (24.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of IMSP in school children aged 5-16 yrs was found to be 16.2% and a significant percentage of these children experience interference with daily activities including school absenteeism.

Idiopathic Musculoskeletal Pain in Indian children-Prevalence and Impact on Daily Routine / Prevalência e impacto nas atividades diárias da dor musculoesquelética idiopática em crianças da Índia

ABSTRACT Objectives: To study the prevalence of idiopathic musculoskeletal pain (IMSP) in school going children and its impact on daily life. Methods: One thousand eighteen apparently healthy school children aged 5–16 years were assessed and analysed for IMSP and its associated problems. Standard tests for significance were applied. Results: One hundred and sixty-five (16.2%) children mostly males (55.2%) reported IMSP. Lower limbs (52.1%) were the most common location of pain. More than 1 year of pain history was present in 15%. Thirty-seven percent children complained of discomfort during walking, 30.9%, had pain during physical exercise, 29.2% had difficulty attending lessons and 4.2% had interference in pursuing hobbies. The children were also further sub grouped into preadolescents and adolescents. There was significant difference in pain duration and duration of each pain episode in the two groups (p = 0.01). A significant number of children (21.2%) with IMSP reported school absenteeism (p < 0.001). A significant number of adolescents had history positive for contact sports (p = 0.001). Sleep disturbances were also reported to be higher in children with IMSP (29% vs. 5.7%, p = 0.001). Other associated problems in children with IMSP found were day time tiredness (51.1%), headache (47.3%) and abdominal pain (24.8%). Conclusions: Prevalence of IMSP in school children aged 5–16 yrs was found to be 16.2% and a significant percentage of these children experience interference with daily activities including school absenteeism.

RESUMO Objetivos: Estudar a prevalência de dor musculoesquelética idiopática (DMEI) em crianças em idade escolar e seu impacto nas atividades diárias. Métodos: Foram avaliadas e analisadas 1.018 crianças em idade escolar aparentemente saudáveis entre cinco e 16 anos quanto à presença de DMEI e seus problemas associados. Foram aplicados os testes de significância padrão. Resultados: Relataram DMEI 165 (16,2%) crianças, em sua maior parte do sexo masculino (55,2%). Os membros inferiores (52,1%) foram a localização mais comum da dor. A história de dor presente havia mais de um ano foi encontrada em 15% das crianças; 37% delas queixaram-se de desconforto durante a caminhada, 30,9%, tinham dor durante o exercício físico, 29,2% tinham dificuldade de frequentar as aulas e 4,2% sofriam interferência na participação em passatempos. As crianças foram ainda subagrupadas em pré-adolescentes e adolescentes. Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na duração da dor e na duração de cada episódio de dor nos dois grupos (p = 0,01). Uma quantidade significativa de crianças com DMEI (21,2%) relatou absentismo escolar (p < 0,001). Uma quantidade significativa de adolescentes tinha história positiva de prática de esportes de contato (p = 0,001). Os distúrbios do sono também foram relatados como maiores em crianças com DMEI (29% vs. 5,7%, p = 0,001). Outros problemas associados encontrados em crianças com DMEI foram o cansaço durante o dia (51,1%), a cefaleia (47,3%) e a dor abdominal (24,8%). Conclusões: A prevalência de DMEI encontrada em crianças entre cinco e 16 anos foi de 16,2%. Uma percentagem significativa dessas crianças relata interferência nas atividades diárias, incluindo absentismo escolar.

[Idiopathic musculoskeletal pain in Indian Children-prevalence and impact on daily routine]. / Prevalência e impacto nas atividades diárias da dor musculoesquelética idiopática em crianças da Índia.

OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence of idiopathic musculoskeletal pain (IMSP) in school going children and its impact on daily life. METHODS: One thousand eighteen apparently healthy school children aged 5-16 years were assessed and analysed for IMSP and its associated problems. Standard tests for significance were applied. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty five (16.2%) children mostly males (55.2%) reported IMSP. Lower limbs (52.1%) were the most common location of pain. More than 1 year of pain history was present in 15%. Thirty seven percent children complained of discomfort during walking, 30.9%, had pain during physical exercise, 29.2% had difficulty attending lessons and 4.2% had interference in pursuing hobbies. The children were also further sub grouped into preadolescents and adolescents. There was significant difference in pain duration and duration of each pain episode in the two groups (p=0.01). A significant number of children (21.2%) with IMSP reported school absenteeism (p<0.001). A significant number of adolescents had history positive for contact sports (p=0.001). Sleep disturbances were also reported to be higher in children with IMSP (29% vs. 5.7%, p=0.001). Other associated problems in children with IMSP found were day time tiredness (51.1%), headache (47.3%) and abdominal pain (24.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of IMSP in school children aged 5-16 yrs was found to be 16.2% and a significant percentage of these children experience interference with daily activities including school absenteeism.