How common is remission in rheumatoid factor-positive juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients? The multicenter Pediatric Rheumatology Academy (PeRA) research group experience.
Pediatr Rheumatol Online J
; 21(1): 72, 2023 Jul 20.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37475055
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
Rheumatoid factor (RF)-positive polyarthritis is the least common type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Functional disability in RF-positive polyarthritis patients is much more severe than in patients with other subtypes; but data on this subtype alone is limited. This study aimed to analyze clinical features, long-term follow-up, treatment response, and remission status in a large multicenter cohort of RF-positive polyarthritis patients.METHODS:
This retrospective study included RF-positive polyarthritis patients that were followed up for ≥ 6 months between 2017 and 2022 by the Pediatric Rheumatology Academy (PeRA)-Research Group (RG). Data on patient demographics, clinical and laboratory characteristics were obtained from medical charts. JIA treatments and duration of treatment were also recorded. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on methotrexate (MTX) response, as follows group 1 MTX responsive, group 2 MTX unresponsive. Clinical and laboratory findings were compared between the 2 groups.RESULTS:
The study included 56 (45 female and 11 male) patients. The median age at onset of RF-positive polyarthritis was 13.2 years [(interquartile range) (IQR) 9.0-15.0 years] and the median duration of follow-up was 41.5 months (IQR 19.5-75.7 months). Symmetrical arthritis affecting the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints of the hands was commonly observed. Subcutaneous MTX was the preferred initial treatment; however, it was ineffective in 39 (69.6%) of the patients. Of 25 patients followed for 24 months, 56% still had active disease at 24 months.CONCLUSION:
During 2 years of treatment, 44% of RF-positive polyarthritis patients have inactive disease, and they should be considered as a distinct and important clinical entity requiring aggressive and early treatment.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Arthritis, Juvenile
/
Rheumatology
Type of study:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Observational_studies
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Child
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
En
Journal:
Pediatr Rheumatol Online J
Year:
2023
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Turkey