Clinical and Demographic Profile of Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in a Tertiary Care Center in Mumbai, Western India

Abstract

Abstract Background: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the most common cause of chronic rheumatic disease affecting children younger than 16 years of age and lasting six weeks or longer. It causes both short-term and long-term disability. There are very few epidemiological studies from western India on JIA. The objectives of this study were to identify the clinical and demographic profile of JIA patients and compare to existing epidemiological data. Material and Methods: It was a retrospective observational study carried out at BJ Wadia Hospital for children in Mumbai, over a period of 30 months. The analysis of their clinical, demographic and treatment profile was done. Results: We had a total of 61 cases, 31 were male and 30 female. Maximum cases were of SoJIA and ERA (n=18 in each, 29.5%), followed by polyarticular JIA (n=16, 26.2%) and oligoarticular JIA (n=8, 13.1%). Knee (75.4%) was the commonest joint involved. Two patients had uveitis (one with chronic and other with acute anterior uveitis). The mean ESR was 72mm and CRP 45.87mg/dL. ANA was positive in 7 patients, whereas RF in 3 patients. There was a mean 6 months delay in their diagnosis, maximum being in polyarticular JIA with 11 months dealy. All patient were treated with NSAIDs (naproxen or indomathacin). cDmards were given for treatment - either methotrexate or sulfasalzine. Twelve were given biologicals DMARDs. Conclusion: SoJIA and ERA followed by polyarticular JIA were most common subtypes of JIA in our study. Uveitis and ANA positivity were rare findings in our subset of children.