How common is remission in rheumatoid factor-positive juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients? The multicenter Pediatric Rheumatology Academy (PeRA) research group experience


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Ozdel S., SÖNMEZ H. E., Çağlayan Ş., Akgün Ö., AYDIN T., BABA Ö., ...Daha Fazla

Pediatric Rheumatology, cilt.21, sa.1, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 21 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2023
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1186/s12969-023-00860-5
  • Dergi Adı: Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Arthritis, Idiopathic, Juvenile, Rheumatoid factor
  • Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

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.