Clinicolaboratory Profile and Follow-up Study of Children with Oligoarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Anil Kumar Tennelli, Dastagirsab Mamadapur, Vijaysimha, Ruchita Parshwa Naik, Ranjitha M
Author(s)
1Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. 2Senior Resident, Department of Paediatrics, Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. 3Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital, Hoskote, Karnataka, India. 4Senior Resident, Department of Paediatrics, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College and Hospital, Sangli, Maharashtra, India. 5Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatric Medicine, Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Background: Oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (OJIA) is the commonest subtype of juvenile idiopathic arthritis and is associated with chronic synovitis, joint deformity, and uveitis. Data regarding its clinical profile and outcomes from India remain limited. The aim is to assess the clinical and laboratory profile of children with oligoarticular JIA and evaluate their treatment response and outcome during follow-up. Material and Methods: This prospective and retrospective observational study was conducted at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, Bengaluru, between August 2022 and February 2024. Children diagnosed with oligoarticular JIA according to ILAR criteria were enrolled and followed for one year. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, ophthalmological, treatment, and outcome data were collected and analysed using SPSS version 25.0. Results: A total of 101 children were enrolled, of whom 82 completed one-year follow-up. Females constituted 64.4% of the study population, and the median age at disease onset was 5.75 years. The knee was the most commonly affected joint (77.2%). ANA positivity was observed in 29.7% of children, while uveitis developed in 14.6% of those completing follow-up and was more frequent among ANA-positive patients. Methotrexate was administered to 90.2% of patients, intra-articular corticosteroids to 50.0%, and TNF inhibitors to 7.3%. At one year, 68.3% achieved inactive disease, 58.5% were in remission on medication, 9.8% achieved remission off medication, and joint deformity was present in 9.8%. Conclusion: Early diagnosis according to ILAR criteria and prompt institution of methotrexate-based therapy resulted in favorable disease control in most children. Regular ophthalmological screening, particularly in ANA-positive patients, remains essential for early detection and management of uveitis.

Keywords: Oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, ILAR, antinuclear antibody, uveitis, methotrexate, remission.

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