AB1042 THE EFFECT OF INTRA-ARTICULAR STEROID INJECTION ON THE CARTILAGE THICKNESS IN JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS

Abstract

Background Intra-articular corticosteroid injection is a choice in the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), especially in large and few joints involvement. Intra-articular steroid injection provides relief in active synovitis but its effects on cartilage are controversial. Objectives The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of intra-articular steroid injection on distal femoral cartilage thickness in patients with JIA by ultrasonography. Methods Distal femoral cartilage thicknesses were measured before the procedure and 6 months later by ultrasonography in the patients that were injected an intra-articular steroid to the knee. Results The mean age of the patients was 12.1±4,8 years. Nine of patients were girls and 2 were boys. The mean disease duration was 5,1±4,2 years. Ten patients had oligoarticular JIA and one patient had enthesitis-related arthritis. The number of patients injected to the right knee was 3, the left knee was 5 and both the knee was 3. The femoral cartilage thickness before the procedure was 3.0 mm [min-max 2.0-3.65 mm], 6 months after the procedure was 2.95 mm [min-max 2.0-3.55 mm] and there was no statistical difference (p>0,05). Conclusion In this study, no effect of intra-articular steroid treatment on cartilage was observed. However, the number of patients is lack. Therefore, we planned a comprehensive study with more patients.