Are the nutritional status and growth parameters of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis akin to their healthy peers? A single-center experience

Abstract

ObjectiveThe proper nutrition is significant for growth achievement in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). In this study, the aim was to analyze the growth parameters and nutritional status of children with JIA and then compare them with their healthy peers. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 54 patients with JIA and the same number of healthy peers. Growth parameters z-scores and nutrient distributions were analyzed and compared with a control group and among disease subgroups. ResultsWhile the height of the control group was significantly higher than the patient group, they were similar in terms of body weight and body mass index (BMI) (p<0.001, p=0.33, p=0.14, respectively). Body weight and BMI z scores of patients with high disease activity at the last visit were significantly lower (p=0.03, p=0.01, respectively). Both groups had similar energy and protein requirement meeting percentages (p=0.62, p=0.51). Patients had higher carbohydrate intake (p=0.04), fat intake was higher in controls (p=0.02). Energy obtained from junk food was higher in patients with entesitis related arthritis (ERA) compared to oligoarticular JIA and polyarticular JIA (p=0.03). Micronutrient intake in the ERA group was significantly lower for vitamin E, C, and folate (p=0.02, p=0.03, p<0.001). ConclucionIn our cohort, patients had a lower height score, as they have a diet characterized by adequate energy/protein and carbohydrate, high fat intake, this may be a reflection of disease activity. Although some of the micronutrient intakes were less than normal in both groups, significant deficiencies were identified in the ERA group.