Juvenile Inflammatory Arthritis Research Articles

Total hip arthroplasty in adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has demonstrated excellent results in elderly patients, however, the indications, outcomes, and long-term results in adolescent patients are less understood. This study aims to assess the outcomes of THA in patients under 21, providing insights for clinical decision-making in this exceptional population. A systematic review in PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Embase database was performed. We included studies reporting clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes of THA in patients younger than 21years, for any cause, with a with a minimum follow-up of oneyear. The tenyear survivorship estimate was pooled using a meta-analysis methodology and each study was weighted according to its standard error, calculated from published confidence intervals. We included 25 studies involving 1166 hips. Median age was 17years old, 60% were females, and the average follow-up was 8.1years. Juvenile inflammatory arthritis was the main indication for total hip arthroplasty (THA). The all-cause revision rate was 14.4% and aseptic loosening was the most common cause. Only eight studies reported tenyear survival rates and form the pooled analysis an 84.91% survival rate (95% CI 70.56 - 99.27) was obtained. An average score of 88.08 in the Harris Hip Score (HHS) was observed. We found a 3.43% complication rate. Hip arthroplasty is an acceptable option for adolescents with end-stage arthritis. However, the altered hip anatomy, the elevated revision rate, and the long-term implant survival must be considered before performing a THA in adolescent patients.

Accessing care during the pandemic: A UK wide survey of people with rheumatoid arthritis and adult juvenile inflammatory arthritis during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 drastically changed healthcare delivery models for rheumatology services. We sought to understand the impact of these changes for patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and adult Juvenile Inflammatory Arthritis (AJIA) in established patients and those newly diagnosed during the pandemic. RESULTS: Of the 316 participants, a significant proportion regularly used analgesics (45.4%, n=119), corticosteroids (17.9%, n=47) and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs [(NSAIDs) (36.6%, n=96)]. Two thirds of participants (66.5%, n=210) did not know their Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28). Of the remaining third, moderate disease activity (12%, n=38) was most reported. We found that 16.8% (n=53) felt their condition was managed well during the pandemic. The remainder felt more negatively. For the newly diagnosed cohort, 34.5% (n=10) delayed seeking GP help because of COVID-19 concerns. Once assessed, a quarter (24.1%, n=7) were referred to rheumatology after 4 or more consultations. We found 47% (n=77) expressed positive opinions on remote consultations, whereas 36% (n=59) had concerns. The lack of clinical examination (42.5%, n=25) was flagged. Changing the dynamic from health worker to a patient centred approach was the most wished for improvement (20.3%, n=64). CONCLUSIONS: Most participants did not know their disease activity status, which is of concern. With a push towards patient-centred and patient-led care, education and supported self-management is critically important. There is high use of NSAIDs and corticosteroids. Pathways of care underwent change with subsequent delays in specialist assessment. The introduction of patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU) and virtual consultations further distances healthcare professionals from patients and could affect outcomes.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on referrals to musculoskeletal services from primary care and subsequent incidence of inflammatory rheumatic musculoskeletal disease: an observational study.

The aim was to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon referral patterns and incident diagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (iRMDs). UK primary care data were used to describe referral patterns for patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Trends in referrals to musculoskeletal services and incident diagnoses of iRMDs (specifically, RA and JIA) were described using Joinpoint Regression and comparisons made between key pandemic time periods. The incidence of RA and JIA reduced by -13.3 and -17.4% per month, respectively, between January 2020 and April 2020, then increased by 1.9 and 3.7% per month, respectively, between April 2020 and October 2021. The incidence of all diagnosed iRMDs was stable until October 2021. Referrals decreased between February 2020 and May 2020 by -16.8% per month from 4.8 to 2.4% in patients presenting with a musculoskeletal condition. After May 2020, referrals increased significantly (16.8% per month) to 4.5% in July 2020. The time from first musculoskeletal consultation to RA diagnosis and from referral to RA diagnosis increased in the early pandemic period [rate ratio (RR) 1.11, 95% CI 1.07, 1.15 and RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.17, 1.30, respectively] and remained consistently higher in the late pandemic period (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.11, 1.16 and RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.23, 1.32, respectively), compared with the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period. Patients with underlying RA and JIA that developed during the pandemic might be yet to present or might be in the referral and/or diagnostic process. Clinicians should remain alert to this possibility, and commissioners should be aware of these findings, enabling the appropriate planning and commissioning of services.

P103 The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on primary care referrals and new diagnoses of inflammatory arthritis

Abstract Background/Aims The COVID-19 pandemic abruptly changed healthcare delivery. This study describes the impact the pandemic had on time to referral and diagnosis of inflammatory arthropathies (IA), including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile inflammatory arthritis (JIA), in patients presenting in primary care with musculoskeletal problems. Methods Data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) Aurum were analysed from 01/04/17 to 01/10/2021 to describe episodes of care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions for pre-COVID-19 (01/04/2017-31/03/2020), peri-COVID-19 (01/04/2020-31/07/2021), and post-COVID-19 lockdown (01/08/2020-31/10/2021) periods. Prevalent and incident musculoskeletal consultations were determined. Referrals were matched to these consultations. Trends in referrals to musculoskeletal services and further incident diagnoses of IA were described using Joinpoint Regression and comparisons made between time-periods. Negative binomial regression was used to compare incident rates between time-periods of: RA/JIA/IA diagnosis and referral from first musculoskeletal consultation; and RA/JIA/IA diagnosis from first referral. The number of consultations between first musculoskeletal consultation and referral/diagnosis were described. Results were adjusted for age and sex and further stratified by geographical region and deprivation. Results The incidence rate of RA and JIA reduced by average -13.32% (from 31.98 per 1,000,000 to 17.15 per 1,000,000) and -17.43% (from 1.77 per 1,000,000 to 0.97 per 1,000,000) per month respectively between January 2020 and April 2020, then increased by 1.9% (from 17.15 per 1,000,000 to 25.22 per 1,000,000) and 3.7% (from 0.97 per 1,000,000 to 1.28 per 1,000,000) per month respectively between April 2020 and October 2021. Referral incidence decreased between February 2020 and May 2020 by -16.8% per month in patients presenting with a musculoskeletal condition. After May 2020, referrals increased significantly (16.8% per month) July 2020. Time from first musculoskeletal consultation to RA diagnosis, and referral to RA diagnosis increased in the peri-COVID-19 period (IRR 1.11, 95%CI 1.07-1.15; IRR 1.23, 95%CI 1.17-1.30) and remained consistent in the post-COVID-19 (IRR 1.13, 95%CI 1.11-1.16; IRR 1.27, 95%CI 1.23-1.32) periods respectively, compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. Similarly, number of consultations between first musculoskeletal consultation and referral/RA diagnosis reduced significantly in the peri-COVID-19 (IRR 0.92, 95%CI 0.88-0.96) and post-COVID-19 (IRR 0.92, 95%CI 0.90-0.95) periods. No change was observed between first musculoskeletal consultation and first referral. Similar results were observed for IA but not for JIA. Conclusion Patients with RA/JIA onset during the pandemic may be yet to present or are currently transitioning through referral and diagnosis. Primary care clinicians should remain alert to possible IA diagnosis and consider fast-track referral pathways where indicated. Patients developing incident episodes of IA may display a prodrome of other musculoskeletal symptoms and conditions, which alone may not warrant referral but in combination require further investigation. Commissioners should be alert to these findings to allow for the appropriate planning and commissioning of services. Disclosure R. Bajpai: None. C. Burton: None. K.J. Mason: None. J. Bailey: None. M. Frisher: None. K.P. Jordan: None. C.D. Mallen: None. V. Welsh: None.

Functional and Patient-related Outcomes of Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients Younger Than 20 Years.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in adolescent and young adults represent only about 10% of all THAs. Despite the advances in hip conservation surgery, there are still adolescents and young adults who progress to severe joint degeneration. THA seems to be the last solution in these cases. We aimed to assess the clinical and patient-related outcomes at short-term to midterm follow-up for THAs performed before the age of 20 years. We performed a retrospective monocentric study including all patients that underwent a THA before the age of 20 years between January 2008 and December 2018 at our tertiary orthopaedic center with a minimum follow-up of 2years. Demographic data were recorded. The Harris and Oxford hip scores were used to assess clinical and patient-related outcomes. A total of 11 patients (12 THAs) were included. Juvenile inflammatory arthritis and avascular necrosis due to slipped capital femoral epiphysis were the most commonly encountered etiologies. The mean age at surgery was 16 years (minimum 13, maximum 19 years). The mean follow-up duration was 6 years (minimum 2, maximum 9 years) without any revision. Regarding the Harris and Oxford hip scores, the mean score were 81 and 39.5 for clinical and patient-related outcomes respectively. The Spearman correlation test revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between the 2 scores of ρ= 0.811 with a P value < .001. THA in adolescents and young adults suffering from end-stage osteoarthritis due to pediatric hip disorders provides improved hip function and notable pain relief at short-term to midterm follow-up.

Role of Wrist Arthroscopy in Juvenile Inflammatory Arthritis.

Background and Purposes The wrist is the fourth most common joint to be involved in juvenile inflammatory arthritis (JIA), which is a common rheumatological condition affecting children. Wrist arthroscopy is well established in rheumatoid arthritis, but remains unexplored in JIA. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of wrist arthroscopy in JIA, with focus on those who are refractory to medical management. Methods This is a prospective observational study, including consecutive patients with JIA undergoing arthroscopy between January 2016 and December 2020. Those over the age of 18 years and those with other rheumatological diagnoses were excluded. Data including pre-, intra-, and postoperative variables, demographics, and patient-reported outcomes were collated and are reported using standard measures. Results A total of 15 patients underwent arthroscopy ( n = 20 wrists). Synovitis was noted in all wrists on arthroscopy and synovectomy was performed in all cases. Other procedures were performed as indicated during the procedure. The median follow-up duration was 11.3 (interquartile range [IQR] 8.1-24.2) months. Median reduction of 4 (IQR 2.25-6) points on the Visual Analogue Score for pain on loading was noted postoperatively. Grip strength was improved in n = 11/20 wrists and functional improvement was noted in n = 18/20 wrists. Restriction of range of motion was achieved with a shrinkage procedure in patients with hypermobile joints. There were no postoperative complications, and no patients were lost to follow-up. Conclusion In experienced hands, wrist arthroscopy is feasible, safe, and efficacious in the management of JIA, among patients who are refractory to medical management. Level of Evidence This is a Level II study.

692. Coccidioides sp. Infective Endocarditis: A Review of the Literature

BackgroundDespite the endemic nature of Coccidioides sp. to the American Southwest, the incidence Coccidioides sp. infective endocarditis (CIE) is rare. Following successful treatment of a patient with CIE at our institution, we reviewed the literature to identify trends in disease presentation, patient characteristics, and outcomes.MethodsWe reviewed all cases of CIE reported since 1938. Details including patient demographics, underlying immunodeficiency, time to diagnosis, treatment, and outcome were collected for analysis of diagnostic challenges and survival.ResultsIncluding ours, we identified 11 published cases of CIE. The majority (7) occurred in men. 5 patients were of either African American or Hispanic descent. Of the 10 patients with reported ages, the median age was 35.5 years (range 3 weeks – 61 years). 5 patients had a previous diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis and only 3 had an immunocompromising condition. These comprised pregnancy, heart transplant, and juvenile inflammatory arthritis. Three cases had multi-valvular involvement, but the majority affected the mitral (5) and the aortic (4) valves. Only 2 of the 11 cases involved a prosthetic valve. Of the 8 cases with reported blood cultures, only 2 were positive. Ten of the 11 cases had extra-cardiac disease. Complement fixation (CF) titers were heterogenous with a median of 1:32 and a range of 1:1 to 1:2048. There was no obvious correlation between a patient’s CF titer and their survival. Average time to diagnosis was 3.5 months (range 2.5 – 36 months). Diagnosis was made post-mortem in 4 of the 11 cases. 6 patients (54%) did not survive. Notably, 2 of the fatal cases preceded the discovery of amphotericin B (1969) and 4 occurred prior to the discovery of fluconazole (1990). Of the five patients that survived, four required surgical intervention in addition to azole therapy.ConclusionCIE is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The diagnosis itself is rare, culture incubation times are long, and the symptoms are often non-specific thus delaying definitive therapy. The introduction of azole therapy appears to have had significant impact on rates of survival. Despite this, successful management of CIE still requires concurrent surgical intervention with aggressive, indefinite anti-fungal therapy.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

General Principles of the Surgical Management of Juvenile Inflammatory Arthritis

Surgical management of Juvenile Inflammatory Arthritis (JIA) presents many challenges for the patient, healthcare team and especially the orthopedic surgeon. Collaborative care efforts must be endorsed early on in order to facilitate maximal postoperative functional ability. Developmental levels, both physically and emotionally must be established preoperatively. It is important to determine bone age and growth plate closure to establish the best surgical intervention and avoid leg-length discrepancies later in life. Emotional maturity may impede the ability of the patient to manage pain or follow directions throughout the recuperative process. Surgical challenges require a team approach that includes rheumatologists who can manage disease modifying agents and the effects of discontinuing medications or planning surgery around dosing regimens in order to decrease immunosuppression. Managing multiple joint issues will require an expert team of occupational and physical therapists to prepare adaptive devices and rehabilitate patients who have significant functional limitations and decreased muscular strength. Because of an anticipated longer and more difficult recovery for JIA patients, case managers must engage in support systems and plan for postoperative care prior to surgery. Implant specific devices need to accommodate small bone structure, bone loss and complex deformities along with diaphyseal or epiphyseal dysplasia. Neurologic assessments will avoid cervical spine compromise during anesthesia administration. Bilateral procedures in the lower extremities should be considered whenever flexion contractures are present and should take place prior to upper extremity joint replacements. Restoring function to the hand and wrist takes priority over elbow and shoulder replacement, respectively. The key factors of appropriate surgical management in JIA patients are to decrease pain, restore function and avoid loss of ambulation at a young age. Extensive preoperative planning and communication with the patient, support system and healthcare team are warranted to address the complexities in this patient population.

Tuberculosis in biologic users for rheumatic diseases: results from the South African Biologics Registry (SABIO)

ObjectivesTo evaluate the rate of tuberculosis (TB) in biologic users for rheumatic diseases in South Africa, the effectiveness of our latent TB infection (LTBI) programme, risk factors and outcome.MethodsTB cases...

The frequency of uveitis in patients with juvenile inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

This meta-analysis investigated the frequency and type of ocular involvement in juvenile inflammatory arthritis (JIA) and other juvenile rheumatic diseases. Medline, Web of Science and Cochrane databases were searched from inception to September 2018 to identify publications related to juvenile arthritis and rheumatic diseases, which reported frequency of Uveitis in juvenile rheumatic conditions and contained at least 20 patients. The prevalence and type of eye complications were extracted, and random effects models estimated their frequency. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I2. In total, 7132 unique citations resulted in 59 articles included. Pooled frequency of uveitis was: 24% in oligoarticular JIA, 12% in polyarticular JIA, 1% in systemic JIA, 50% in pediatric Bechet's, 9% in juvenile psoriatic arthritis, 24% in juvenile spondyloarthropathy and 5% in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus. The most common uveitis in JIA was anterior uveitis, which occurred in 14%; also described as iridocyclitis in 10% of patients. Publication bias was negligible for all conditions except those with few reported studies (juvenile SLE and systemic JIA). Uveitis in JIA was more common in Europe (14%), North America (11%) and the Middle East (12%) than East Asia (7%) and Oceania (3%). Ocular involvement (mostly uveitis) in juvenile inflammatory arthritis and other pediatric rheumatic diseases varied between 3% and 50% depending on the underlying condition; and was highest in pediatric Bechet's. In JIA, the highest frequency of uveitis was in oligoarticular JIA; with anterior uveitis being the most frequent type of uveitis. There was variation geographically for uveitis in JIA.

Facilitating patient-centered care: the development of illustrated multidimensional patient-reported outcome measures for children/adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

To assess the validity, reliability, comprehensibility, and responsiveness to change of an illustrated child/parent multidimensional patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) questionnaire which can assess construct outcome measures of children with juvenile inflammatory arthritis. A total of 122 children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis were included in this work in a multicenter study. The questionnaire included seven categories: (1) functional ability; (2) health-related quality of life; (3) disease activity measures: pain, global assessment, fatigue, and morning stiffness; (4) self-reported joint tenderness; (5) current medication, side effects, and adherence to therapy; (6) comorbidities; and (7) patient motivation. All the items were supported by illustrations to provide children with a visual impression of what was meant by the questions. The questionnaire has parent and patient versions. The disease activity status was assessed using JADAS-27. The questionnaire was reliable as demonstrated by a high-standardized alpha (0.890-0.978). The questionnaire items correlated significantly (p < 0.01) with clinical parameters of disease activity. The patient-reported tender joints correlated significantly with the physician's scores (0.842). Changes in functional disability, quality of life, and the motivation score showed significant variation (p < 0.01) with disease activity status in response to therapy. The illustrated PROMs questionnaire showed also a high degree of comprehensibility (9.6). Integrating PROMs into standard clinical practice is feasible and applicable. The illustrated questionnaire was valid and reliable. It provides an informative, quantitative measure for the disease activity score set data, and in the meantime, facilitates the assessment of the children's adherence to therapy, comorbidities, and motivation on an individual basis.

Infectious and Noninfectious Acute Pericarditis in Children: An 11-Year Experience.

Objective The study was undertaken to determine the etiology, review management, and outcome in children diagnosed with acute pericarditis during 11 years at tertiary pediatric institution. Methods Retrospective chart review of children diagnosed between 2004 and 2014. Patients with postsurgical pericardial effusions were excluded. Results Thirty-two children were identified (median age 10yr/11mo). Pericardiocentesis was performed in 24/32 (75%) patients. The most common cause of pericarditis was infection in 11/32 (34%), followed by inflammatory disorders in 9 (28%). Purulent pericarditis occurred in 5 children including 4 due to Staphylococcus aureus: 2 were methicillin resistant (MRSA). All patients with purulent pericarditis had concomitant infection including soft tissue, bone, or lung infection; all had pericardial drain placement and 2 required pericardiotomy and mediastinal exploration. Other infections were due to Histoplasma capsulatum (2), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (2), Influenza A (1), and Enterovirus (1). Pericarditis/pericardial effusion was the initial presentation in 4 children with systemic lupus erythematosus including one who presented with tamponade and in 2 children who were diagnosed with systemic onset juvenile inflammatory arthritis. Tumors were diagnosed in 2 patients. Five children had recurrent pericarditis. Systemic antibiotics were used in 21/32 (66%) and prednisone was used in 11/32 (34%) patients. Conclusion Infections remain an important cause of pericarditis in children. Purulent pericarditis is most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus and is associated with significant morbidity, need of surgical intervention, and prolonged antibiotic therapy. Echocardiography-guided thoracocentesis remains the preferred diagnostic and therapeutic approach. However, pericardiotomy and drainage are needed when appropriate clinical response is not achieved with percutaneous drainage.

Differential diagnostic perspectives provided by en face microscopic examination of articular surface defects.

Surface defects have a central position in diagnosis of articular pathology. Recognizing the limitations of standard radiologic techniques and those imposed by positioning and averaging artifacts on CT evaluation, direct visualization of surface defects was pursued to identify disease characteristics that would facilitate interpretation of radiologic findings. Epi-illumination surface microscopy was utilized to examine macroscopically recognized articular surface defects in individuals in the Hamann-Todd, Terry, and Huntington human skeletal collections with previously verified diagnoses of rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathy, juvenile inflammatory arthritis (JIA), calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD), gout, metastatic cancer, multiple myeloma, septic arthritis, tuberculosis, fungal arthritis, histiocytosis and sickle cell anemia (Rothschild and Rothschild Clin Infect Dis 20(5):1402-1408, 1995; Rothschild et al. Amer J Phys Anthropol 82(4):441-449, 1990; Rothschild and Rothschild Amer J Phys Anthropol 96(4):357-563, 1995; Rothschild and Woods Clin Exp Rheumatol 10(2):117-122, 1992; Barrett and Keat Radiographics 24(6):1679-1691, 2004; Rothschild and Heathcote Amer J Phys Anthropol 98(4):519-525, 1995; Rothschild and Woods Am J Phys Anthropol 85:25-34, 1991; Hershkovitz et al. Amer J Phys Anthropol 106(1):47-60, 1998; Winland et al. Amer J Phys Anthropol 24:S243, 1997; Rothschild et al. Clin Exp Rheumatol 10(6):557-564, 1992; Rothschild and Martin , 2006; Rothschild et al. Amer J Phys Anthropol 102(2):249-264, 1997). Observed alterations were compared with standard radiographs. Fronts of resorption distinguished inflammatory arthritis from those caused by the other disorders studied. Multiple myeloma, fungal disease, and gout are expansile character; the latter accompanied by reactive new bone formation more prominent than that noted with spondyloarthropathy and JIA. Those were clearly distinguished from the crumbling alterations found with CPPD. Histiocytosis had a unique crenulated appearance, while nodules were prominent with syphilis. Defects in sickle cell anemia had ivory fragments at their base. These findings provided explanation for radiologic observations. Direct surface microscopy revealed characteristics apparently pathognomonic for specific disorders and facilitated distinguishing among them. The technique provides visualization an order of magnitude greater than that available with clinical radiologic techniques and identifies new characteristics which should facilitate clinical diagnoses. This demonstrates that there would be value to the development of higher resolution, clinically applicable imaging techniques.

Juvenile inflammatory arthritis: Development and validation of an illustrated questionnaire for measurement of children’s and adolescents’ motivation

Juvenile inflammatory arthritis: Development and validation of an illustrated questionnaire for measurement of children’s and adolescents’ motivation

CD318 is a ligand for CD6

It has been proposed that CD6, an important regulator of T cells, functions by interacting with its currently identified ligand, CD166, but studies performed during the treatment of autoimmune conditions suggest that the CD6-CD166 interaction might not account for important functions of CD6 in autoimmune diseases. The antigen recognized by mAb 3A11 has been proposed as a new CD6 ligand distinct from CD166, yet the identity of it is hitherto unknown. We have identified this CD6 ligand as CD318, a cell surface protein previously found to be present on various epithelial cells and many tumor cells. We found that, like CD6 knockout (KO) mice, CD318 KO mice are also protected in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. In humans, we found that CD318 is highly expressed in synovial tissues and participates in CD6-dependent adhesion of T cells to synovial fibroblasts. In addition, soluble CD318 is chemoattractive to T cells and levels of soluble CD318 are selectively and significantly elevated in the synovial fluid from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile inflammatory arthritis. These results establish CD318 as a ligand of CD6 and a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and inflammatory arthritis.

Does Methotrexate Enhance Benefit of Intraarticular Steroids in Oligoarticular JIA

Oligoarticular (affecting ≤4 joints) juvenile inflammatory arthritis (JIA) is a common type of pediatric chronic arthritis in white children. It leads

A systematic review of psychosocial therapies for children with rheumatic diseases

BackgroundTo assess the quality of evidence for the effects of psychosocial therapies on pain and function in children with rheumatic diseases.MethodsWe conducted a literature search of MEDLINE and PsycINFO for randomized clinical trials of psychosocial interventions for pain and disability in children with rheumatic diseases from January 1969 to September 2015. Studies with a sample size less than 10 subjects were excluded. Study quality was assessed using the Jadad score.ResultsFive articles met inclusion criteria, for a total of 229 patients, aged 5 to 18 years. Two studies included children with fibromyalgia. Three studies included children with juvenile arthritis. Neither study in fibromyalgia reported the statistical significance of immediate between-group pre-post changes in functioning or pain. One study examining the effects of an internet-based psychosocial intervention in children with juvenile arthritis reported significant differences in post-intervention pain scores (p = 0.03). However, 2 studies did not show improvements in pain scores among children with juvenile arthritis treated with psychosocial interventions vs. a wait-list control or vs. an active control (massage). No studies reported significant between-group differences for functional outcomes in children with juvenile arthritis.ConclusionsThe available data were limited by the scarcity of randomized trials. Definite conclusions about the immediate effect of psychosocial interventions on pain and function in children with fibromyalgia could not be made because between-group comparisons of post-treatment change scores were not reported. For children with juvenile inflammatory arthritis, results of between-group comparisons for pain differed across studies, and analyses examining disability revealed no significant differences between groups.

A case report on Winchester syndrome

Winchester syndrome is a rare inherited disease characterized by severe osteolysis particularly in the hands and feet, generalized osteoporosis and absence of subcutaneous nodules. It is a group of hereditary metabolic diseases in which certain enzymes are lacking or defective that would normally break down molecules into smaller units, which leads to the accumulation of molecules in cells and tissues. A middle-aged female who is a known case of Juvenile inflammatory arthritis presented with complaints of deformities in hands, feet, knees, and hip joints. She was short stature and the random of motion of her ankle, knee, and hip was restricted. Winchester syndrome is an extremely rare disorder inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. Winchester syndrome is caused by an alteration in a gene called MMP2. Symptomatic treatment can be given with anti-inflammatory drugs and skeletal muscle relaxants. Physical therapy may be advised as a supportive measure to improve the functioning of affected limbs. Genetic counseling on the basis of the inheritance of this disease may be beneficial. Our patient was symptomatically managed with anti-inflammatory drugs and discharged with calcium supplements. Furthermore, regular physiotherapy and replacement surgeries for joints were done. This syndrome was first diagnosed in 1969; only a few cases have been reported in the medical literature till now.

MR Imaging of Pediatric Bone Marrow

The bone marrow is one of the largest organs in the body and is visible in every magnetic resonance (MR) imaging study. It is composed of a combination of hematopoietic red marrow and fatty yellow marrow, and its composition changes throughout life in response to normal maturation (red to yellow conversion) and stress (yellow to red reconversion). MR imaging is highly sensitive for detection of altered marrow signal intensity, and the T1-weighted spin-echo sequence provides the most robust contrast between yellow marrow and disease. Heterogeneous red marrow and red marrow hyperplasia can mimic marrow disease, but should be distinguished from neoplastic replacement (leukemia, lymphoma, primary bone sarcomas, hematogenous metastases) and expected posttreatment changes (radiation therapy, chemotherapy, colony-stimulating factor, bone marrow transplant). Nonneoplastic edema-like processes can also alter marrow signal intensity, including trauma, infection, inflammation (chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis, juvenile inflammatory arthritis), altered biomechanics, and chronic regional pain syndrome. Unfortunately, MR imaging findings are often nonspecific and overlap among many of these vastly different causes. Therefore, a definitive diagnosis is reliant on a combination of imaging findings, clinical evaluation, laboratory assessment, and occasionally tissue analysis. ©RSNA, 2016.

Plant thorn synovitis of elbow in children.

Four rare cases of plant thorn synovitis of left elbow were admitted at our institution, which were initially misdiagnosed as partially treated septic arthritis of elbow or Juvenile inflammatory arthritis. All of them were of paediatric age group. Symptoms included pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion of affected joint. On examination synovitis was present in all patients. Roentgenograms & Ultrasonography were inconclusive in all patients, Definitive diagnosis was made only after arthrotomy, Thorn fragments (Acacia arabica) were recovered from the hypertrophied synovium & subtotal synovectomy was done and sent for histopathological examination. All patients improved after surgery with mean residual flexion deformity of 12.5±2.86°. Plant thorn induced synovitis of elbow is rare, it must be included in the differential diagnosis of monoarthritis of elbow and a high index of suspicion is needed for retained thorn fragments in elbow joint causing synovitis. Its optimal treatment is arthrotomy, foreign body removal and total/subtotal synovectomy.