Uppsala University details research in arthritis in children
2007 NOV 19 -- A report, 'Assessment of disease activity in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The number and the size of joints matter,' is newly published data in Journal of Rheumatology. "Variables for assessment of disease activity of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) were studied, in order to develop a disease activity score for children with JIA One randomly chosen hospital visit was studied for each of 312 patients with JIA, with regard to disease activity variables. The physician global assessment score visual analog scale (physician GA) was used as a dependent variable in comparisons between potential disease activity variables," scientists writing in the Journal of Rheumatology report. "Previous studies have shown this variable to be the most sensitive to changes in JIA disease activity and to be comparable between patients Based on Spearman's rank order correlation the number of active joints had a strong association with the physician GA. The median physician GA score rose markedly for each active large joint, but less for small joints, although small joints were also statistically important in assessing disease activity," wrote L. Berntson and colleagues, Uppsala University. The researchers concluded: "Among the laboratory data, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level, and platelet count showed weak correlations to the physician GA In preparation of a disease activity score for children with JIA the importance of both the number and size of joints involved needs further evaluation." Berntson and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Rheumatology (Assessment of disease activity in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The number and the size of joints matter. Journal of Rheumatology, 2007;34(10):2106-11). Additional information can be obtained by contacting L. Berntson, Uppsala University Children's Hospital, Dept. of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala, Sweden. The publisher of the Journal of Rheumatology can be contacted at: J Rheumatol Publ Co., 920 Yonge St., Suite 115, Toronto, Ontario M4W 3C7, Canada. Keywords: Sweden, Uppsala, Arthritis, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rheumatology. This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.
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