Estimation of bone mineral density in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Hopp, R.; Degan, J.; Gallagher, J.C.; Cassidy, J.T.
Journal of Rheumatology 18(8): 1235-1239
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0315-162X PMID: 1941831 Document Number: 374934
Bone mineral content of different areas of the skeleton was measured by dual photon absorptiometry in 20 children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) and compared to 20 age and sex matched healthy children. Spinal density was similar in both groups in prepubertal children but decreased in the postpubertal girls with JRA. Total bone density was also decreased in the postpubertal girls. Six children with JRA had repeat scans 12 to 24 months later; in 3 children total bone mineral content increased significantly with an intensive management program. Our study suggests that bone mineral density does not show a pubertal increase in children with JRA, as it does in healthy children.