Twilt M, et al. – The experts performed this study to evaluate the association between cartilage thickness, bone maturation and bone health in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Their findings revealed that delayed bone maturation and decreased bone health index (BHI) were related to a thicker cartilage. However, no relation with JADAS 10 was found. Hence, the rheumatologist should remain aware of delayed bone maturation and BHI in JIA patients with cartilage changes.

Methods

• Patients with JIA diagnosed according ILAR criteria included in a previous ultrasonography (US) study were eligible for this study if hand radiographs were taken at the same time as the US examination.
• Out of 95 patients 67 met the inclusion criteria.

Results

• In 27% of the examined joints, decreased cartilage thickness was seen.
• In half of the JIA patient, decreased BHI was observed.
• Delayed bone maturation was reported in 33% of patients.
• A combination of decreased BHI and bone age was seen in 1 out of 5 JIA patients.
• Decreased cartilage thickness in the knee, wrist and MCP joint was negatively correlated with delayed bone maturation but not with bone health index.