Juvenile chronic arthritis--bone mineral density in relation to corticosteroid therapy.
Bone demineralization often accompanies juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA). Fourteen patients with confirmed diagnosis of JCA had their bone mineral density (BMD) measured with the use of dual photon X-ray absorptiometry. The results obtained were compared to the Lunar BMD DPXA standards. Seven patients received Prednisone in doses of more than 0.16 mg/kg/day for more than 6 months and 7 patients (sex and age matched) never received any steroids at all. In the first group BMD was decreased in 7 patients (100%), in the second group BMD was mildly decreased in 2 patients (28%). Due to the difference in BMD in both groups, it is obvious that corticosteroids have substantial influence on bone demineralization in JCA.
Bayer
M
M
Department of Paediatrics, First Medical Faculty, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
Stĕpán
J
J
Nĕmcová
D
D
Kutílek
S
S
Hoza
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D001171:Arthritis, Juvenile / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism*; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones