The impact on health-related quality of life from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, methotrexate, or steroids in treatment for juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
OBJECTIVE
To assess and compare the impact of medication treatments on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), family function, and medical status in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).


METHODS
Fifty-seven children diagnosed with JIA were assessed by a pediatric rheumatologist and placed into one of three treatment groups: (1) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory; (2) methotrexate; or (3) steroids via IV methylprednisolone. Questionnaires were administered at baseline and 4-month follow-up. The attending pediatric rheumatologist provided additional medical information.


RESULTS
Data document the impact of JIA on HRQOL, particularly on physical and pain domains. Steroid patients experienced improved HRQOL at follow-up relative to other groups, despite reporting more problems with side effects.


CONCLUSIONS
These results demonstrate positive benefits of steroids in treating JIA children, despite the greatest incidence of adverse side effects.
Riddle
Russ
R
Department of Psychology, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, 2222 Welborn, Dallas, Texas 75219, USA. russ.riddle@tsrh.org
Ryser
Christina N
CN
Morton
Anne A
AA
Sampson
J D
JD
Browne
Richard H
RH
Punaro
Marilynn G
MG
Gatchel
Robert J
RJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001171:Arthritis, Juvenile / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011788:Quality of Life
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D008775:Methylprednisolone; D008727:Methotrexate