[Skeletal mineralization in a prepubertal female population affected by juvenile idiopathic arthritis].
BACKGROUND
Puberty is an essential step in bone mass accrual. Growth failure and impairment of sexual maturation are frequent manifestations of chronic illnesses in the paediatric population, and chronic rheumatologic disorders such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) are no exception to this.


METHODS
The aim of our study was to prospectively evaluate bone density in adolescent females with JIA, and to correlate the results with clinical variables, in particular with age at menarche. Lumbar spine (L2-L4) area bone mineral density (aBMD) (assessed by Dual X-ray Absorbiometry, DXA) was monitored every 6-12 months in a group of 38 girls with JIA. The evaluated bone density accrual during the peripubertal time as well as absolute and relative (Z-score) aBMD in relationship with age at menarche, JIA subset, disease activity (as evaluated by ESR and Hgb), corticosteroid and methotrexate treatment (mean pro kg daily dose, cumulative dose) was assessed. Height, body mass index (BMI), bone mass content (BMC) values were also collected. Volumetric BMD (vBMD) evaluated with a geometric correction formula has been calculated and compared to aBMD.


RESULTS
Patients were divided into two groups: - group I included girls with menarche age within normal limits for Italian standards; - group II included girls with delayed menarche. The BMD values and Z scores in group I were not significantly different to normal population. The BMD values and Z scores in group II were significantly decreased when compared to the normal population (p<0.001). With a multivariate analysis only age at menarche seemed independently related to peripubertal mineralization (p=0.025, r between -0.65 and -0.75). With a binary logistic analysis only disease activity (ESR and Hgb values) seems independently related to a menarche delay (1.24+/-0.4 for each mm/h).


CONCLUSIONS
Our data show a critical role for disease activity in determination of a regular pubertal onset and an optimal bone density achievement.
Ospedale Fornaroli, Unità di Reumatologia, Magenta, Milano. alfredomaria.lurati@email.it
A
A
Lurati
R
R
Cimaz
M
M
Gattinara
V
V
Gerloni
B
B
Teruzzi
A
A
Salmaso
F
F
Fantini
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001171:Arthritis, Juvenile / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D015519:Bone Density; D001851:Bone Diseases, Metabolic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D002113:Calcification, Physiologic; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008572:Menarche; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011628:Puberty, Delayed / Q000209:etiology*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D008727:Methotrexate
Mineralizzazione scheletrica in una popolazione femminile prepubere affetta da artrite idiopatica giovanile.