The incidence of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in Quebec: a population data-based study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the population incidence of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) in Quebec.


METHODS
We obtained data from Quebec's physician claims database. Incident cases were defined as having a visit for JRA in 2000, no visit in the previous 3 years, a confirmed diagnosis by an arthritis specialist, or having >/= 2 visits to any physician for JRA, >/= 2 months apart but within 2 years.


RESULTS
Cumulative incidence of JRA was 17.8/100,000. Mean age at diagnosis was 9.8 +/- 4.6 years, 68% were female and more persons were diagnosed in winter. Subjects had a median of 10 medical visits over the first year.


CONCLUSIONS
Our population based incidence estimate was similar to others. Children and adolescents with JRA are heavy users of medical care. Additional study of environmental or climate- related triggers may be warranted.
Ehrmann Feldman
Debbie
D
Université de Montréal, Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Rehabilitation, and Public Health Department of Montreal, Pavillon 7077 du Parc, CP 6128, Succ Centre-ville, Montréal, Qc H3C 3J7, Canada. debbie.feldman@umontreal.ca.
Bernatsky
Sasha
S
Houde
Michelle
M