Evaluation of clinical and laboratory symptoms of children with idiopathic arthritis treated with methylprednisolone pulse

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common rheumatic disease in children, which includes a group of disorders that all have a common clinical manifestation of arthritis. The aim of this study was evaluation of the clinical and laboratory symptoms of children with idiopathic arthritis who treated with intravenous methylprednisolone pulse.

This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study of 20 years in Imam Khomeini Hospital from 1993 to 2013. Information of 202 hospitalized patients diagnosed with JIA who had files, containing demographic, clinical and laboratory data were recorded. The software 17spss was used for data statistically analyzed.

The mean age of patients was 6.98±3.65 years. After treatment in all age and sex groups, the mean of Hb and HCT increased significantly and WBC and PLT decreased significantly. Mean CRP and ESR decreased significantly. Mean alkaline phosphatase was significantly reduced in boys. There were no significant changes in AST and ALT. At Ca and K levels, the decrease was significant. There was significant increase in Na. Ca level in boys and K level in girls decreased and Na level in boys  increased significantly. Serum sodium also increased significantly in the group over ten years, potassium in the group of five to ten years and calcium in the group up to 5 years and over ten years decreased significantly. FBS did not change significantly. Blood pressure increased significantly. In this study, the highest joint involvement related to knee joint that was 89.7% and the lowest joint involvement related to neck joint that was 7.4%, which ultimately improved significantly By 76.7% in response to treatment.

Due to its availability, improving patient function and reducing clinical symptoms, this treatment is recommended. However, the need for further studies and consultation of other specialists, including cardiovascular counseling, seems necessary.