Correlation between osteochondral changes depicted by magnetic resonance imaging and disease progression

Authors

  • Andréa S. Doria University of São Paulo; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital das Clínicas
  • Maria Helena B. Kiss University of São Paulo; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital das Clínicas
  • Adriana M. Sallum University of São Paulo; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital das Clínicas
  • Ana Paola N. Lotito University of São Paulo; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital das Clínicas
  • Erica N. Naka University of São Paulo; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital das Clínicas
  • Cláudio C. de Castro University of São Paulo; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital das Clínicas
  • Giovanni G. Cerri University of São Paulo; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital das Clínicas

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0041-87812001000400003

Keywords:

Systemic corticotherapy, Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Children, Knee, Magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine the consequences of the chronic use of systemic corticosteroids in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis by means of evaluating osteochondral effects depicted by magnetic resonance imaging. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings in 69 children (72 knees) with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Two groups were studied. Group I: 34 (49.3%) children had previous or current use of systemic corticotherapy (22 girls; 12 boys; mean age: 11.3 years; mean disease duration: 5.9 years; mean corticotherapy duration: 2.9 years; mean cumulative dose of previous corticosteroids: 5000 mg); Group II: 35 (50.7%) children had no previous use of corticosteroids (27 girls; 8 boys; mean age: 11.7 years; mean disease duration: 5.3 years). The groups were compared statistically. RESULTS: In the group that had received corticotherapy (Group I), osteochondral abnormalities were significantly correlated to long-standing disease (>;3.5 years; p<0.001). This correlation was not found in the group that had no previous history of corticotherapy (Group II). No correlations were established between median dose of corticosteroids and magnetic resonance imaging findings. CONCLUSION: It is important to further investigate the long-term intra-articular effects of systemic corticotherapy to ensure that the side effects of the aggressive therapy will not be more harmful for the joints than the symptoms suffered over the natural course of the disease.

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Published

2001-08-01

Issue

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

Correlation between osteochondral changes depicted by magnetic resonance imaging and disease progression . (2001). Revista Do Hospital Das Clínicas, 56(4), 107-114. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0041-87812001000400003