Abstract
Background and aim: CF arthritis has been recognized as a complication of the disease. It usually involves large joints and responds rapidly to NSAID’s. There are described very rare cases with joint manifestations caused by a specific rheumatic disorder. The aim of our study was do describe features of CF-arthritis association in a pediatric regional center.
Material and method: During 2009-2012 we have conducted a prospective study for evaluating presence of CF related arthritis among our patients. We had a standard evaluation during the trimestrial and annual control or during exacerbations. Investigations performed per-protocol included inflammatory markers, AAN, CIC, FR and x-ray for patients with articular manifestation.
Results: 36 CF patients were evaluated during 215 visits. Males predominance (55.6%) was described in a group with ages between 3 months and 30 years. 5 had joint manifestations(13.89%); average age 10.2 years (extremes 3-14 years); 4 had negative RF, ANA, CIC and non-destructive x-ray aspects and responded well to NSAID’s. A 3 years old patient had severe evolution. She was diagnosed with Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) with positive RF (positive anti-CCP antibodies). Initially transient favorable course with first line treatment of JIA, later on relapse that required slow–acting second line drugs.
Conclusion:
1. Frequency of CF arthritis in our cohort [13.89%] is higher than previously described, including a very rare CF-JIA co-morbid association.
2. CF patients with non-responding arthritis to standard NSAID’s should be evaluated to rule out JIA.
- © 2013 ERS