Comorbidity profiles among adult patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: results of a biologic register

CER5798
2013 Vol.31, N°5
PI 0796, PF 0802
Paediatric Rheumatology

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PMID: 23557722 [PubMed]

Received: 25/06/2012
Accepted : 26/11/2012
In Press: 02/04/2013
Published: 19/09/2013

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:
This study aims to assess the prevalence of comorbidities in adult JIA and the impact of comorbidity on patients` perceived health state.
METHODS:
Self-reported comorbidity was studied in 344 adult JIA patients who have been included in the biologic register JuMBO. The comorbidity prevalence among the patients was compared to an age- and sex-matched reference group from the population. The correlation of comorbidity with clinical and demographic parameters was analysed by linear or logistic regression models.
RESULTS:
Sixty two percent of the JIA patients reported at least one comorbidity. Uveitis was the most common comorbid condition (17.7%), followed by allergic rhinitis (14.5%), migraine (8.7%), and atopic dermatitis (8.7%). The prevalence of cardiovascular disorders was 9.9%, which was not higher than that in the population. However, patients with a systemic onset of JIA (soJIA) had a substantially higher rate of cardiovascular diseases of 40.6% (p=0.033). Patients with soJIA also had the highest prevalence (80.0%) and the highest mean number (1.8) of comorbidities. Patients with at least one comorbid condition suffered more often from fatigue and pain, had a lower functional capacity (p<0.001, each), and a lower physical and mental health-related quality of life than those without comorbidities (p<0.001 and p=0.017, respectively). The presence of any comorbidity and the level of disease activity were independent predictors of a lower SF-36 score.
CONCLUSIONS:
Our results indicate that comorbid conditions have a significant impact on the perceived health state in adult JIA. Among all JIA patients, those with systemic onset carry the highest risk for comorbidities, in particular for cardiovascular disorders.