Bibliography August 2001

1. Anonymous[In Process Citation]. Klin.Med.(Mosk) 2001, 79:33-38.
   Abstract: The authors studied the response to and side effects of long-term glucocorticoid (GC) therapy of systemic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (SJRA). GC were given to 24 girls and 9 boys at the age of 4 to 15 years with classic SJRA in a mean dose 1.6 +/- 0.13 mg/kg (24.0 +/- 0.55 mg/day) for 6.3 +/- 0.55 years, on the average. Mean duration of the disease was 7.1 +/- 0.55 years. 94% of the patients had lymphaticohypolastic constitution. Long-term GC monotherapy in a dose 0.2-0.5 mg/kg/day failed to control a SJRA course and to produce an immunosuppressive effect while side effects were severe: inhibition of activity of the hypothalamohypophysioadrenal system and resultant hormone dependence (100%), Cushing's syndrome (97%), nanism (85%), osteoporosis (64%), secondary infections (58%), aseptic necrosis of heads of the femur (52%). Oral GC treatment is not effective as first-line therapy of SJRA. It should be used as adjuvant to immunodepressants. Intraarticular and/or intravenous administration is preferable
   Internet : PM:11490413

2. ANDERSSON GB, RUPERTO N, BERG S, HAGELBERG S, JONSSON NO, MAGNUSSON B, MARTINELL J, ERLING A, LANDGRAF JM: The Swedish version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S146-S150
   Organism:Ryhov's County Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, 551 85 Jonkoping, Sweden boelandersson-gare@ryhovltjkpgse
   Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Swedish language of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Swedish CHAQ CHQ were already published and therefore were revalidated in this study. A total of 129 subjects were enrolled: 69 patients with JIA (13% systemic onset, 39% polyarticular onset, 25% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 23% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 60 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic, polyarticular and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic onset, polyarticular onset and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Swedish version of the CHAQ-CHQ are reliable, and valid tools for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
   Internet : PM:11510319

3. BADILLA A, ROJAS C: [Familial gout and nephropathy in a young woman. Report of one case]. Rev.Med.Chil. 2001, 129:666-670.
   Organism:Departamento de Reumatologia Hospital San Juan de Dios, Santiago de Chile rbadilla@rdccl
   Abstract: We report a 29 years old woman with a chronic tophaceous gout, whose disease started at the age of 18. On clinical examination, the blood pressure was elevated. The laboratory assessment showed a serum uric acid of 15 mg/dl, a urinary uric acid of 155 mg/24 h, a creatinine clearance of 59 ml/min/1.73 m2 and a uric acid excretion fraction off 1.3% (normal 7 to 12%). The clinical and laboratory features of this patient suggest the diagnosis of a familial juvenile gouty nephropathy
   Internet : PM:11510209

4. BAE SC, RUPERTO N, LEE JH, UHM WS, PARK YW, KIM SY: The Korean version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S96-100.
   Organism:Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Hanyang University Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Seoul 133-792, Korea scbae@hanyangackr
   Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Korean language of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. A total of 221 subjects were enrolled: 87 patients with JIA (18% systemic onset, 37% polyarticular onset, 12% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 33% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 134 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and the four JIA subtypes of patients, with the JIA patients having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the JIA patients having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Korean version of the CHAQ-CHQ is a reliable, and valid tool for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
   Internet : PM:11510340

5. BALDING J, LIVINGSTONE WJ, HEALY M, WHITE B, MYNETT-JOHNSON L, RYAN T, CAFFERKEY M, SMITH OP: G to C transition in the promoter region of the IL6 gene is associated with disease outcome in meningococcal sepsis/purpura fulminans. British Journal of Haematology 2001, 113:18
   Organism:National Centre for Inherited Coagulation Disorders, St. James's Hospital, Dublin Ireland

6. BALEN PF, HELMS CA: Bony ankylosis following thermal and electrical injury. Skeletal Radiology 2001, 30:393-397.
   Organism:Dr. C.A. Helms, Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, P.O. Box 3808, Durham, NC 27710
   Abstract: Objective. Bony ankylosis has been described following trauma, paralysis, psoriasis, Reiter's syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile chronic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Reports of bony ankylosis following thermal and electrical injury are limited. Design and patients. Thirteen cases of burn-related joint ankylosis in four patients are presented. Conclusion. Patients with burns from thermal or electrical injury may develop bony ankylosis among other radiographic manifestations. This bony ankylosis may result either from bridging extra-articular heterotopic ossification with preservation of the underlying joint or from intraarticular fusion due to joint destruction

7. BALEN PF, HELMS CA: Bony ankylosis following thermal and electrical injury. Skeletal Radiol. 2001, 30:393-397.
   Organism:Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
   Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Bony ankylosis has been described following trauma, paralysis, psoriasis, Reiter's syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile chronic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Reports of bony ankylosis following thermal and electrical injury are limited. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Thirteen cases of burn-related joint ankylosis in four patients are presented. CONCLUSION: Patients with burns from thermal or electrical injury may develop bony ankylosis among other radiographic manifestations. This bony ankylosis may result either from bridging extra-articular heterotopic ossification with preservation of the underlying joint or from intra-articular fusion due to joint destruction
   Internet : PM:11499780

8. BARLOW JH, SHAW KL, WRIGHT CC: Development and preliminary validation of a children's arthritis self-efficacy scale. Arthritis & Rheumatism 2001, 45:159-166.
   Organism:Psychosocial Research Centre, Chronic Conditions and Disability, Child and Family Health Group, Coventry University, Coventry, CV1 5FB UK
   Abstract: Objective: To develop a valid and reliable measure of arthritis self-efficacy for use with school-age children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods: Construction of the 11-item Children's Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale (CASE) was based on an existing body of knowledge and the results of focus groups with children, their parents, and health professionals. Data for validation of the CASE were collected by self-administered questionnaires completed by 89 children and 151 caregivers. Results: Analyses revealed a 3-factor structure relating to self-efficacy for managing symptoms, emotional consequences, and activities, explaining 76.5% of the total variance. The CASE demonstrated high internal consistency, concurrent validity, and construct validity. Conclusion: Preliminary findings suggest that the CASE is worthy of further psychometric testing and may have the potential to help delineate variations in adjustment among children with JIA

9. BIANCHI ML, CIMAZ R, BARDARE M, ZULIAN F, LEPORE L, BONCOMPAGNI A, GALBIATI E, CORONA F, LUISETTO G, GIUNTINI D, PICCO P, BRANDI ML, FALCINI F: Efficacy and safety of alendronate for the treatment of osteoporosis in diffuse connective tissue diseases in children: A prospective multicenter study. Arthritis & Rheumatism 2000, 43:1960-1966.
   Organism:Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, via L. Ariosto 13, 20145, Milan Italy
   Abstract: Objective. Osteopenia/osteoporosis is being increasingly reported as a complication of many chronic diseases, even in children. In this preliminary study, we evaluated the effect of an oral bisphosphonate (alendronate) on bone mass in children with diffuse connective tissue diseases. Methods. Thirty-eight children with low bone mass were treated with alendronate for 1 year; 38 children who had the same primary disorders as the study patients but in a less severe form served as untreated control patients. We were also able to evaluate changes in bone mass (before and after alendronate) in 16 of the treated patients whose bone mineral density (BMD) had been routinely measured before the present study was initiated. Results. BMD increased by a mean +- SD of 14.9 +- 9.8% (P < 0.002 versus baseline) in the treated patients (reaching the normal range in 13 patients), while the BMD was 2.6 +- 5% (not significant versus baseline) in the control group (15 had a decrease). Most interestingly, there was a large increase in BMD (15.3 +- 9.9%) after alendronate therapy in the 16 children who had their BMD followed up in the year before the study, during which time they had shown little increase in BMD (1.03 +- 6.3%), and often a decrease. Considering their condition, increases in the height of all patients was satisfactory. No new fractures were observed after alendronate therapy was initiated. Conclusion. Bisphosphonates can be considered essential components of the treatment of secondary osteoporosis, not only in adults, but also in pediatric patients. Alendronate has a positive effect on secondary osteopenia/osteoporosis in children with connective tissue diseases

10. BURT RK, FASSAS A, SNOWDEN JA, VAN LAAR JM, KOZAK T, WULFFRAAT NM, NASH RA, DUNBAR CE, ARNOLD R, PRENTICE G, BINGHAM S, MARMONT AM, MCSWEENEY PA: Collection of hematopoietic stem cells from patients with autoimmune diseases. Bone Marrow Transplant. 2001, 28:1-12.
    Organism:Dr. R.K. Burt, Northwestern University Medical Ctr., Wesley Pavilion, 250 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611-2950
    Abstract: We reviewed data from 24 transplant centers in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America to determine the outcomes of stem cell collection including methods used, cell yields, effects on disease activity, and complications in patients with autoimmune diseases. Twenty-one unprimed bone marrow harvests and 174 peripheral blood stem cell mobilizations were performed on 187 patients. Disease indications were multiple sclerosis (76 patients), rheumatoid arthritis (37 patients), scleroderma (26 patients), systemic lupus erythematosus (19 patients), juvenile chronic arthritis (13 patients), idiopathic autoimmune thrombocytopenia (8 patients), Behcet's disease (3 patients), undifferentiated vasculitis (3 patients), polychondritis (1 patient) and polymyositis (1 patient). Bone marrow harvests were used in the Peoples Republic of China and preferred worldwide for children. PBSC mobilization was the preferred technique for adult stem cell collection in America, Australia, and Europe. Methods of PBSC mobilization included G-CSF (5, 10, or 16 mug/kg/day) or cyclophosphamide (2 or 4 g/mSUP2) with either G-CSF (5 or 10 mug/kg/day) or GM-CSF (5 mug/kg/day). Bone marrow harvests were without complications and did not affect disease activity. A combination of cyclophosphamide and G-CSF was more likely to ameliorate disease activity than G-CSF alone (P < 0.001). G-CSF alone was more likely to cause disease exacerbation than the combination of cyclophosphamide and G-CSF (P = 0.003). Three patients died as a result of cyclophosphamide-based stem cell collection (2.6% of patients mobilized with cyclophosphamide). When corrected for patient weight and apheresis volume, progenitor cell yields tended to vary by underlying disease, prior medication history and mobilization regimen. Trends in the approaches to, and results of, progenitor cell mobilization are suggested by this survey. While cytokine-based mobilization appears less toxic, it is more likely to result in disease reactivation. Optimization with regard to cell yields and safety are likely to be disease-specific and prospective disease-specific studies of mobilization procedures appear warranted

11. CASSIDY JT: Editorial overview: Pediatric and heritable disorders. Current Opinion in Rheumatology 2000, 12:407-409.
    Organism:University of Missouri Health Sciences Center, One Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, 65212: cassidyJ@health.missouri.edu USA

12. CAVET J, DICKINSON AM, NORDEN J, TAYLOR PR, JACKSON GH, MIDDLETON PG: Interferon-gamma and interleukin-6 gene polymorphisms associate with graft-versus-host disease in HLA-matched sibling bone marrow transplantation. Blood 2001, 98:1594-1600.
    Organism:University Department of Haematology, School of Clinical and Laboratory Sciences, The Medical School, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom jamescavet@nclacuk
    Abstract: Proinflammatory cytokines including interferon-gamma (IFNgamma), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) are implicated in the pathogenesis of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD). Cytokine gene polymorphism is associated with functional differences in cytokine regulation and altered clinical performance in a variety of diseases. Polymorphism in the IFNgammaIntron1 microsatellite (CA)n repeat has been linked with in vitro IFNgamma production and renal transplant rejection. The IL-6(-174)(G/C) single nucleotide polymorphism has been linked to in vitro and in vivo IL-6 production, juvenile chronic arthritis, and renal transplant rejection. This study examined the potential association of GVHD with IFNgamma and IL-6 polymorphisms in 80 sibling bone marrow transplant (BMT) donor/recipient pairs. Patients homozygous for the IFNgammaIntron1 allele 3 had more severe (grade III-IV) aGVHD. Patients possessing the IL-6(-174)G allele had a trend toward higher grades of aGVHD, and those homozygous for the IL-6(-174)G allele were more likely to develop chronic GVHD (cGVHD). The associations of previously identified aGVHD severity-associated cytokine gene polymorphisms (TNFd and IL-10(-1064)) with severe aGVHD were reconfirmed. Logistic regression analysis confirmed the association of severe aGVHD with recipient genotype at IFNgammaIntron1 (odds ratio [OR] 3.92; P =.02), IL-10(-1064) (OR 4.61; P =.026) and TNFd (OR 3.29; P =.039), and that of cGVHD with recipient IL-6(-174) genotype (OR 4.25; P =.007), in addition to age, gender mismatch, and underlying disease. Assessment of cytokine genotype may potentially allow more accurate prediction of GVHD and appropriate adjustment of GVHD prophylaxis, as well as indicating novel areas for future studies of GVHD pathogenesis
    Internet : PM:11520812

13. DE INOCENCIO J, GARCIA-CONSUEGRA J, MERINO R, CALVO I, GARCIA JJ, RUPERTO N: The European Spanish version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S141-S145
    Organism:Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid deinocjm@eresmasnet
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation of 2 health related quality of life instruments into the European Spanish language. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from an underlying disease. The Spanish CHQ was fully validated with 3 forward and 3 backward translations, while the Spanish CHAQ, already published, was revalidated. A total of 149 subjects were enrolled: 80 patients with JIA (28% systemic arthritis, 34% polyarthritis, 17% extended oligoarthritis, and 21% persistent oligoarthritis) and 69 healthy children. The CHAQ appropriately distinguished healthy subjects from JIA patients, with those classified in the systemic arthritis, polyarthritis and extended oligoarthritis categories having a higher degree of disability and pain, as well as a lower overall well-being than their healthy peers. The CHQ was also able to discriminate healthy subjects from JIA patients, with those allocated in the systemic arthritis, polyarthritis and extended oligoarthritis categories having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being than their healthy counterparts. In conclusion, the European Spanish version of the CHAQ-CHQ is a reliable and valid tool for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510318

14. DEMPSTER H, POREPA M, YOUNG N, FELDMAN BM: The clinical meaning of functional outcome scores in children with juvenile arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2001, 44:1768-1774.
    Organism:University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is the most widely used measure of function in childhood arthritis and yields a score of 0 (no disability) to 3 (very severe disability). This study ascertained the cutoff levels for CHAQ scores that represent no, mild, moderate, and severe disability, to determine the minimal clinically important change in scores and to determine whether the minimal important change in scores is similar for parent-reported assessments and the self-assessments provided by their older children. METHODS: One hundred thirty-six parents of children with arthritis were interviewed. They were asked to complete the CHAQ by assessing their child's functional status under 3 categories: current health, a hypothetical small improvement, and a hypothetical small worsening. They also completed a categorical scale of subjective disability. Those children who were > or = 10 years old also completed the CHAQ interview separately. RESULTS: The pediatric patients had mostly no, mild, or moderate disability. For those children rated as having no disability, the median CHAQ score was 0. The median CHAQ scores corresponding to mild, mild-to-moderate, and moderate disability were 0.13, 0.63, and 1.75, respectively. The minimal clinically important improvement was a reduction in score of 0.13. The minimal clinically important deterioration was a median change in score of 0.75. This discrepancy may be due to the ceiling effect seen with the CHAQ. There were no significant differences when the children assessed themselves. CONCLUSION: Clinicians, as well as researchers setting protocols, should aim for a mimimum improvement of 0.13 in the CHAQ score when treating pediatric patients with arthritis
    Internet : PM:11508427

15. DOLEZALOVA P, RUPERTO N, NEMCOVA D, BLICHOVA M, HOZA J: The Czech version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S45-S49
    Organism:Charles University in Prague, 1st Medical Faculty, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ke Karlovu 2, 121 09 Prague 2, Czech Republic dolezalovapavla@vfncz
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Czech language of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Czech CHAQ-CHQ were fully validated with 3 forward and 3 backward translations. A total of 150 subjects were enrolled: 81 patients with JIA (14% systemic onset, 44% polyarticular onset, 10% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 32% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 69 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic, polyarticular and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic onset, polyarticular onset and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Czech version of the CHAQ-CHQ is a reliable, and valid tool for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510330

16. DONG X, WANG J, KABIR FN, SHAW M, REED AM, STEIN L, ANDRADE LUIS EC, TREVISANI VIRGINIA FM, MILLER ML, FUJII T, AKIZUKI M, PACHMAN LM, SATOH M, REEVES WH: Autoantibodies to DEK oncoprotein in human inflammatory disease. Arthritis & Rheumatism 2000, 43:85-93.
    Organism:Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610 USA
    Abstract: Objective. To evaluate the specificity of anti-DEK antibodies for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Methods. Anti-DEK autoantibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using affinity-purified his6-DEK fusion protein. Sera from 639 subjects (417 patients with systemic autoimmune disease, 13 with sarcoidosis, 44 with pulmonary tuberculosis, 125 with uveitis, and 6 with scleritis, and 34 healthy control subjects) were screened. Reactivity was verified by immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation studies using baculovirus-expressed human DEK. Results. Anti-DEK activity was found at the following frequencies: JRA 39.4% (n = 71), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) 25.1% (n = 216), sarcoidosis 46.2% (n = 13), rheumatoid arthritis 15.5% (n = 71), systemic sclerosis 36.0% (n = 22), polymyositis 6.2% (n = 16), and adult Still's disease 0% (n = 21). Autoantibodies also were detected in 9.1% of tuberculosis sera (n = 44), but were undetectable in sera from the 34 healthy controls. Western blot and immunoprecipitation assay results correlated well with the ELISA findings. In general, levels of anti-DEK autoantibodies were higher in SLE than in other patient subsets, including JRA. Conclusion. Anti-DEK autoantibodies are less specific for JRA than previously believed. They are produced in association with a variety of inflammatory conditions, many of which are associated with granuloma formation and/or predominant Th1 cytokine production. Anti-DEK antibodies may be a marker for a subset of autoimmunity associated with interferon-gamma production rather than a particular disease subset

17. DONN RP, SHELLEY E, OLLIER WE, THOMSON W: A novel 5'-flanking region polymorphism of macrophage migration inhibitory factor is associated with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2001, 44:1782-1785.
    Organism:Epidemiology Unit, Arthritis Research Campaign, Manchester, UK
    Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine if polymorphisms of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene are associated with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). METHODS: Denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography was used to screen for the MIF gene in 32 healthy Caucasian subjects. One hundred seventeen UK Caucasian patients with systemic-onset JIA and 172 unrelated healthy UK Caucasian controls were genotyped for a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) identified in the 5'-flanking region of the gene, using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length analysis. RESULTS: A G-to-C transition was identified at position -173 of the MIF gene. The presence of a C at -173 creates an activator protein 4 transcription factor binding site. Allele and genotype frequencies differed significantly between the patients and controls for the MIF-173 polymorphism. Individuals possessing a MIF-173*C allele have an increased risk of systemic-onset JIA (36.8% versus 20.3%) (odds ratio 2.3, 95% confidence interval 1.34-3.86; P = 0.0005). CONCLUSION: This is the first report of a SNP in the MIF gene. This polymorphism is associated with systemic-onset JIA
    Internet : PM:11508429

18. DOUGADOS M: [Follow-up of the patient with spondyloarthropathy]. Ann.Med.Interne (Paris) 1998, 149:149-155.
    Organism:Service de Rhumatologie B, Hopital Cochin, 27, rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris
    Abstract: Spondylarthropathies consist of several disorders: reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease, a subgroup of juvenile chronic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Their clinical presentation may consist in the following inter-related features: axial involvement, peripheral articular involvement, enthesiopathic lesions, extra-articular disease. The monitoring of these diseases is related more to their clinical presentation than to the precise diagnosis. Modalities for monitoring peripheral arthritis are similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis (essentially based on the number of tender and swollen joints). The modalities of the monitoring of extra-articular features (uveitis, psoriasis,...) are specific to these clinical features and can be categorized in 2 ways: the first one consists in considering the occurrence of the episodes (for example, number of acute anterior uveitis per year), the second one consists in the evaluation of the severity of the clinical features (for example the area of psoriatic skin lesions). Numerous tools have been proposed to evaluate the axial involvement of the disease. The international rheumatologic community (ILAR for International League Against Rheumatism) via specific task force (ASAS for Assessment in Ankylosing Spondylitis) tried to standardize the medical language (at least in clinical research studies) by giving recommendations to evaluate specific domains and within each domain specific tools. Currently, it is generally agreed that pain and functional impairment are the two main domains to consider. For each of these domains, different tools have been proposed (for example the ASFI: Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index and the BASFI: Bath Ankylosing Functional Index are both tools proposed to evaluate the functional impairment). The domain "range of motion" is probably one of the most important for long term outcome in clinical research studies and for facilitating the orthopedic indications in daily practice. Finally, radiological tools permitting the evaluation of the structural damage of the disease are available. They take into account the presence and/or the severity of hip and sacroiliac involvement and also the extent of the spinal syndesmophytes. Longitudinal studies are required to evaluate their clinical relevance
    Internet : PM:11490537

19. DUARTE C, RUPERTO N, GOYCOCHEA MV, MALDONADO R, BERISTAIN R, DE INOCENCIO J, BURGOS-VARGAS R: The Mexican version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S106-S110
    Organism:Hospital General de Mexico, Rheumatology Unit, Dr Balmis 148, 06726 Mexico City, Mexico caro20@prodigynetmx
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Mexican language of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Mexican CHAQ was already published and therefore it was revalidated while the Mexican CHQ was derived from the European Spanish version with changing of the few words whose use is different in the 2 countries. A total of 182 subjects were enrolled: 89 patients with JIA (26% systemic onset, 47% polyarticular onset, 13.5% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 13.5% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 93 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic onset, and polyarticular onset subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic onset, and polyarticular onset having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Mexican version of the CHAQ-CHQ is a reliable, and valid tool for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510311

20. FINNISH SOCIETY fR: Annual Scientific Meeting of the Finnish Society for Rheumatology, Tampere, Finland, January 27-28, 2000. Scandinavian Journal Of Rheumatology 2000, 29:273-277.
    Abstract: This meeting contains abstracts of 20 papers, written in English, covering topics in clinical rheumatology, including rheumatoid arthritis, polyarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic rheumatoid disease, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren's syndrome, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, periodic fever syndrome, joint infection, Paget's disease of bone, fibromyalgia, mixed connective tissue disease, associated serum biochemistry, antigens, diagnosis, outcome and treatment

21. FOELDVARI I, RUPERTO N, DRESSLER F, HAFNER R, KUSTER RM, MICHELS H, MINDEN K, SCHAUER-PETROWSKAJA C, BULLINGER M, LANDGRAF JM, HUPPERTZ HI: The German version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S71-S75
    Organism:Kinderrheumatologie, Hamburg, Germany
    Abstract: We report the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the German language of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The German CHAQ was fully validated with 3 forward and 3 backward translations, while the CHQ has already been published and therefore it was revalidated. A total of 197 subjects were enrolled: 142 patients with JIA (5% systemic onset, 13% polyarticular onset, 8% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 74% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 55 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the polyarticular and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the polyarticular onset and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the German versions of the CHAQ-CHQ are reliable, and valid tools for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510335

22. FROSCH M, STREY A, VOGL T, WULFFRAAT NM, KUIS W, SUNDERKOETTER C, HARMS E, SORG C, ROTH J: Myeloid-related proteins 8 and 14 are specifically secreted during interaction of phagocytes and activated endothelium and are useful markers for monitoring disease activity in pauciarticular-onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis & Rheumatism 2000, 43:628-637.
    Organism:Department of Pediatrics, University of Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Strasse 33, D-48149, Muenster Germany
    Abstract: Objective. To analyze which physiologic stimuli induce secretion of myeloid-related protein 8 (MRP8) and MRP14, two S100 proteins expressed in neutrophils and monocytes, and to determine whether serum concentrations of these proteins are reliable parameters for monitoring inflammatory activity in pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Methods. Secretion of MRP8 and MRP14 was analyzed using a coculture system of endothelial cells and monocytes. Concentrations of MRP8/MRP14 in the serum and synovial fluid of JRA patients or culture medium were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of MRP8 and MRP14 by leukocytes in synovial tissue or fluid was investigated using immunohistochemistry. Results. MRP8 and MRP14 were specifically released during interaction of activated monocytes with tumor necrosis factor-stimulated endothelial cells. Secretion was mediated via an increase in intracellular calcium levels in monocytes. In contrast, contact with resting endothelium inhibited protein kinase C-induced secretion of the proteins by monocytes. In JRA patients, MRP8 and MRP14 were strongly expressed in infiltrating neutrophils and monocytes within the inflamed joints and could be found in significantly higher concentrations in synovial fluid (mean 42,800 ng/ml) compared with serum (2,060 ng/ml). Concentrations of MRP8/MRP14 in serum correlated well with those in synovial fluid (r = 0.78) and showed a strong correlation with disease activity (r = 0.62). After intraarticular triamcinolone therapy, the serum concentrations of MRP8/MRP14 decreased significantly in therapy responders, whereas no differences were found in patients who showed no clinical benefit. Conclusion. MRP8 and MRP14 are specifically released during the interaction of monocytes with inflammatory activated endothelium, probably at sites of local inflammation. Their serum concentrations represent a useful marker for monitoring local inflammation in JRA

23. GERLONI V, CIMAZ R, GATTINARA M, ARNOLDI C, PONTIKAKI I, FANTINI F: Efficacy and safety profile of cyclosporin A in the treatment of juvenile chronic (idiopathic) arthritis. Results of a 10-year prospective study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2001, 40:907-913.
    Organism:Rheumatology Department, University of Milan, Centre for Rheumatic Children, Gaetano Pini Institute, Milan, Italy
    Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This open prospective trial was performed in order to assess the efficacy and safety of cyclosporin A in the treatment of patients with juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA). METHODS: Thirty-four of the patients enrolled were affected by systemic-onset disease and seven by chronic anterior uveitis associated with JCA. The cyclosporin dose was usually 3-5 mg/kg per day. The average duration of therapy was 1.4 yr, with a maximum of 7.2 yr. RESULTS: The efficacy of treatment was mainly evident in terms of control of fever and reduction of steroid therapy. The benefits with respect to arthritis, laboratory parameters and uveitis seemed to be less clear-cut. Side-effects were frequent but usually mild or reversible. Sixty-six per cent of the study population withdrew from therapy because of inefficacy or side-effects. Eight systemic patients withdrew from therapy owing to complete remission. CONCLUSION: Cyclosporin can be used in the treatment of JCA, its main benefits being the control of fever and a steroid-sparing effect
    Internet : PM:11511760

24. GUGLIELMI G, DE SERIO A, LEONE A, AGROSI L, CAMMISA M: The lumbar spine: Imaging in rheumatic disease. Rays (Rome) 2000, 25:49-56.
    Organism:Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, IRCCS, V.le Cappucini, Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG Italy
    Abstract: Seronegative inflammatory spondyloarthropathies include ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, Reiter syndrome, juvenile chronic arthritis and colitic arthritis. These diseases share some characteristics among which the most important is the presence of the histocompatibility antigen HLA B27; moreover the frequent overlapping of the various inflammation patterns have accounted for their classification in a single group. Diagnostic imaging can differentiate among the different forms only if the diagnostic algorithm, based on clinical history and laboratory findings is followed, considering the advantages and limitations of each method. In this respect, it should be kept in mind that the findings relative to the spine and sacroiliac joints allow to establish a definitive diagnosis

25. GUILLAUME S, PRIEUR A, COSTE J, JOB-DESLANDRE C: Long-term outcome and prognosis in oligoarticular-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Arthritis & Rheumatism 2000, 43:1858-1865.
    Organism:Faculte de Medecine Necker-Enfants Malades, Inserm U345, 156 Rue de Vaugirard, 75015, Paris France
    Abstract: Objective: To describe the long-term outcome and determine predictors of severity among patients with oligoarticular-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods: In a longitudinal study, 207 patients with oligoarticular-onset JIA who were referred between 1988 and 1998 were evaluated. At disease onset, selected clinical and laboratory data were collected as independent variables. A polyarticular disease course, joint erosion, uveitis, and remission were assessed as dependent variables. Longitudinal analyses were performed with the Kaplan-Meier method, and multivariate analysis with the Cox model. Results: After 6 years of followup, the probability of a polyarticular course of disease was 50%, joint erosion was 35%, uveitis was 30%, and remission was 23% in these patients. Joint erosion was strongly associated with a polyarticular course. A high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) as well as involvement of more than 1 joint or involvement of an upper limb at disease onset were predictors of disease extension. A high ESR was also a strong predictor of a destructive course, and a family history of psoriasis was predictive of uveitis occurrence. No predictive factor for remission could be identified. Conclusion: Oligoarticular-onset JIA is a severe disease with frequent complications. Factors predictive of severity in oligoarticular-onset JIA were identified. This could allow early identification of high-risk patient subgroups, warranting a more aggressive therapeutic approach

26. HARJACEK M, DIAZ-CANO S, DE MIGUEL M, WOLFE H, MALDONADO CA, RABINOVICH GA: Expression of galectins-1 and -3 correlates with defective mononuclear cell apoptosis in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Rinsho Ganka 2001, 28:1914-1922.
    Organism:Dr. M. Harjacek, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Zagreb, Klaiceva 16, 10 000 Zagreb
    Abstract: Objective. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is characterized by hyperplasia of synovial cells and accumulation of mononuclear inflammatory infiltrates, which are locally maintained through a balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis. Although defective clearance of activated T cells in RA joints has been explained by alterations of the Fas-Fas ligand system, this has not been confirmed in synovial tissue of patients with JIA. We evaluated the relation between expression of galectin-1 (Gal-1) and galectin-3 (Gal-3) (ss-galactoside-binding proteins with pro- and anti-apoptotic properties, respectively) and the apoptosis and proliferation rates of infiltrative lymphocytes in synovial tissue of patients with JIA. Methods. Using slide cytometry and in situ end labeling we observed dysregulated apoptosis of infiltrating mononuclear cells within the synovial tissue of patients with JIA. Results. Patients with pauciarticular JIA showed minimal apoptosis, high Bcl-2 expression, and high or normal proliferation rates, while patients with polyarticular disease showed the lowest apoptotic indexes, accompanied by low Bcl-2 expression and low proliferation rates. We found that Gal-1 expression is downregulated and Gal-3 expression is upregulated in synovial tissue from patients with JIA. Conclusion. In patients with polyarticular JIA, accumulation of inflammatory cells is mainly due to downregulated apoptosis, whereas in patients with pauciarticular disease the process results from increased proliferation. Defective mononuclear apoptosis in synovial inflammatory infiltrates from patients with JIA could be explained in pan by decreased Gal-1 and increased Gal-3 expression
    Internet : miroslav.harjacek@zg.tel.hr

27. HARJACEK M, DIAZ-CANO S, DE MIGUEL M, WOLFE H, MALDONADO CA, RABINOVICH GA: Expression of galectins-1 and -3 correlates with defective mononuclear cell apoptosis in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. J.Rheumatol. 2001, 28:1914-1922.
    Organism:Department of Pathology, New England Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA miroslavharjacek@zgtelhr
    Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is characterized by hyperplasia of synovial cells and accumulation of mononuclear inflammatory infiltrates, which are locally maintained through a balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis. Although defective clearance of activated T cells in RA joints has been explained by alterations of the Fas-Fas ligand system, this has not been confirmed in synovial tissue of patients with JIA. We evaluated the relation between expression of galectin-1 (Gal-1) and galectin-3 (Gal-3) (beta-galactoside-binding proteins with pro- and anti-apoptotic properties, respectively) and the apoptosis and proliferation rates of infiltrative lymphocytes in synovial tissue of patients with JIA. METHODS: Using slide cytometry and in situ end labeling we observed dysregulated apoptosis of infiltrating mononuclear cells within the synovial tissue of patients with JIA. RESULTS: Patients with pauciarticular JIA showed minimal apoptosis, high Bcl-2 expression, and high or normal proliferation rates, while patients with polyarticular disease showed the lowest apoptotic indexes, accompanied by low Bcl-2 expression and low proliferation rates. We found that Gal-1 expression is downregulated and Gal-3 expression is upregulated in synovial tissue from patients with JIA. CONCLUSION: In patients with polyarticular JIA, accumulation of inflammatory cells is mainly due to downregulated apoptosis, whereas in patients with pauciarticular disease the process results from increased proliferation. Defective mononuclear apoptosis in synovial inflammatory infiltrates from patients with JIA could be explained in part by decreased Gal-1 and increased Gal-3 expression
    Internet : PM:11508600

28. HARJACEK M, RUPERTO N, OSTOJIC J, BUKOVAC LT: The Croatian version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S40-S44
    Organism:Children's Hospital Zagreb, Department of Pediatrics, Klaiceva 16, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia miroslavharjacek@zgtelhr
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Croatian language of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Croatian CHAQ-CHQ were fully validated with 3 forward and 3 backward translations. A total of 139 subjects were enrolled: 75 patients with JIA (19% systemic onset, 20% polyarticular onset, 17% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 44% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 64 healthy children. CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the polyarticular and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the polyarticular onset and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Croatian version of the CHAQ-CHQ is a reliable, and valid tool for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510329

29. HASHKES P, UZIEL Y, PRESS J, BRIK R, NAVON-ELKAN P, MUKAMEL M, LIBMAN E, TAUBER T, RUPERTO N, BARASH J: The Hebrew version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S86-S90
    Organism:Sieff Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, PO Box 1008, 13100 Safed, Israel philh@kinneretcoil
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Hebrew language of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Hebrew CHAQ-CHQ were fully developed with 3 forward and 3 backward translations. A total of 144 subjects were enrolled: 80 patients with JIA (12% systemic onset, 34% polyarticular onset, 23% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 31% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 64 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic, polyarticular and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the JIA patients having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Hebrew version of the CHAQ-CHQ is a reliable, and valid tool for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510338

30. HENDERSON CJ, SPECKER BL, SIERRA R, I, CAMPAIGNE BN, LOVELL DJ: Total-body bone mineral content in non-corticosteroid-treated postpubertal females with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: Frequency of osteopenia and contributing factors. Arthritis & Rheumatism 2000, 43:531-540.
    Organism:Department of Nutrition, Georgia State University, 140 Decatur Street, Suite 937, Atlanta, GA, 30303 USA
    Abstract: Objective. To determine the extent of low total-body bone mineral content (BMC) in non-corticosteroid-treated white postpubertal females with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) compared with healthy age- and race-matched female controls, and to identify variables that significantly contribute to total-body BMC. Methods. Thirty-six females with definite JRA who had never received corticosteroids and 51 healthy female controls were evaluated. All subjects had had their first menstrual period at least 2 years prior to enrollment. Total-body BMC, lumbar spine bone mineral density, and body composition were determined by dual x-ray absorptiometry. Total-body BMC Z-scores were calculated for JRA patients using data from controls. JRA patients were dichotomized into those with "normal" bone mass (total-body BMC at or above the mean or no more than 1 SD below the mean) and those with "low" bone mass (total-body BMC more than 1 SD below the mean). Comparisons of anthropometric measurements, laboratory measurements of bone metabolism, disease activity, dietary intake, and physical activity were performed. Stepwise logistic regression was utilized to determine the presence or absence of low total-body BMC and to identify associated contributing factors. Results. Total-body BMC was 4.5% lower in JRA patients than in controls (mean +- SD 2,050 +- 379 gm versus 2,143 +- 308 gm; P = 0.21). Twenty-five of 36 patients (69.4%) had "normal" and 11 of 36 (30.6%) had "low" total-body BMC. Comparison of JRA patients with "normal" versus those with "low" total-body BMC revealed significant differences in disease characteristics, anthropometric and physical development characteristics, laboratory measures of bone mineralization, and dietary intake. The final regression model contained only lean mass (P = 0.01), which accounted for 76.3% of the variance in total-body BMC. The odds ratio for lean mass was 0.4451 (95% confidence interval 0.2374-0.8348). Conclusion. In this study, apprx30% of the subjects in a sample of postpubertal female patients with mild-to-moderate, non-corticosteroid-treated JRA had low bone mass. The predictor variable that significantly contributed to total-body BMC was lean mass, which demonstrated a protective effect of 0.56 risk reduction for low total-body BMC

31. HOFER M, RUPERTO N, SAURENMANN R, SAUVAIN MJ, HUPPERTZ HI, LANDGRAF JM, PRIEUR AM: The Swiss German and Swiss French versions of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S151-S157
    Organism:Service de Pediatrie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland michaelhofer@chuvhospvdch
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Swiss German and Swiss French languages of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Swiss German and Swiss French CHAQ-CHQ were adapted from the German and French versions of the CHAQ-CHQ, and revalidated in this study. A total of 147 subjects were enrolled: 85 patients with JIA (22% systemic onset, 31% polyarticular onset, 32% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 15% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 62 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic, polyarticular and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic onset, polyarticular onset and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Swiss German and Swiss French versions of the CHAQ-CHQ are reliable, and valid tools for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510321

32. HROMADNIKOVA I, VAVRINCOVA P, STECHOVA K, HRIDELOVA D: Anti-keratin antibodies in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Clinical And Experimental Rheumatology 2001, 19:470-473.
    Organism:Dr. I. Hromadnikova, 2nd Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Motol, Prague V Uvalu 84, 150 06 Prague 5
    Abstract: Objective. We discuss the presence of anti-keratin antibodies (AKA) of the IgG class in patients with defined juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods. An indirect immunofluorescence test with rat oesophagus substrate was used for the detection and quantification of AKA antibodies in patients' sera. Results. Overall 30/60 patients with JIA had sera positive for AKA (50%, p=0,0005) ranging from 1:20 to 1:160 dilutions. Using the classification criteria for childhood idiopathic arthritis, AKA occurred in 2/7 patients with systemic disease (28.6%), in 13/30 patients with RF negative polyarthritis (43.3%, p=0.008) and in 12/18 RF positive polyarthritis (66.7%, p=0.002). AKA were also found in a small cohort of patients with oligoarthritis (1/3) and psoriatic arthritis (2/2). AKA positivity occurred in 3/26 healthy controls at a 1:20 dilution. The presence of AKA was correlated as well as with the severity of the disease. Our study revealed that AKA was present overall in 16/29 patients (55.2%) with severe JIA and in 11/26 patients (42.3%) with non-severe disease. We also observed that AKA remained positive regardless of disease activity. AKA were detectable in 44.4% patients with active JIA and in 45.9% patients in the complete or near remission. Conclusion. Our data suggest that AKA are present in patients with JIA. However, no correlation with severity or disease activity was observed
    Internet : ilona.hromadnikova@lfmotol.cuni.cz

33. HROMADNIKOVA I, VAVRINCOVA P, STECHOVA K, HRIDELOVA D: Anti-keratin antibodies in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:470-473.
    Organism:2nd Paediatric Clinic, University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic ilonahromadnikova@lfmotolcunicz
    Abstract: OBJECTIVE: We discuss the presence of anti-keratin antibodies (AKA) of the IgG class in patients with defined juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). METHODS: An indirect immunofluorescence test with rat oesophagus substrate was used for the detection and quantification of AKA antibodies in patients'sera. RESULTS: Overall 30/60 patients with JIA had sera positiveforAKA (50%, p=0.0005) ranging from 1:20 to 1:160 dilutions. Using the classification criteria for childhood idiopathic arthritis, AKA occurred in 2/7 patients with systemic disease (28.6%), in 13/30 patients with RF negative polyarthritis (43.3%, p=0.008) and in 12/18 RF positive polyarthritis (66.7%, p=0.002). AKA were also found in a small cohort of patients with oligoarthritis (1/3) and psoriatic arthritis (2/2). AKA positivity occurred in 3/26 healthy controls at a 1:20 dilution. The presence ofAKA was correlated as well as with the severity of the disease. Our study revealed that AKA was present overall in 16/29 patients (55.2%) with severe JIA and in 11/26 patients (42.3%) with non-severe disease. We also observed that AKA remained positive regardless of disease activity. AKA were detectable in 44.4% patients with active JIA and in 45.9% patients in the complete or near remission. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that AKA are present in patients with JIA. However no correlation with severity or disease activity was observed
    Internet : PM:11491508

34. HUEMER C, RUPERTO N, HUEMER M, SAILER-HOECK M, KAULFERSCH W, SCHWARZ R, RETTENBACHER A, KENZIAN H, ARTACKER G, PILZ I, BERNECKER M, HUPPERTZ HI, LANDGRAF JM: The Austrian version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S15-S19
    Organism:Universitatsklinik fur Ki
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Austrian language of the parentis version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Austrian CHAQ CHQ were adapted from the German version of the CHAQ-CHQ, and revalidated in this study. A total of 134 subjects were enrolled: 74 patients with JIA (9.5% systemic onset, 42% polyarticular onset, 9.5% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 39% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 60 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic, polyarticular and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic onset, polyarticular onset and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Austrian version of the CHAQ-CHQ is a reliable, and valid tool for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510320

35. JOOS R, RUPERTO N, WOUTERS C, BOVEN K, RAAT H, LANDGRAF JM, VEYS EM: The Belgian-Flemish version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S20-S24
    Organism:Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent, Centrum Voor Kinderreumatologie, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Gent, Belgium joosrik@pibe
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Belgian-Flemish language of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Belgian-Flemish CHAQ was fully validated with 3 forward and 3 backward translations, while the Belgian-Flemish CHQ was equal to the Dutch version and revalidated in this study. The French version of both CHAQ and CHQ was exactly the same as the one used in France. A total of 199 subjects were enrolled: 53 patients with JIA (11% systemic onset, 40% polyarticular onset, 13% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 36% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 146 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the polyarticular onset, and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the polyarticular onset and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Belgian-Flemish version of the CHAQ-CHQ is a reliable, and valid tool for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510325

36. KAIPIAINEN-SEPPANEN O, SAVOLAINEN A: Changes in the incidence of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in Finland. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2001, 40:928-932.
    Organism:Department of Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
    Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To study trends in the incidence of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). METHODS: The study covered subjects who were entitled under the nation-wide sickness insurance scheme to receive specially reimbursed medication for juvenile rheumatic diseases in 11 of 21 central hospital districts in Finland (the base population comprised about 445,000 children <16 yr of age) in 1995. Data from the years 1980, 1985 and 1990 were compared with data from 1995 concerning the central part of the area, which had been included in a previous study by us. RESULTS: A total of 87 incident cases (58 girls and 29 boys) satisfied criteria for JRA in 1995 in the study area. The incidence of JRA was 19.5 per 100 000 [95% confidence interval (CI) 15.6-24.1] of the population <16 yr of age for the whole area. It was 22.7 per 100,000 (95% CI 17.3-29.2) for the area that had been covered by the earlier study (five districts) and 14.9 per 100,000 (95% CI 9.8-21.7) for the new area (six additional districts). The incidence of JRA was significantly higher than in the earlier years (1980, 1985 and 1990) in the same district (trend, P=0.024). The highest incidence, 60.3 per 100,000 (95% CI 35.8-95.4), was noted in 1995 among girls in the age group 10-15 yr in the southernmost part of the study area. CONCLUSIONS: There was both temporal and regional variation in the incidence of JRA. Results of the present study suggest that environmental factors may influence the frequency of JRA
    Internet : PM:11511763

37. KAMIZONO S, YAMADA A, HIGUCHI T, KATO H, ITOH K, SEKI N: Gene diagnosis of diseases wherein TNF-alpha promotors participate. Official Gazette of the United States Patent and Trademark Office Patents 2001, 1247:No
    Organism:Fukuoka Japan
    Abstract: A method of gene diagnosis of diseases wherein TNF-alpha promoters participate, such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, chronic rheumatism or diabetes, by determining in the nucleotides at the -857, -863 and/or -1031 positions in the 5'-flanking region of a TNF-alpha gene

38. KOGA Y, KUROMARU R, TAKADA H, HARA T: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis associated with autoimmune thyroid disorders and autoimmune cholangitis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2001, 40:942-943.
    Internet : PM:11511767

39. LEVESQUE MC, WARD FE, JEFFERY DR, WEINBERG JB: Interferon-beta1a-induced juvenile chronic arthritis in a genetically predisposed young patient with multiple sclerosis: Comment on the case report by Levesque et al: Reply. Arthritis & Rheumatism 2000, 43:1190
    Organism:Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC USA

40. MACHADO CS, RUPERTO N, SILVA CH, FERRIANI VP, ROSCOE I, CAMPOS LM, OLIVEIRA SK, KISS MH, BICA BE, SZTAJNBOK F, LEN CA, MELO-GOMES JA: The Brazilian version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S25-S29
    Organism:Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, UNESP, Departamento de Pediatria, 18618-970 Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil cmachado@fmbunespbr
    Abstract: We report the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into Brazilian-Portuguese of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children regardless the underlying disease. The Brazilian CHAQ was revalidated, while the CHQ has been derived from the Portuguese version. A total of 471 subjects were enrolled: 157 patients with JIA (27% systemic onset, 38% polyarticular onset, 9% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 26% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 314 healthy children. The CHAQ discriminated clinically healthy subjects from JIA patients, with the systemic, polyarticular and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and lower overall well-being scores when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ discriminated clinically healthy subjects from JIA patients, with the systemic onset, polyarticular onset and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being score when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Brazilian versions of the CHAQ-CHQ are reliable and valid tools for the combined physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510326

41. MARTINI G, BACCILIERO U, TREGNAGHI A, MONTESCO MC, ZULIAN F: Isolated temporomandibular synovitis as unique presentation of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Rinsho Ganka 2001, 28:1689-1692.
    Organism:Dr. F. Zulian, Dipartimento di Pediatria, Universita di Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova
    Abstract: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement is quite frequent in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). We describe a 15-year-old girl with isolated TMJ arthritis presenting as a unique manifestation of JIA, and its successful treatment. She underwent arthroscopic synovectomy followed by intraarticular steroid injection. Early use of synovectomy and intraarticular steroids in TMJ arthritis may reduce pain, improve jaw function, and prevent irreversible deformities
    Internet : zulian@child.pedi.unipd.it

42. MELO-GOMES JA, RUPERTO N, CANHAO H, FONSECA JE, QUINTAL A, SALGADO M, SANTOS MJ: The Portuguese version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S126-S130
    Organism:Infantile, Adolescent and Young Adult Rheumatology Unit-Instituto Portugues de Reumatologia, Lisbon, Portugal melogomes@mailtelepacpt
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Portuguese language of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Portuguese CHAQ CHQ were fully validated with 3 forward and 3 backward translations. A total of 130 subjects were enrolled: 69 patients with JIA (32% systemic onset, 19% polyarticular onset, 26% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 23% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 61 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic, polyarticular and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic onset, polyarticular onset and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Portuguese version of the CHAQ-CHQ is a reliable, and valid tool for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510315

43. MIHAYLOVA D, RUPERTO N, KIBAROVA V, TELTCHAROVA-MIHAYLOVSKA A, KALAIKOV D, STEFANOV S, LISICHKI K, BOJIDAROVA M: The Bulgarian version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S30-S34
    Organism:University Children's Hospital, Clinic of Rheumatology, 11 Dimiter Nestorov Str, 1606 Sofia, Bulgaria drdmm@hotmailcom
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Bulgarian language of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Bulgarian CHAQ CHQ were fully validated with 1 forward and 1 backward translations. 137 subjects were enrolled: 77 patients with JIA (36% systemic onset, 30% polyarticular onset, 4% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 30% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 60 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the polyarticular and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the polyarticular onset and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Bulgarian version of the CHAQ-CHQ is a reliable, and valid tool for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510327

44. MIRANDA M, RUPERTO N, TOSO MS, LIRA LW, GONZALEZ B, NORAMBUENA X, QUEZADA A, DE INOCENCIO J, MENDEZ C: The Chilean version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S35-S39
    Organism:Universidad de Chile/Hospital San Juan de Dios-SSMOccidente, Santiago-Chile
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Chilean language of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Chilean CHAQ-CHQ were derived from the European Spanish version with changing of the few words whose use is different in the 2 countries. A total of 126 subjects were enrolled: 72 patients with JIA (29% systemic onset, 39% polyarticular onset, 4% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 28% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 54 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the JIA patients having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the JIA patients having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Chilean version of the CHAQ-CHQ is a reliable, and valid tool for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510328

45. MOROLDO MB, RUPERTO N, ESPADA G, RUSSO R, LIBERATORE D, CUTTICA R, GIACOMONE D, GARAY S, DE INOCENCIO J, DE CUNTO C: The Argentinian version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S10-S14
    Organism:Hospital Italiano, Buenos Aires, Argentina
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Argentinian language of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Argentinian CHAQ was already published and therefore it was revalidated while the Argentinian CHQ was derived from the European Spanish version by changing few words which use is different in the 2 countries. A total of 124 subjects were enrolled: 61 patients with JIA (29% systemic onset, 38% polyarticular onset, 7% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 26% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 63 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic onset, and polyarticular having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic onset, polyarticular onset and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Argentinian version of the CHAQ-CHQ is a reliable, and valid tool for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510309

46. MYERS LK, HIGGINS GC, FINKEL TH, REED AM, THOMPSON JW, WALTON RC, HENDRICKSON J, KERR NC, PANDYA-LIPMAN RK, SHLOPOV BV, STASTNY P, POSTLETHWAITE AE, KANG AH: Juvenile arthritis and autoimmunity to type II collagen. Arthritis Rheum. 2001, 44:1775-1781.
    Organism:University of Tennessee, Memphis, USA
    Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Joint inflammation in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is sometimes associated with an autoimmune response to type II collagen (CII), a cartilage-specific protein. To test the hypothesis that down-regulation of autoimmunity to CII can be accomplished in JRA by oral administration of CII, an open-label study of CII was performed in 9 patients with JRA. METHODS: Seven rheumatoid factor-negative JRA patients with polyarticular disease and 2 JRA patients with pauciarticular disease (1 with early onset and 1 with late onset) were treated for 3 months with oral bovine CII. Patients were examined for disease activity and underwent routine laboratory testing at monthly intervals. Two of the patients had flares of disease when treatment was discontinued, and these patients were re-treated for an additional 3 months. To test the hypothesis that oral tolerance induces an immune deviation of T cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients were collected before and after treatment and cultured with CII. Supernatants and RNA were collected and analyzed for the presence of various cytokines. RESULTS: Eight patient trials met the criteria for clinical improvement outlined by Giannini and coworkers in 1997. None of the patients had any side effects from the treatment. In 6 of the 8 patients who improved, interferon-gamma production decreased after oral CII therapy, correlating with clinical improvement, while 6 patients had increases in levels of transforming growth factor beta3. CONCLUSION: These results are encouraging. The possible beneficial effect of oral CII in JRA merits further investigation
    Internet : PM:11508428

47. NIELSEN S, RUPERTO N, HERLIN T, PEDERSEN FK: The Danish version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S50-S54
    Organism:Juliane Marie Centret, Rigshospitalet, Pediatrisk Klinik II, Afsnit 4064, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark susan_rh04430_nielsen@rhdk
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Danish language of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Danish CHAQ-CHQ were fully validated with 3 forward and 3 backward translations. A total of 139 subjects were enrolled: 76 patients with JIA (25% systemic onset, 30% polyarticular onset, 19% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 26% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 63 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic, polyarticular and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic onset, polyarticular onset and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Danish version of the CHAQ-CHQ is a reliable, and valid tool for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510331

48. NIKISHINA I, RUPERTO N, KUZMINA N, SHELEPINA T, ILLARIONOVA O, SALOUGINA S, KALEDA M, BORODACHEVA O: The Russian version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S131-S135
    Organism:Institute of Rheumatology RAMS, Children's Department, Kashirskoye Shosse 34A, 115522 Moscow, Russia nikishina@mtu-netru
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Russian language of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Russian CHAQ CHQ were fully validated with 3 forward and 3 backward translations. A total of 146 subjects were enrolled: 86 patients with JIA (23% systemic onset, 39% polyarticular onset, 15% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 23% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 60 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic, polyarticular and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic onset, polyarticular onset and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Russian version of the CHAQ-CHQ is a reliable, and valid tool for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510316

49. NUGENT J, RUPERTO N, GRAINGER J, MACHADO C, SAWHNEY S, BAILDAM E, DAVIDSON J, FOSTER H, HALL A, HOLLINGWORTH P, SILLS J, VENNING H, WALSH JE, LANDGRAF JM, ROLAND M, WOO P, MURRAY KJ: The British version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S163-S167
    Organism:Institute of Child Health, University College, London, United Kingdom
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the British language of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. A total of 440 subjects were enrolled: 219 patients with JIA (17% systemic onset, 41% polyarticular onset, 33% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 9% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 221 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic, polyarticular and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic onset, polyarticular onset and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the British version of the CHAQ-CHQ is a reliable, and valid tool for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510323

50. ORBAN I, RUPERTO N, BALOGH Z: The Hungarian version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S81-S85
    Organism:National Institute of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy, Budapest, Hungary
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Hungarian language of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Hungarian CHAQ CHQ were fully validated with 3 forward and 3 backward translations. A total of 127 subjects were enrolled: 67 patients with JIA (13.5% systemic onset, 42% polyarticular onset, 13.5% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 31% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 60 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic, polyarticular and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic onset, polyarticular onset and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Hungarian version of the CHAQ-CHQ is a reliable, and valid tool for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510337

51. OZDOGAN H, RUPERTO N, KASAPCOPUR O, BAKKALOGLU A, ARISOY N, OZEN S, UGURLU U, UNSAL E, MELIKOGLU M: The Turkish version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S158-S162
    Organism:Cerrahpasa Tip Fakultesi, Ic Hastaliklari ABD, Romatoloji BD, Kasaneler sk 2/5 Erenkoy, 81060 Istanbul, Turkey nozdogan@superonlinecom
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Turkish language of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Turkish CHAQ CHQ were fully validated with 3 forward and 3 backward translations. A total of 145 subjects were enrolled: 85 patients with JIA (35% systemic onset, 41% polyarticular onset, and 24% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 60 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic, and polyarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic onset, and polyarticular onset having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Turkish version of the CHAQ-CHQ is a reliable, and valid tool for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510322

52. PACHECO-TENA C, ALVARADO DLB, LOPEZ-VIDAL Y, VAZQUEZ-MELLADO J, RICHAUD-PATIN Y, AMIEVA RI, LLORENTE L, MARTINEZ A, ZUNIGA J, CIFUENTES-ALVARADO M, BURGOS-VARGAS R: Bacterial DNA in synovial fluid cells of patients with juvenile onset spondyloarthropathies. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2001, 40:920-927.
    Organism:Hospital General de Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
    Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To identify bacterial DNA in synovial fluid cells of patients with active juvenile onset spondyloarthropathy (SpA). METHODS: The main group of study constituted 22 patients with juvenile onset SpA. In addition, five patients with adult onset SpA and nine with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were studied. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with either g
    Internet : PM:11511762

53. PAGAVA K, RUPERTO N, SHALAMBERIDZE L, MSHVIDOBADZE N: The Georgian version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S66-S70
    Organism:Tbilisi State Medical University, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 33 Vazha-Pshavela Ave, 380071, Tbilisi, Georgiakpagava@excitecom
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Georgian language of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Georgian CHAQ CHQ were fully validated with 3 forward and 3 backward translation. A total of 115 subjects were enrolled: 54 patients with JIA (44% systemic onset, 28% polyarticular onset, 7.5% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 20.5% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 61 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic, polyarticular and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic onset, polyarticular onset and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Georgian version of the CHAQ-CHQ is a reliable, and valid tool for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510334

54. PELKONEN P, RUPERTO N, HONKANEN V, HANNULA S, SAVOLAINEN A, LAHDENNE P: The Finnish version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S55-S59
    Organism:Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University of Helsinki, 00029 Helsinki, Finland
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Finnish language of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Finnish CHAQ-CHQ were validated with 3 forward and 1 backward translations. A total of 161 subjects were enrolled: 89 patients with JIA (9% systemic onset, 44% polyarticular onset, 26% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 21% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 72 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic, polyarticular and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic, polyarticular and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Finnish version of the CHAQ-CHQ is a reliable and valid tool for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510332

55. PIGNATTI P, VIVARELLI M, MEAZZA C, RIZZOLO MG, MARTINI A, DE BENEDETTI F: Abnormal regulation of interleukin 6 in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Rinsho Ganka 2001, 28:1670-1676.
    Organism:Dr. A. Martini, Clinica Pediatrica, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, P. le Golgi 2, 27100 Pavia
    Abstract: Objective. To evaluate the in vitro production of interleukin 6 (IL-6) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), its regulation by IL-10, and the association of abnormal regulation of IL-6 production with presence of polymorphisms in the regulatory sequence of the IL-6 gene. Methods. PBMC were cultured in the absence or presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). IL-6 and IL-10 levels were measured by ELISA. Polymorphisms in the regulatory sequences of the IL-6 gene were assessed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and sequencing of amplified regions. Results. Patients' PBMC produced high amounts of IL-6 compared to controls in unstimulated conditions. The IL-10 50% inhibitory dose of LPS stimulated IL-6 production was significantly higher in patients than controls. IL-10 levels produced in the absence or presence of LPS were comparable between patients and controls. The -174 G/C polymorphism in the IL-6 gene does not appear to be correlated with the high unstimulated IL-6 production or with the reduced inhibition by IL-10 observed in patients with JIA. No differences in patients compared to controls and with respect to the published sequence were found in the 3prime untranslated region (UTR) of the IL-6 gene. Conclusion. Most patients with JIA have increased unstimulated production of IL-6 and reduced inhibition of IL-6 production by IL-10. This abnormal regulation of IL-6 production is not secondary to a defect in IL-10 production, and is not associated with polymorphism of alleles at position -174 of the 5prime flanking region or with mutations in the 3prime untranslated region of the IL-6 gene
    Internet : amartini@smatteo.pv.it

56. POUCHOT J, RUPERTO N, LEMELLE I, SOMMELET D, GROUTEAU E, DAVID L, DUQUESNE A, JOB DC, KONE P, I, PILLET P, GOUMY L, BARBIER C, GUYOT MH, MAZINGUE F, GANDON LS, FISCHBACH M, QUARTIER P, GUYOT C, JEAN S, LE GALL E, PLOUVIER E, BOST M, DE LUMLEY L, LEPLEGE A, LARBRE JP, GUILLEMIN F, COSTE J, LANDGRAF JM, PRIEUR AM: The French version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S60-S65
    Organism:Service de Medecine Interne, Hopital Louis Mourier, Colombes, France
    Abstract: We report the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the French language of two health status instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health related quality of life instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. Five hundred children were enrolled including 306 patients with JIA classified into systemic (23%), polyarticular (22%), extended oligoarticular (25%), and persistent oligoarticular (30%) subtypes, and 194 healthy children. Both instruments were reliable with intra-class correlation (ICC) coefficients for the test-retest procedure of 0.91 for the CHAQ, and 0.87 and 0.89 for the physical and psychosocial summary scores of CHQ, respectively. Agreement between parents and children evaluated for the CHAQ was high with an ICC of 0.89 for the disability index; weighted kappa coefficients for the 8 domains ranged from 0.61 to 0.72. Convergent validity was demonstrated by significant correlations with the JIA core set of variables (physician and parent global assessment, scores for active joints and joints with limited range of motion, erythrocyte sedimentation rate) for both instruments. Both CHAQ and CHQ discriminated between healthy and JIA children, but only the disease specific CHAQ questionnaire discriminated clearly between the 4 JIA subtypes. In conclusion, the French versions of the CHAQ and the CHQ are reliable, and valid health assessment questionnaires to be used in children suffering from JIA
    Internet : PM:11510333

57. PRAHALAD S, RYAN MH, SHEAR ES, THOMPSON SD, GIANNINI EH, GLASS DN: Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: Linkage to HLA demonstrated by allele sharing in affected sibpairs. Arthritis & Rheumatism 2000, 43:2335-2338.
    Organism:Division of Rheumatology, Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Pavilion 2-129, Cincinnati, OH, 45229-3039 USA
    Abstract: Objective: To test for linkage between the HLA region and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), with stratification by onset and course types, in a cohort of affected sibling pairs (ASPs). Methods: Eighty pairs of siblings with JRA who were registered with the Research Registry for JRA ASPs (sponsored by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases) were typed for HLA-DR. The observed ratio of sharing of none, one, or both parental DR alleles was compared against the expected ratio of 1:2:1 by goodness-of-fit chi-square tests. A group of 265 unrelated control subjects served as a comparison population for HLA-DR allele frequencies among patients, by Fisher's exact test. Results: Overall, there was excess sharing of 2 DR alleles among ASPs with JRA. The observed ratio of sharing 0, 1, or 2 DR alleles was 8:40:32, instead of the expected ratio of 20:40:20 (P<0.001). When stratified by JRA onset type, excess allele sharing was demonstrated among ASPs who were concordant for onset type (P=0.002). This was true for both pauciarticular and polyarticular onset. When stratified by disease course, excess allele sharing was also demonstrated among ASPs who were concordant for disease course (P<0.001). This was true for both the pauciarticular and the polyarticular course. Among the 32 ASPs who shared two DR alleles, 5 pairs had both DR8 and DR11, which was significantly more frequent (P<0.0001) than the incidence in the control group (n=0). Conclusion: This study of an independent cohort of multiplex families confirms the previously reported linkage between pauciarticular JRA and the HLA-DR region that was identified using a different analytic method in a cohort of simplex families. Additionally, this study establishes evidence for linkage between polyarticular JRA and the HLA-DR region

58. PRATSIDOU-GERTSI P, VOUGIOUKA O, TSITSAMI E, RUPERTO N, SIAMOPOULOU-MAVRIDOU A, DRACOU C, DASKAS I, TRACHANA M, ALALEOU V, KANAKOUDI-TSAKALIDOU F: The Greek version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S76-S80
    Organism:1st Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Greek language of the parent's version of 2 health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Greek CHAQ CHQ were fully validated with 3 forward and 3 backward translations. A total of 143 subjects were enrolled: 82 patients with JIA (28% systemic onset, 24% polyarticular onset, 10% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 38% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 61 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic, polyarticular and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic onset, polyarticular onset and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Greek version of the CHAQ-CHQ is a reliable, and valid tool for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510336

59. PRIEUR AM: Spondylarthropathies in children. Ann.Med.Interne (Paris) 1998, 149:156-158.
    Organism:Service de Rhumatologie Pediatrique, Federation de Pediatrie, Hopital des Enfants-Malades, Universite Paris V, 149, rue de Sevres, 75745 Paris
    Abstract: Spondylarthropathies in children are still classified among juvenile chronic (rheumatoid arthritides, at least in their undifferentiated forms. However, the ESSG and Armor criteria are very satisfactory for identifying this group of patients. Work conducted by the ILAR Taskforce for Pediatric Rheumatology is in progress for a better identification of these patients
    Internet : PM:11490538

60. RAVELLI A, VIOLA S, MIGLIAVACCA D, PISTORIO A, RUPERTO N, MARTINI A: Discordance between proxy-reported and observed assessment of functional ability of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2001, 40:914-919.
    Organism:Dipartimento di Scienze Pediatriche dell'Universita, IRCCS Policlinico S Matteo, Pavia, Italy
    Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of agreement between parents and clinicians in rating dysfunction in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). METHODS: A parent of each patient completed the Italian version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ). Subsequently, an examiner assessed, in a specially equipped room, the child's performance of tasks as described by the CHAQ. Demographic and clinical variables were recorded for all patients. RESULTS: Seventy consecutive JIA patients and their parents were included. The mean proxy-reported and observed CHAQ score was 0.64+/-0.53 and 0.47+/-0.62 respectively, the difference ranging from -1.75 to 1.5. There were 30 cases (43%) of agreement (difference < or =0.25 CHAQ units) between the parent's and clinician's ratings, whereas in 40 cases (57%) there was discordance (difference >0.25 CHAQ units). In 30 cases the parent rated the child's functional ability as worse than that observed by the clinician (i.e. the parent underestimated the child's function), whereas in 10 cases the parent rated the child's functional ability as better than that observed by the clinician (i.e. overestimated the child's function). Multivariate regression analysis showed that children's functional ability was overestimated by parents with increasing erythrocyte sedimentation rate and global articular severity score and underestimated with increasing level of pain. Among the functional areas of the CHAQ, the level of agreement was poorest in the areas of eating and hygiene and was best for activities. CONCLUSIONS: Discordance between proxy-reported and observed functional ability was frequent in our patients with JIA. The children's functional ability was overestimated by parents as the severity of arthritis increased and underestimated as the level of pain increased
    Internet : PM:11511761

61. ROBERTSON LP, HICKLING P: Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis is a differential diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Ann.Rheum.Dis. 2001, 60:828-831.
    Organism:Department of Rheumatology, Derriford Hospital, Derriford Road, Plymouth PL6 8DH, Devon, UK rwmlpr@eurobellcouk
    Internet : PM:11502607

62. ROMICKA AM, RUPERTO N, GUTOWSKA-GRZEGORCZYK G, MUSIEJ-NOWAKOWSKA E, WYSZYNSKA E: The Polish version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S121-S125
    Organism:Institute of Rheumatology, Paediatric Clinic, Ul Spartanska 1, 02 637 Warsaw, Poland zpatiir@warmancompl
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Polish language of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Polish CHAQ CHQ were fully validated with 1 forward and 1 backward translation. A total of 30 subjects were enrolled: 17 patients with JIA (35% systemic onset, 18% polyarticular onset, 29% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 18% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 13 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic, polyarticular and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic onset, polyarticular onset and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Polish versions of the CHAQ-CHQ are reliable, and valid tools for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510314

63. ROONEY BK, SILMAN AJ: Epidemiology of the rheumatic diseases. Current Opinion in Rheumatology 1999, 11:91-97.
    Organism:ARC Epidemiology Unit, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Stopford Building, Manchester, M13 9PT UK

64. RUMBA I, RUPERTO N, BIKIS E, REMBERGA S, SAULITE I, PLOTKINA N, VIKSNA A, KRAUCA M, BRECA I, VIKMANIS U: The Latvian version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S101-S105
    Organism:Faculty of Medicine, University of Lativa, Raina Bulv, 19, LV-1586 Riga, Latvia ingridarumba@parkslv
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Latvian language of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Latvian CHAQ CHQ were fully validated with 1 forward and 1 backward translations. A total of 141 subjects were enrolled: 80 patients with JIA (16% systemic onset, 32.5% polyarticular onset, 19% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 32.5% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 61 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic, polyarticular and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic onset, polyarticular onset and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Latvian version of the CHAQ-CHQ is a reliable, and valid tool for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510310

65. RUPERTO N, RAVELLI A, PISTORIO A, MALATTIA C, CAVUTO S, GADO-WEST L, TORTORELLI A, LANDGRAF JM, SINGH G, MARTINI A: Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) in 32 countries. Review of the general methodology. Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S1-S9
    Organism:Laboratorio di Informatica Medica, IRCCS San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy nruperto@smatteopvit
    Abstract: The aim of this project was to cross-culturally adapt and validate the American English version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and of the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) in the 32 different member countries of the Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation (PRINTO). This effort forms part of an international study supported by the European Union to evaluate the health-related quality of life in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) as compared to their healthy peers. A total of 6,644 subjects were enrolled from 32 countries: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Korea, Latvia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Yugoslavia. A total of 3,235 patients had JIA (20% systemic onset, 33% polyarticular onset, 17% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 30% persistent oligoarticular subtype) while 3,409 were healthy children. This introductory paper describes the methodology used by all the participants. The results and the translated version of both the CHAQ and the CHQ for each country are fully reported in the following papers. The results of the present study show that cross-cultural adaptation is a valid process to obtain reliable instruments for the different socio-economic and socio-demographic conditions of the countries participating in the project
    Internet : PM:11510308

66. RUPERTO N, RAVELLI A, PISTORIO A, MALATTIA C, VIOLA S, CAVUTO S, ALESSIO M, ALPIGIANI MG, BUONCOMPAGNI A, CORONA F, CORTIS E, FALCINI F, GERLONI V, LEPORE L, SARDELLA ML, STRANO CG, ZULIAN F, GADO-WEST L, TORTORELLI A, FANTINI F, MARTINI A: The Italian version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S91-S95
    Organism:Laboratorio di Informatica Medica, IRCCS S Matteo, Universita di Pavia, Italy
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Italian language of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Italian CHAQ was already published in the literature and was therefore revalidated while the Italian CHQ was fully cross culturally adapted with 3 forward and 3 backward translations, and than validated. A total of 1,192 subjects were enrolled: 404 patients with JIA (16% systemic onset, 31% polyarticular onset, 21% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 32% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 788 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic, polyarticular and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic onset, polyarticular onset and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Italian version of the CHAQ-CHQ are reliable, and valid tools for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510339

67. RUSSO R, TENEMBAUM S, MORENO MJ, BATTAGLIOTTI C: Interferon-beta1a-induced juvenile chronic arthritis in a genetically predisposed young patient with multiple sclerosis: Comment on the case report by Levesque et al. Arthritis & Rheumatism 2000, 43:1190
    Organism:Hospital de Pediatria "Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan", Buenos Aires Argentina

68. SAVELKOUL M, DE WITTE LP, CANDEL MATH JJM, VAN DER TH, VAN DEN BB: Effects of a coping intervention on patients with rheumatic diseases: Results of a randomized controlled trial. Arthritis & Rheumatism 2001, 45:69-76.
    Organism:Department of Health Education and Promotion, Maastricht University, 6200 MD, Maastricht Netherlands
    Abstract: Objective: To test the effects (on coping, social interactions, loneliness, functional health status, and life satisfaction) of an intervention aimed at teaching people with rheumatic diseases to cope actively with their problems. Methods: A total of 168 patients with chronic rheumatic disorders affecting the joints were randomly assigned to a coping intervention group, a mutual support control group, or a waiting list control group. Measurements were by self-report questionnaires. Results: Post-intervention measurements showed that the coping intervention increased action-directed coping and functional health status, but these effects did not persist up to 6-months followup. In patients who attended at least half of the 10 sessions, the coping intervention contributed to decreased loneliness at post-intervention and to improvements in social interactions and life satisfaction at 6-months followup. Conclusion: Teaching patients with rheumatic diseases to cope actively with their problems had positive impacts. Consequently it is recommended that the coping intervention be incorporated into regular care. Maintenance sessions are advisable

69. SCANDINAVIAN CONGRESS oR: 28th Scandinavian Congress of Rheumatology, Turku, Finland, September 7-10, 2000. Scandinavian Journal Of Rheumatology 2000, 29:No
    Abstract: This meeting contains abstracts of 191 papers, including 128 posters, written in English, covering such aspects of rheumatology as osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, juvenile chronic arthritis, osteoporosis, Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, pain syndromes, immunogenetics, COX-2 inhibitors, autoantibodies, pathogenesis, etiology, surgery, therapy and outcome

70. SELVAAG AM, RUPERTO N, ASPLIN L, RYGG M, LANDGRAF JM, FORRE O, FLATO B: The Norwegian version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S116-S120
    Organism:National Hospital, Department of Rheumatology, Oslo, Norway
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Norwegian language of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Norwegian CHAQ and CHQ have already been published and therefore they were fully revalidated in this study. A total of 148 subjects were enrolled: 88 patients with JIA (6% systemic onset, 45% polyarticular onset, 10% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 39% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 60 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between patients with various JIA subtypes, with the systemic, polyarticular and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to those with persistent oligoarticular arthritis. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic onset, polyarticular onset and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Norwegian version of the CHAQ-CHQ is a reliable, and valid tool for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510313

71. SIAMOPOULOU A, CHALLA A, KAPOGLOU P, CHOLEVAS V, MAVRIDIS AK, LAPATSANIS PD: Effects of intranasal salmon calcitonin in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: An observational study. Calcified Tissue International 2001, 69:25-30.
    Organism:A. Challa, Child Health Department, Medical School, University of Ioannina, GR 451 10, Ioannina
    Abstract: The aim of this study was to follow the changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and biochemical markers of bone turnover in 10 children (7.5-17.5 years of age) with severe juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), during a 3-year therapy with salmon calcitonin (100 IU/day 2 months on and 2 off for a year and 200 IU/day for 2 years) and calcium (500 mg/day). All patients were functional classes III and IV and were measured at yearly intervals with a dual photon absorptiometer at the lumbar spine. The changes observed were 7.2-9.5% per year for BMD and 2.0-6.0% for volumetric bone mineral density (BMDSUBvol). The bone resorption markers showed significant decreases after a year's treatment (Pyr/Cr from 175 +/- 15 to 108 +/- 15 nm/mm, P < 0.001, Pyr-D/Cr from 24.3 +/- 3.5 to 13.3 +/- 1.9 nm/mm, P < 0.05, and OHPr/Cr from 57.4 +/- 11 to 35.1 +/- 8.4 mug/mg) and smaller changes thereafter. No significant changes were observed in the bone formation markers of osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase. Serum iPTH, the vitamin D metabolites, and calcium concentrations fluctuated within normal, while calcium excretion increased from 0.3 +/- 0.1 to 1.9 +/- 0.4 mg/kg/24 hours, P < 0.001. In conclusion, the present study, despite its limitations of not being placebo controlled, shows possible beneficial effects of intranasal calcitonin on bone resorption and pain relief in JIA patients

72. STEFANOV S, MARTINOVA F, BOIKINOV I, LISITCHKI K, IVANOVA N, MIHAILOVA D, TRUNKOVA V: Juvenile chronic arthritis and the antigens of HLA system. Rheumatology 2001, 9:42-47.
    Organism:Dr. St. Stefanov, Clinic of Rheumatic/Colagenous Dis., Department of Pediatrics, Medical University, 11, D. Nestorov Blvd., Bg - 1431 Sofia
    Abstract: 148 Bulgarian children with juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA), aged from 8 months to 17 years, have been investigated. HLA typifying of antigens from loci A and B has been performed by means of a standard microlymphocytotoxic test of Terasaki and that of the antigens from locus DR - by means of a prolonged microlymphocytotoxic test. Anti-HLA typifying sera have been used to identify 12 specificities from locus A, 15 specificities from locus B and 11 specificities from locus DR. The control group includes 1085 healthy persons for HLA-A and B antigens and 170 persons for DR antigens. The results of the study reveal the significance of the carriage of HLA antigens DR4, B27 (and CREG - B7, B22, B40) and B18 as predisposing factors for development of JCA. The examination of HLA-DR4 shows the presence of a significant association both in the common group and in the separate subgroups (excluding the group with "extended oligoarthritis" where HLA antigens from class II have not been examined): 34.17% against 18.82% in the control group (XSUP2 = 7.21, p < 0.01, RR = 2.24). A significant association is found with HLA-B27 in cases with oligoarthritis, especially in those with type II oligoarthritis. The carriage of HLA-B27 is significantly higher in children with "extended oligoarthritis" - positive in 5 out of 8 children (62.5%) (XSUP2 = 21.68, p < 0.001, RR = 13.79). An association of polyarticular type of JCA with HLA-B18 was found out for the first time in our study: 25.58% against 10.69% in the control group (XSUP2 = 9.34, p < 0.01). The associations of JCA with A2, DR1 and DR3 reported in literature and the established by us carriage with greater but non-significant incidence, have to be submitted to further examination in a larger number of patients

73. SUN S, TSAI S, SU C, KAO C: Diffuse liver and spleen accumulation on Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate bone scan. Seminars in Nuclear Medicine 2001, 31:253-254.
    Organism:Department of Nuclear Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, 160 Taichung Harbor Road, Section 3, Taichung, 40705 Taiwan

74. SUSIC G, RUPERTO N, STOJANOVIC R, GACIC D, PILIPOVIC N, PASIC S, JOVANOVIC M, MINIC A, VUKOJEVIC P, LIMIC B, DJORDJEVIC S, MILENKOVIC M, PLECAS D, MILENKOVIC P, MARTINI A: The Serbian version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S168-S172
    Organism:Institute of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, General Zdanova, 69, 11000 Belgrade, Yugoslavia susic-sg@dreniknet
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Serbian language of the parentis version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children independently from the underlying disease. The Serbian CHAQ-CHQ were fully validated with 3 forward and 1 backward translations. A total of 139 subjects were enrolled: 79 patients with JIA (30% systemic onset, 28% polyarticular onset, 6% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 36% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 60 healthy children. The CHAQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic, polyarticular and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and a lower overall well-being when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ clinically discriminated between healthy subjects and JIA patients, with the systemic onset, polyarticular onset and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Serbian version of the CHAQ-CHQ is a reliable, and valid tool for the functional, physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA
    Internet : PM:11510324

75. SVENSSON B, LARSSON A, ADELL R: The mandibular condyle in juvenile chronic arthritis patients with mandibular hypoplasia: a clinical and histological study. Int.J.Oral Maxillofac.Surg. 2001, 30:300-305.
    Organism:Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Orebro Medical Centre Hospital, Sweden
    Abstract: In 12 JCA patients with severe mandibular hypoplasia, who all strongly demanded early treatment, 21 mandibular condyles were replaced by costochondral grafts. All of them had radiographic morphological changes in the mandibular condyles with varying degrees of destruction of the articular cartilages. Severe pathological changes in the lower joint compartments were consistently observed at surgery. Hence, the lower joint compartments were obstructed with granulomatous tissue, whereas the upper compartments were without macroscopic pathological changes. These findings indicated a polarized involvement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA). The extent of condylar articular surface destruction at histological examination varied from focal to total cartilage destruction. Inflammation of the subchondral bone marrow was a frequent finding. In spite of considerable arthritic destruction of the condyles, only one patient had TMJ pain, while a restricted mouth opening capacity was a more frequent finding. Thus, TMJ pain did not seem to constitute a reliable symptom of serious arthritic destruction of the mandibular condyle
    Internet : PM:11518352

76. TAKEI S, GROH D, BERNSTEIN B, SHAHAM B, GALLAGHER K, REIFF A: Safety and efficacy of high dose etanercept in treatment of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Rinsho Ganka 2001, 28:1677-1680.
    Organism:Dr. S. Takei, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima City 890-0075
    Abstract: Objective. To evaluate safety and efficacy of high dose etanercept (> 0.8 mg/kg, maximum 25 mg subcutaneously twice weekly) (Enbrel(R)) in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) and inadequate prior response to standard dose etanercept. Methods. Retrospective chart review of 8 children (6 girls, 2 boys, mean age 8.4 yrs, range 5-16 yrs). Five children had systemic onset, polyarticular course JRA; 2 had polyarticular onset; and one had pauciarticular onset, polyarticular course JRA. All children had failed at least 3 mo (mean 9 mo) treatment with standard dose etanercept (0.4 mg/kg SC twice a week). All 8 children had increase in the etanercept dose to at least 0.8 mg/kg (mean 1.1 mg/kg, maximum 25 mg SC twice weekly) for a mean of 7 mo (range 3-10 mo). Efficacy of high dose etanercept was evaluated by changes in joint count, laboratory data, and ability to decrease concomitant medication. Results. Improvements in the joint count and laboratory findings (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hemoglobin and platelet count) were observed in 2 of 8 (25%) children. In these 2, concomitant prednisone was reduced or discontinued. In contrast, no changes in disease activity or laboratory findings were observed in the other 6 children. Overall, high dose etanercept was well tolerated. No laboratory abnormalities were detected and no child withdrew because of adverse events. Conclusion. High dose etanercept is safe and well tolerated in children, but efficacy seems limited. In children with unsatisfactory response to standard dose etanercept, an increased dose or treatment prolongation may not offer any additional benefit
    Internet : syuji@m2.kufm.kagoshima-u.ac.jp

77. TAKKEN T, VAN DER NJ, HELDERS PAUL JM: Do juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients benefit from an exercise program? A pilot study. Arthritis & Rheumatism 2001, 45:81-85.
    Organism:Department of Pediatric Physical Therapy, University Hospital for Children and Youth, "Het Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis," University Medical Center Utrecht, Room KB.02.056, 3508 AB, Utrecht Netherlands

78. TENEMBAUM SN, SEGURA MJ, FEJERMAN N: Tolerability and efficacy of disease-modifying therapies in childhood and juvenile multiple sclerosis. Neurology 2001, 56:A361
    Organism:Buenos Aires Argentina

79. THOMAS E, BARRETT JH, DONN RP, THOMSON W, SOUTHWOOD TR: Subtyping of juvenile idiopathic arthritis using latent class analysis. Arthritis & Rheumatism 2000, 43:1496-1503.
    Organism:Industrial and Community Health Research Centre, School of Postgraduate Medicine, Keele University, Hartshill Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7NY UK
    Abstract: Objective. To use statistical techniques to identify underlying subtypes of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) that best explain the observed relationships of clinical and laboratory variables, and to compare the statistically derived subtypes with those defined by the International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) criteria and examine them for HLA associations. Methods. Information on 572 patients diagnosed as having JIA was summarized by 10 clinical and laboratory categorical variables (age at onset, large joint involvement, small joint involvement, polyarthritis, symmetric arthritis, spinal pain, fever, psoriasis, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), and rheumatoid factor). Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify underlying ("latent") classes that explained the relationships among the observed variables. Statistical models incorporating 5-8 latent classes were applied to the data. Results. The 7-class model was the most appropriate. Patterns of joint involvement and the presence of ANA were influential in determining latent classes. There was some correspondence between the latent classes and the ILAR categories, but they did not coincide completely. Significant differences between the latent classes were seen for 3 HLA haplotypes (DRB1*04-DQA1*03-DQB1*03, DRB1*13-DQA1*01-DQB1*06, and DRB1*08-DQA1*0401-DQB1*0402). Conclusion. LCA provides a novel approach to the task of identifying homogeneous subtypes within the umbrella of JIA. In further work, the identified latent classes will be examined for associations with other candidate genes and for differences in outcome

80. VESELY R, RUPERTO N, VARGOVA V, LESCISINOVA M, MOZOLOVA D, KOSKOVA E, MACEJKOVA E, HYRDELOVA E, MARTINI A: The Slovak version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Clin.Exp.Rheumatol. 2001, 19:S136-S140
    Organism:Faculty Hospital, Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Trieda SNP 1, SK-040 01 Kosice, Slovakia richard@dodosk
    Abstract: We report herein the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into the Slovak language of the par