Growth failure in a series of Iranian patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Abstract

Background: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is accompanied by growth failure, mostly occurring due to chronic inflammation and use of corticosteroids for treatment. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of short stature in JIA patients and possible systemic disorders which may affect the growth pattern in this group of patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study erformed from June 2014 to May 2015, JIA patients with a history of more than one-year treatment were examined by an endocrinologist and based on their height standard deviation score (SDS) two groups were determined: Group A >-2SD and group B < 0.000). Conclusions: Growth failure is common in JIA patients. So they, especially those with polyarticular type, need to be visited periodically by an endocrinologist.