Utilizing ultrasound findings of a single indicator joint to assess non-systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Abstract Background Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) has been used worldwide in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but is beginning to play an increasing role juvenile idiopathic (JIA). The aim of this study was investigate the application MSUS findings a single indicator joint JIA assess disease activity and classify subtype. Methods Thirty-five non-systemic total 62 visits were retrospectively recruited study. Among involved joints, highest value grey-scale (GS) plus power Doppler (PD) (=GSPD) selected as at each visit. correlations between parameter (GS, PD, GSPD) joints Physician Global Assessment (PGA) score, Childhood Health Questionnaire-disability index (CHAQ-DI), laboratory data analyzed. features different subtypes also compared. Results PD weakly correlated PGA score (rho = 0.323, p 0.010), while both GS GSPD moderately 0.405, 0.001; rho 0.434, 0.000). On other hand, GS, CHAQ-DI. Although erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) C-reactive protein (CRP) had weak correlation PGA, they not statistically or GSPD. proportions effusion, synovial hypertrophy, enthesopathy three subtypes, showed significant differences (Fisher’s exact test, 0.037; 0.004; 0.019). Enthesopathy only seen enthesitis-related (ERA), polyarthritis oligoarthritis. Conclusions acceptable non-invasive tool for JIA, particularly those that might assist classification, whose parameters may potentially contribute evaluation activity.