Patterns of pain over time among children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Pain management in people with inflammatory arthritis: British Society for Rheumatology guideline scope

Pain is a common symptom in people with inflammatory arthritis (IA), which has far-reaching impacts on their lives. Recent electronic health record studies demonstrate that UK-based pain care in people with IA commonly involves the prescribing of long-term opioids and gabapentinoids, despite an absence of trial evidence for their efficacy. Patient surveys suggest that non-pharmacological pain management is underused. A UK-specific guideline on pain management for people with IA is required to resolve this. This scoping document outlines the context and prioritized clinical questions for the first British Society for Rheumatology (BSR) guideline on pain management for people with IA. The guideline aims to provide evidence-based recommendations on how pain can be best managed in people with IA (including its assessment, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments), ensuring that people with IA in the UK are offered evidence-based pain management strategies. The guideline is for healthcare professionals involved in the care of people with IA of all ages and genders, people with IA and their families and carers, NHS managers and healthcare commissioners, and other relevant stakeholders such as patient organizations. It will be developed using the methods outlined in the BSR's 'Creating Clinical Guidelines' protocol.

Effect of joint hypermobility on outcomes of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

BACKGROUND

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is common in pediatric rheumatology. Despite treatment, many patients experience persistent disease activity. Joint hypermobility (JH), defined by an excessive range of motion across multiple joints, is prevalent in children and adolescents and may influence disease outcomes in JIA.

OBJECTIVE

This study examines the impact of JH on symptoms in youth and young adults with JIA.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the PR-COIN network and included patients under 21 years old with a diagnosis of JIA. Patients with JIA and JH were matched with those having JIA-only based on age, sex assigned at birth, JIA subtype, and medication exposure. Clinical data, including disease activity measures, patient well-being, and pain ratings, were collected at baseline and follow-up visits.

RESULTS

The sample included 420 patients with JIA + JH and 2100 with JIA only. The JIA + JH group exhibited higher disease activity at baseline, more active arthritis joints, elevated physician global assessment of disease activity scores, and worse patient-reported well-being. These differences persisted over time. The JIA + JH group had a 19-20% greater likelihood of maintaining high disease activity scores and worsening over subsequent visits, indicating a significant impact of JH on disease progression.

CONCLUSION

JH in youth with JIA is associated with higher and persistent disease activity, suggesting that JH significantly contributes to the disease burden in patients with JIA and should be considered in treatment strategies. Future research should further explore the mechanisms by which JH influences disease activity and investigate comprehensive management approaches to improve outcomes for this population. Key Points • Children with JIA and joint hypermobility (JH) exhibit significantly higher disease activity at baseline compared to those with JIA only, including more active arthritis joints and elevated physician global assessment scores. • The presence of JH in JIA patients is associated with poorer patient-reported well-being and higher overall disease activity scores, which persist over time despite treatment. • JIA + JH patients have a 19-20% greater likelihood of maintaining high disease activity and worsening over subsequent visits, indicating a significant impact of JH on disease progression. • The study suggests that JH should be considered an important clinical factor in the management of JIA, with targeted interventions needed to address the increased disease activity and improve overall patient outcomes.

Physical (in)activity and screen-based media use of adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis over time - data from a German inception cohort

BACKGROUND

Regular physical activity (PA) has been proven to help prevent non-communicable diseases and is beneficial for disease management in chronically ill populations. Physical inactivity and recreational screen-based media (SBM) use are related to poor health outcomes and common among youth. This study aimed to (1) investigate PA levels and recreational SBM use of adolescents with JIA over time and (2) compare these behaviours with those of their peers.

METHODS

Data from JIA patients and their peers enrolled in the inception cohort study ICON at 11 German centers were analyzed. Individuals aged 13 and over were followed prospectively with questionnaires concerning PA level, recreational SBM use, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at a two-year interval. Group by time interactions were analyzed using linear mixed models.

RESULTS

Data of 214 patients (mean age at first documentation 14.4 ± 0.9 years, female 63%) and 141 peers could be considered. At first documentation, patients were less physically active compared to their peers (p < 0.001). In contrast to their peers, patients' PA levels increased over time (OR 3.69; 95% CI: 1.01-13.50, p = 0.048). Mean screen time did not differ significantly between patients and peers (first documentation: 3.5 h vs. 3.0 h, p = 0.556; follow-up: 3.6 h vs. 3.3 h, p = 0. 969). During the observation period, male patients reported higher PA levels than female patients, but also higher screen time levels. While low socioeconomic status (SES) (OR 14.40; 95%-CI: 2.84-73.15) and higher cJADAS-10 score (OR 1.31; 95%-CI: 1.03-1.66) increased the likelihood for high SBM use (≥ 4.5 h/d), higher PedsQL psychosocial health score (OR 0.93; 95%-CI: 0.88-0.99) was associated with a decreased likelihood.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents with JIA become more physically active over the disease course and achieve comparable levels of PA and recreational screen time to their peers. However, the vast majority appear to be insufficiently physically active. Future interventions to promote healthy lifestyles should include gender and SES as important determinants to reach most vulnerable groups.

Diagnostic Accuracy Study of the Pediatric-Specific Ultrasound Scoring System for the Knee Joint in Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

We undertook this study to validate the Pediatric Arthritis Ultrasound Scoring System for the knee joint (PAUSS-knee) in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

METHODS

Children with JIA were enrolled to prospectively receive a musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) examination of the knee and a physical examination to determine presence/absence of clinical arthritis. MSUS images were scored using the PAUSS-knee, a semiquantitative MSUS scoring system (0-3, normal to severe) for B-mode and power Doppler mode. In addition to MSUS, a subset of participants also received magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee, which was scored according to the combined Juvenile Arthritis MRI Scoring (JAMRIS) system. Spearman's correlations (rs ) were used to calculate associations between variables. Test characteristics of the PAUSS-knee were calculated with MRI as the reference standard. Inflammatory biomarkers were assessed in synovial fluid from involved knees.

RESULTS

Eighty children with JIA contributed 112 MSUSs and 25 MRIs of the knee. Of the knees, 41% (n = 46) had clinical evidence of arthritis. The B-mode PAUSS-knee score moderately correlated with clinically determined arthritis (rs = 0.54, P < 0.001) and strongly correlated with the JAMRIS score (rs = 0.75, P < 0.001). Compared with MRI, the area under the curve for the B-mode PAUSS-knee was 0.92. For a cutoff of >1, the B-mode PAUSS-knee had a sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 82%. Biomarker analysis indicates that interleukin-2R levels correlate with PAUSS score.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that the PAUSS-knee has excellent accuracy for the diagnosis of arthritis when compared with MRI. The PAUSS-knee has the potential to effectively inform JIA medical decision-making in real time.

Predictors of persisting pain in children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: a case control study nested in the ReACCh-Out cohort

BACKGROUND

To identify baseline predictors of persisting pain in children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), relative to patients with JIA who had similar baseline levels of pain but in whom the pain did not persist.

METHODS

We used data from the Research in Arthritis in Canadian Children emphasizing Outcomes (ReACCh-Out) inception cohort to compare cases of 'moderate persisting pain' with controls of 'moderate decreasing pain'. Moderate pain was defined as a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain measurement score of > 3.5 cm. Follow-up was minimum 3 years. Univariate and Multivariate logistic regression models ascertained baseline predictors of persisting pain.

RESULTS

A total of 31 cases and 118 controls were included. Mean pain scores at baseline were 6.4 (SD 1.6) for cases and 5.9 (1.5) for controls. A greater proportion of cases than controls were females (77.4% vs 65.0%) with rheumatoid factor positive polyarthritis (12.9% vs 4.2%) or undifferentiated JIA (22.6% vs 8.5%). Oligoarthritis was less frequent in cases than controls (9.7% vs 33%). At baseline, cases had more active joints (mean of 11.4 vs 7.7) and more sites of enthesitis (4.6 vs 0.7) than controls. In the final multivariate regression model, enthesitis count at baseline (OR 1.40, CI 95% 1.19-1.76), female sex (4.14, 1.33-16.83), and the overall Quality of My Life (QoML) baseline score (0.82, 0.69-0.98) predicted development of persisting pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Among newly diagnosed children with JIA with moderate pain, female sex, lower overall quality of life, and higher enthesitis counts at baseline predicted development of persisting pain. If our findings are confirmed, patients with these characteristics may be candidates for interventions to prevent development of chronic pain.

Significant pain decrease in children with non-systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis treated to target: results over 24 months of follow up

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare pain-scores in three targeted treatment-strategies in JIA-patients and to identify characteristics predicting persistent pain.

METHODS

In the BeSt-for-Kids-study 92 DMARD-naïve JIA-patients were randomized in 3 treatment-strategies: 1) initial sequential DMARD-monotherapy 2) initial methotrexate (MTX)/prednisolone-bridging or 3) initial MTX/etanercept. Potential differences in VAS pain scores (0-100 mm) over time between treatment-strategies were compared using linear mixed models with visits clustered within patients. A multivariable model was used to assess the ability of baseline characteristics to predict the chance of high pain-scores during follow-up.

RESULTS

Pain-scores over time reduced from mean 55.3 (SD 21.7) to 19.5 (SD 25.3) mm after 24 months. On average, pain-scores decreased significantly with β -1.37 mm (95% CI -1.726; -1.022) per month. No significant difference was found between treatment-strategies (interaction term treatment arm*time (months) β (95% CI) arm 1: 0.13 (-0.36; 0.62) and arm 2: 0.37 (-0.12; 0.86) compared to arm 3). Correction for sex and symptom duration yielded similar results. Several baseline characteristics were predictive for pain over time. Higher VAS pain [β 0.44 (95% CI 0.25; 0.65)] and higher active joint count [0.77 (0.19; 1.34)] were predictive of higher pain over time, whereas, low VAS physician [ -0.34 (-0.55; -0.06)], CHQ Physical [ -0.42 (-0.72; -0.11)] and Psychosocial summary Score [ -0.42 (-0.77; -0.06)] were predictive of lower pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment-to-target seems effective in pain-reduction in non-systemic JIA-patients irrespective of initial treatment-strategy. Several baseline-predictors for pain over time were found, which could help to identify patients with a high risk for development of chronic pain.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Dutch Trial Registry number 1574.

"I'd like more options!": Interviews to explore young people and family decision-making needs for pain management in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

BACKGROUND

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a common pediatric rheumatic condition and is associated with symptoms such as joint pain that can negatively impact health-related quality of life. To effectively manage pain in JIA, young people, their families, and health care providers (HCPs) should be supported to discuss pain management options and make a shared decision. However, pain is often under-recognized, and pain management discussions are not optimal. No studies have explored decision-making needs for pain management in JIA using a shared decision making (SDM) model. We sought to explore families' decision-making needs with respect to pain management among young people with JIA, parents/caregivers, and HCPs.

METHODS

We conducted semi-structured virtual or face-to-face individual interviews with young people with JIA 8-18 years of age, parents/caregivers and HCPs using a qualitative descriptive study design. We recruited participants online across Canada and the United States, from a hospital and from a quality improvement network. We used interview guides based on the Ottawa Decision Support Framework to assess decision-making needs. We audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed interviews using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 12 young people (n = 6 children and n = 6 adolescents), 13 parents/caregivers and 11 HCPs participated in interviews. Pediatric HCPs were comprised of rheumatologists (n = 4), physical therapists (n = 3), rheumatology nurses (n = 2) and occupational therapists (n = 2). The following themes were identified: (1) need to assess pain in an accurate manner; (2) need to address pain in pediatric rheumatology consultations; (3) need for information on pain management options, especially nonpharmacological approaches; (4) importance of effectiveness, safety and ease of use of treatments; (5) need to discuss young people/families' values and preferences for pain management options; and the (6) need for decision support. Themes were similar for young people, parents/caregivers and HCPs, although their respective importance varied.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest a need for evidence-based information and communication about pain management options, which would be addressed by decision support interventions and HCP training in pain and SDM. Work is underway to develop such interventions and implement them into practice to improve pain management in JIA and in turn lead to better health outcomes.

A systematic review of the psychosocial factors associated with pain in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

BACKGROUND

Pain is one of the most frequently reported experiences amongst children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA); however, the management of JIA pain remains challenging. As pain is a multidimensional experience that is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors, the key to effective pain management lies in understanding these complex relationships. The objective of this study is to systematically review the literature on psychosocial factors of children with JIA and their caregivers 1) associated with and 2) predictive of later JIA pain intensity, frequency, and sensitivity in children 0-17 years of age.

METHODS

The Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for etiology and risk and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement guided the conduct and reporting of this review. Terms related to pain and JIA were searched in English without date restrictions across various databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) in September 2021. Two independent reviewers identified, extracted data from, and critically appraised the included studies. Conflicts were resolved via consensus.

RESULTS

Of the 9,929 unique studies identified, 61 were included in this review and reported on 516 associations. Results were heterogeneous, likely due to methodological differences and moderate study quality. Results identified predominantly significant associations between pain and primary and secondary appraisals (e.g., more child pain beliefs, lower parent/child self-efficacy, lower child social functioning), parent/child internalizing symptoms, and lower child well-being and health-related quality of life. Prognostically, studies had 1-to-60-month follow-up periods. Fewer beliefs of harm, disability, and no control were associated with lower pain at follow-up, whereas internalizing symptoms and lower well-being were predictive of higher pain at follow-up (bidirectional relationships were also identified).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the heterogeneous results, this review highlights important associations between psychosocial factors and JIA pain. Clinically, this information supports an interdisciplinary approach to pain management, informs the role of psychosocial supports, and provides information to better optimize JIA pain assessments and interventions. It also identifies a need for high quality studies with larger samples and more complex and longitudinal analyses to understand factors that impact the pain experience in children with JIA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42021266716.

How Does Job Insecurity and Workplace Activity Limitations Relate to Rheumatic Disease Symptom Trajectories in Young Adulthood? A Longitudinal Study

OBJECTIVE

Workplace and labor market conditions are associated with the health of the working population. A longitudinal study was conducted among young adults with rheumatic disease to examine workplace activity limitations and job insecurity and their relationship with disease symptom trajectories.

METHODS

Three online surveys were administered to young adults with rheumatic disease over 27 months. Self-reported data on pain, fatigue, and disease activity were collected. Workplace activity limitations and job insecurity were measured. Group-based discrete mixture models determined pain, fatigue, and disease activity trajectory groups. Robust Poisson regression models were fitted to examine the relationship among workplace activity limitations, job insecurity, and trajectory group membership.

RESULTS

In total, 124 participants (mean ± SD age 29 ± 4.5 years) with rheumatic disease were recruited. At baseline, participants reported considerable workplace activity limitations (10.35 ± 5.8), and 36% of participants indicated experiencing job insecurity. We identified 2 latent rheumatic disease symptom trajectory groups. The first group had high persistent pain, fatigue, or disease activity; the second group had low persistent disease symptoms over time. Greater workplace activity limitations were associated with an increased relative risk (RR) of being in the high persistent severe pain (RR 1.02 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.01, 1.03]), fatigue (RR 1.02 [95% CI 1.01, 1.03]), and disease activity trajectory groups (RR 1.02 [95% CI 1.01, 1.03]). Job insecurity was associated with an increased RR of membership in the high persistent pain (RR 1.14 [95% CI 1.04, 1.25]) and disease activity trajectory groups (RR 1.11 [95% CI 1.00, 1.22]).

CONCLUSION

Workplace activity limitations and job insecurity represent working conditions that are associated with the health of young adults with rheumatic disease and should be examined as potential targets for intervention.

Feasibility of quantitative sensory testing in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

OBJECTIVE

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is a childhood-rheumatic disease with pain as a major early complaint, and in 10-17% pain remains a major symptom. Very few data exist on sensory threshold changes at the knee in JIA, a location in which inflammation often manifests. We determined whether JIA is associated with sensory threshold changes at the knee by using Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) and established reference values at the knee of children.

METHODS

Sixteen patients with JIA aged 9-18 years with one affected knee and a patient-reported pain by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) > 10 on a 0-100 scale, and 16 healthy controls completed the study and were included for the analysis. QST was assessed in compliance with the German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain (DFNS) standard. Disease severity was determined using Juvenile Disease Activity Score (JADAS. Perceived pain was assessed with a visual analogue scale(0-100). Feasibility of QST was tested in patients aged 6-9.

RESULTS

Under the age of 9, QST testing showed not to be feasible in 3 out of 5 JIA patients. Patients with JIA aged 9 and older reported an average VAS pain score of 54.3. QST identified a significant reduction in pressure pain threshold (PPT) and increase in cold detection threshold (CDT) compared to healthy controls. PPT is reduced in both the affected and the unaffected knee, CDT is reduced in the unaffected knee, not the affected knee.

CONCLUSION

In a Dutch cohort of Patients with JIA, QST is only feasible from 9 years and up. Also, sensory threshold changes at the knee are restricted to pressure pain and cold detection thresholds in Patients with JIA.

PERSPECTIVE

This article shows that in a Dutch population, the extensive QST protocol is only feasible in the age group from 9 years and older, and a reduced set of QST tests containing at least pressure pain thresholds and cold detection thresholds could prove to be better suited to the pediatric setting with arthritis.

Effectiveness of eHealth and mHealth Interventions Supporting Children and Young People Living With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) management aims to promote remission through timely, individualized, well-coordinated interdisciplinary care using a range of pharmacological, physical, psychological, and educational interventions. However, achieving this goal is workforce-intensive. Harnessing the burgeoning eHealth and mobile health (mHealth) interventions could be a resource-efficient way of supplementing JIA management.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to identify the eHealth and mHealth interventions that have been proven to be effective in supporting health outcomes for children and young people (aged 1-18 years) living with JIA.

METHODS

We systematically searched 15 databases (2018-2021). Studies were eligible if they considered children and young people (aged 1-18 years) diagnosed with JIA, an eHealth or mHealth intervention, any comparator, and health outcomes related to the used interventions. Independently, 2 reviewers screened the studies for inclusion and appraised the study quality using the Downs and Black (modified) checklist. Study outcomes were summarized using a narrative, descriptive method and, where possible, combined for a meta-analysis using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Of the 301 studies identified in the search strategy, 15 (5%) fair-to-good-quality studies met the inclusion criteria, which identified 10 interventions for JIA (age 4-18.6 years). Of these 10 interventions, 5 (50%) supported symptom monitoring by capturing real-time data using health applications, electronic diaries, or web-based portals to monitor pain or health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Within individual studies, a preference was demonstrated for real-time pain monitoring over recall pain assessments because of a peak-end effect, improved time efficiency (P=.002), and meeting children's and young people's HRQoL needs (P<.001) during pediatric rheumatology consultations. Furthermore, 20% (2/10) of interventions supported physical activity promotion using a web-based program or a wearable activity tracker. The web-based program exhibited a moderate effect, which increased endurance time, physical activity levels, and moderate to vigorous physical activity (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.60, SD 0.02-1.18; I²=79%; P=.04). The final 30% (3/10) of interventions supported self-management development through web-based programs, or apps, facilitating a small effect, reducing pain intensity (SMD -0.14, 95% CI -0.43 to 0.15; I²=53%; P=.33), and increasing disease knowledge and self-efficacy (SMD 0.30, 95% CI 0.03-0.56; I²=74%; P=.03). These results were not statistically significant. No effect was seen regarding pain interference, HRQoL, anxiety, depression, pain coping, disease activity, functional ability, or treatment adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence that supports the inclusion of eHealth and mHealth interventions in JIA management is increasing. However, this evidence needs to be considered cautiously because of the small sample size, wide CIs, and moderate to high statistical heterogeneity. More rigorous research is needed on the longitudinal effects of real-time monitoring, web-based pediatric rheumatologist-children and young people interactions, the comparison among different self-management programs, and the use of wearable technologies as an objective measurement for monitoring physical activity before any recommendations that inform current practice can be given.

Proteomics based markers of clinical pain severity in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

INTRODUCTION

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a cluster of autoimmune rheumatic diseases occurring in children 16 years of age or less. While it is well-known that pain may be experienced during inflammatory and non-inflammatory states, much remains ambiguous regarding the molecular mechanisms that may drive JIA pain. Thus, in this pilot study, we explored the variability of the serum proteomes in relation to pain severity in a cohort of JIA patients.

METHODS

Serum samples from 15 JIA patients (male and female, 12.7 ± 2.8 years of age) were assessed using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Correlation analyses were performed to determine the relationships among protein levels and self-reported clinical pain severity. Additionally, how the expression of pain-associated proteins related to markers of inflammation (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)) or morphological properties of the central nervous system (subcortical volume and cortical thickness) implicated in JIA were also evaluated.

RESULTS

306 proteins were identified in the JIA cohort of which 14 were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with clinical pain severity. Functional properties of the identified pain-associated proteins included but were not limited to humoral immunity (IGLV3.9), inflammatory response (PRG4) and angiogenesis (ANG). Associations among pain-associated proteins and ESR (IGHV3.9, PRG4, CST3, VWF, ALB), as well as caudate nucleus volume (BTD, AGT, IGHV3.74) and insular cortex thickness (BTD, LGALS3BP) were also observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The current proteomic findings suggest both inflammatory- and non-inflammatory mediated mechanisms as potential factors associated with JIA pain. Validation of these preliminary observations using larger patient cohorts and a longitudinal study design may further point to novel serologic markers of pain in JIA.

Instrumental Substance Use Among Youth with Rheumatic Disease-A Biopsychosocial Model

Youth with chronic medical conditions (YCMC) including rheumatic disease use substances and may experience harms from doing so. The chronic illness experience may amplify substance use risks for some YCMC who may use to ameliorate symptoms of disease activity and negative side effects of medications, so-called "instrumental use." This article provides a brief overview of adolescent substance use, its intersection with chronic illness, and pediatric-onset rheumatic disease (PRD). A biopsychosocial model of substance use vulnerability for youth with PRD is presented along with emerging evidence about instrumental use of substances. Implications for PRD clinical practice are discussed.

Sleep in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is one of the most common pediatric rheumatic disease. However, sleep alteration associated with this auto-immune disease remain unclear. We aimed in this systematic review and meta-analysis to compare sleep duration, quality, and architecture in JIA subjects with those in their healthy peers.

METHODS

Systematic search performed in PubMed, EMBase, Cochrane, and PsycINFO databases included 19 studies in the qualitative synthesis of which 10 met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Pooled results from subjective methods indicated pronounced sleep disturbances and complaints in youth with JIA compared with their healthy counterparts. This was further confirmed by Increased difficulty maintaining sleep (wake after sleep onset; SMD: -0.69; CI: -1.29; -0.09, p =0.02) and a tendency to increased difficulty initiating sleep (sleep onset latency; SMD: -0.29; CI: -0.60; 0.03, p =0.07). There were no remarkable differences in sleep duration or sleep architecture between JIA patients and healthy controls. High heterogeneity was found for several outcomes. This could be explained by the different methods used as well as associated sleep disorders, medication and comorbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

Although included studies were methodologically diverse, the summarized results of our review and meta-analysis bring evidence that children with JIA present more fragmented sleep compared to healthy peers. Thereby, the implementation of strategies to manage and improve sleep in this population are needed and might have a beneficial effect on the symptoms and functions of JIA.

“Pain talk”: A triadic collaboration in which nurses promote opportunities for engaging children and their parents about managing children’s pain

Effective communication with children about pain is important and has the potential to mediate the short‐ and longer‐term effects of pain on children. Most communication studies relating to children's pain have focused on language children use to describe everyday pain experiences. However, little is known regarding how health professionals, particularly nurses, communicate with children in healthcare settings about pain. This study aimed to explore how nurses talk to children and their parents about pain and what factors influence nurses’ use of language and non‐verbal communication. A cross‐sectional mixed‐methods (predominantly qualitative) survey (“pain talk”) was conducted, comprising qualitative items about pain communication and four vignettes portraying hypothetical cases of children representing typical child pain scenarios. Participants were recruited via email, social media, newsletters, established networks, and personal contacts. A total of 141 registered (68.1%) or in‐training nurses across 11 countries with experience of managing children's pain completed the survey. Textual survey responses were analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis. Qualitative content analysis generated a meta‐theme “Being confident and knowing how to do ‘pain talk’” and four main themes that described the functions, purpose, and delivery of “pain talk”: (a) “contextualizing and assessing,” (b) “empowering, explaining, and educating,” (c) “supporting, affirming, and confirming,” and (d) “protecting, distracting, and restoring.” “Pain talk” was a triadic collaborative communication process that required nurses to feel confident about their role and skills. This process involved nurses talking to children and parents about pain and creating engagement opportunities for children and parents. “Pain talk” aimed to promote the agency of the child and parent and their engagement in discussions and decision‐making, using information, support, and comfort. Nurses shaped their “pain talk” to the specific context of the child's pain, previous experiences, and current concerns to minimize potential distress and adverse effects and to promote optimal pain management.

A multidisciplinary assessment of pain in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

INTRODUCTION

Pain is prevalent in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Unknowns regarding the biological drivers of pain complicate therapeutic targeting. We employed neuroimaging to define pain-related neurobiological features altered in JIA.

METHODS

16 male and female JIA patients (12.7 ± 2.8 years of age) on active treatment were enrolled, together with age- and sex-matched controls. Patients were assessed using physical examination, clinical questionnaires, musculoskeletal MRI, and structural neuroimaging. In addition, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were collected during the resting-state, hand-motor task performance, and cold stimulation of the hand and knee.

RESULTS

Patients with and without pain and with and without inflammation (joint and systemic) were evaluated.  Pain severity was associated with more physical stress and poorer cognitive function. Corrected for multiple comparisons, morphological analysis revealed decreased cortical thickness within the insula cortex and a negative correlation between caudate nucleus volume and pain severity. Functional neuroimaging findings suggested alteration within neurocircuitry structures regulating emotional pain processing (anterior insula) in addition to the default-mode and sensorimotor networks.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with JIA may exhibit changes in neurobiological circuits related to pain. These preliminary findings suggest mechanisms by which pain could potentially become dissociated from detectable joint pathology and persist independently of inflammation or treatment status.

Altered sensory innervation and pain hypersensitivity in a model of young painful arthritic joints: short- and long-term effects

BACKGROUND

Early life experience can cause long-term alterations in the nociceptive processes underlying chronic pain, but the consequences of early life arthritic joint inflammation upon the sensory innervation of the joint is not known. Here, we measure pain sensitivity and sensory innervation in a young, juvenile and adult rodent model of arthritic joints and test the consequences of joint inflammation in young animals upon adult arthritic pain and joint innervation.

METHODS

Unilateral ankle joint injections of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) (6-20 µl) were performed in young, postnatal day (P)8, adolescent (P21) and adult (P40) rats. A separate cohort of animals were injected at P8, and again at P40. Hindpaw mechanical sensitivity was assessed using von Frey monofilaments (vF) for 10 days. Nerve fibres were counted in sections through the ankle joint immunostained for calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and neurofilament 200 kDa (NF200).

RESULTS

Ankle joint CFA injection increased capsular width at all ages. Significant mechanical pain hypersensitivity and increased number of joint CGRP + ve sensory fibres occurred in adolescent and adult, but not young, rats. Despite the lack of acute reaction, joint inflammation at a young age resulted in significantly increased pain hypersensitivity and CGRP+ fibre counts when the rats were re-inflamed as adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Joint inflammation increases the sensory nociceptive innervation and induces acute pain hypersensitivity in juvenile and adult, but not in young rats. However, early life joint inflammation 'primes' the joint such that adult inflammatory pain behaviour and nociceptive nerve endings in the joint are significantly increased. Early life joint inflammation may be an important factor in the generation and maintenance of chronic arthritic pain.

[Professional representation of chronic idiopathic musculoskeletal pain in adolescents]

Chronic idiopathic musculoskeletal pain is common in adolescence, and its impact is sometimes severe. The diagnostic process, which consists of eliminating other etiologies, can be long, complex, and at risk of medical nomadism. Specialists rely on many clinical elements to orient themselves. The care pathway and the subjective feeling of the professional are valuable diagnostic elements.

Patient-reported wellbeing and clinical disease measures over time captured by multivariate trajectories of disease activity in individuals with juvenile idiopathic arthritis in the UK: a multicentre prospective longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a heterogeneous disease, the signs and symptoms of which can be summarised with use of composite disease activity measures, including the clinical Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score (cJADAS). However, clusters of children and young people might experience different global patterns in their signs and symptoms of disease, which might run in parallel or diverge over time. We aimed to identify such clusters in the 3 years after a diagnosis of JIA. The identification of these clusters would allow for a greater understanding of disease progression in JIA, including how physician-reported and patient-reported outcomes relate to each other over the JIA disease course.

METHODS

In this multicentre prospective longitudinal study, we included children and young people recruited before Jan 1, 2015, to the Childhood Arthritis Prospective Study (CAPS), a UK multicentre inception cohort. Participants without a cJADAS score were excluded. To assess groups of children and young people with similar disease patterns in active joint count, physician's global assessment, and patient or parental global evaluation, we used latent profile analysis at initial presentation to paediatric rheumatology and multivariate group-based trajectory models for the following 3 years. Optimal models were selected on the basis of a combination of model fit, clinical plausibility, and model parsimony.

FINDING

Between Jan 1, 2001, and Dec 31, 2014, 1423 children and young people with JIA were recruited to CAPS, 239 of whom were excluded, resulting in a final study population of 1184 children and young people. We identified five clusters at baseline and six trajectory groups using longitudinal follow-up data. Disease course was not well predicted from clusters at baseline; however, in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, substantial proportions of children and young people had high patient or parent global scores despite low or improving joint counts and physician global scores. Participants in these groups were older, and a higher proportion of them had enthesitis-related JIA and lower socioeconomic status, compared with those in other groups.

INTERPRETATION

Almost one in four children and young people with JIA in our study reported persistent, high patient or parent global scores despite having low or improving active joint counts and physician's global scores. Distinct patient subgroups defined by disease manifestation or trajectories of progression could help to better personalise health-care services and treatment plans for individuals with JIA.

FUNDING

Medical Research Council, Versus Arthritis, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity, Olivia's Vision, and National Institute for Health Research.

Usability of eHealth and Mobile Health Interventions by Young People Living With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Considering the changing landscape of internet use and rising ownership of digital technology by young people, new methods could be considered to improve the current model of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) management.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to evaluate the usability of eHealth and mobile health (mHealth) interventions currently available for young people living with JIA.

METHODS

The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were used to oversee this review. We systematically searched 15 databases for 252 potential studies; 2 authors independently screened all quantitative studies reporting the use of eHealth and mHealth interventions for young people (aged 1-18 years) diagnosed with JIA. Studies were excluded if they did not report outcome measures or were reviews, commentaries, or qualitative studies. Study methodological quality was scored using the Down and Black (modified) checklist. A narrative descriptive methodology was used to quantify the data because of heterogeneity across the studies.

RESULTS

A total of 11 studies were included in this review, reporting 7 eHealth and mHealth interventions for young people (aged 4-18 years) living with JIA, targeting health issues such as pain, health-related quality of life, physical activity, and chronic disease self-management. The usability of the interventions was facilitated through training and ongoing support. The engagement was promoted by a combination of persuasive influences, and barriers preventing adherence were removed through personal reminders and flexible program schedules to cater to JIA and non-JIA illnesses or other commonly seen activities in childhood. The feedback obtained was that most young people and their parents liked the interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this review need to be considered cautiously because of the lack of rigorous testing and heterogeneity, which limits the detailed descriptions of data synthesis. Further research is needed to consider gender differences, associated costs, and the effectiveness of the interventions on health outcomes to better support young people living with JIA.

Development and Acceptability of a Patient Decision Aid for Pain Management in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: The JIA Option Map

BACKGROUND

Youths with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) often experience pain, which reduces their quality of life. A diversity of pain management options exists for these patients, but few discussions happen in clinical settings. Our team is developing a web-based patient decision aid (PDA) to help youths with JIA, parents, and their health care providers (HCPs) make informed and preference-based decisions about pain management options.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to develop a paper-based prototype of the web-based PDA and to assess its acceptability.

METHODS

We developed a paper-based prototype of the PDA, called the JIA Option Map, using an iterative process following the International Patient Decision Aid Standards and based on the Ottawa Decision Support Framework. We held three consensus meetings and a follow-up online survey followed by discussions among team members to agree on the format and content of the PDA. We then evaluated acceptability through interviews with 12 youth with JIA (aged 8-18 years), 12 parents, and 11 HCPs. Participants from rheumatology clinics in Canada and the USA reviewed the PDA and assessed its usefulness, content, and format. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using simple descriptive content analysis.

RESULTS

The PDA contains an assessment of pain and current treatments, a values-clarification exercise, a list of 33 treatment options with evidence-based information, and a goal-setting exercise. All participants agreed that it would be a useful tool for making decisions about pain management. Participants appreciated the incorporation of scientific evidence and visuals to demonstrate the benefits of treatment options but suggested describing the source of the evidence more thoroughly. Participants suggested adding complementary medicine and nutrition to the available treatment options and removing options that are primarily used to reduce inflammation. Most participants preferred an interactive web-based version of the PDA that would show a few options consistent with their preferences, followed by a discussion with HCPs.

CONCLUSION

The PDA was deemed acceptable to all participants, with a few modifications. This feedback was used to improve the PDA by simplifying and clarifying the information and adjusting the number of treatment options presented. Work is underway to develop an interactive web-based version with an algorithm to present options tailored to each user.

Teens Taking Charge: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Web-Based Self-Management Program With Telephone Support for Adolescents With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Background

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a serious and potentially debilitating pediatric illness. Improved disease self-management may help to improve health outcomes.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Teens Taking Charge Web-based self-management intervention in reducing symptoms and improving health-related quality of life (HRQL) in adolescents with JIA compared with a Web-based education control condition.

Methods

Adolescents with JIA aged 12 to 18 years were recruited from 11 Canadian pediatric rheumatology centers. Caregivers were invited to participate along with their child. In addition to standard medical care, participants were randomized to receive either (1) the Teens Taking Charge self-management intervention or (2) a Web-based education control condition for a period of 12 weeks. Adolescents in the intervention group completed website modules addressing cognitive behavioral coping skills, stress management, and other self-management topics, while also receiving monthly telephone calls from a trained health coach. Adolescents in the education control group were instructed to view a series of preselected public JIA educational websites and received monthly calls from a coach who asked about their own best efforts at managing JIA. Caregivers in the intervention group completed website modules related to promoting independence and disease self-management in their child. Caregivers in the education control group were instructed to view a series of preselected public JIA educational websites. Outcome assessment occurred at baseline, 12 weeks (posttreatment), and at 6 and 12 months postrandomization. The primary outcomes were pain intensity, pain interference, and HRQL. Secondary outcomes were emotional symptoms, adherence, coping, knowledge, and self-efficacy.

Results

In total, 333 adolescents and 306 caregivers were enrolled. Significant overall reductions in pain intensity (P=.02) and pain interference (P=.007) were observed for intervention group participants compared with those in the education control group, after adjusting for baseline levels. There was a significant overall improvement in HRQL related to problems with pain (P=.02) and problems with daily activities (P=.01). There was also a significant difference in the intervention group over time (P=.008) for HRQL related to treatment problems, with the intervention group participants demonstrating improved HRQL by 12 months compared with education control group participants. Both groups showed nonsignificant improvements compared with baseline in other primary outcomes. There were no significant differences between the groups in any secondary outcomes or caregiver-reported outcomes.

Conclusions

The results of this randomized trial suggest that the Teens Taking Charge Web-based intervention is effective at reducing both pain intensity and pain interference, as well as improving HRQL in adolescents with JIA, compared with education control. These effects are sustained for up to 12 months following program completion. The Teens Taking Charge program is now publicly available at no cost.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01572896; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01572896

Yoga and Aerobic Dance for Pain Management in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is one of the most common types of arthritis among children. According to JIA guidelines for physical activity (PA), structured PA interventions led to improved health outcomes. However, many PA programs, such as yoga and aerobic dance, have not been studied in this population despite being popular among youth. Web-based PA programs could provide patients with accessible and affordable interventions.

Objective

The primary aims of the proposed pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) are to examine (1) the feasibility of conducting a full-scale RCT to evaluate the effectiveness of two popular types of PA: a yoga training program and an aerobic dance training program, in female adolescents (aged 13-18 years) with JIA compared with an electronic pamphlet control group; and (2) the acceptability of these interventions.

Methods

A three-arm prospective randomized open-label study with a parallel group design will be used. A total of 25 female adolescents with JIA who have pain will be randomized in a ratio of 2:2:1 to one of the 3 groups: (1) online yoga training program (group A: n=10); (2) online aerobic dance training program (group B: n=10); and (3) electronic pamphlet control group (group C: n=5). Participants in groups A and B will complete 3 individual 1-hour sessions per week using online exercise videos, as well as a 1-hour virtual group session per week using a videoconferencing platform for 12 weeks. Participants from all groups will have access to an electronic educational pamphlet on PA for arthritis developed by the Arthritis Society. All participants will also take part in weekly online consultations with a research coordinator and discussions on Facebook with participants from their own group. Feasibility (ie, recruitment rate, self-reported adherence to the interventions, dropout rates, and percentage of missing data), acceptability, and usability of Facebook and the videoconferencing platform will be assessed at the end of the program. Pain intensity, participation in general PA, morning stiffness, functional status, fatigue, self-efficacy, patient global assessment, disease activity, and adverse events will be assessed using self-administered electronic surveys at baseline and then weekly until the end of the 12-week program.

Results

This pilot RCT has been funded by the Arthritis Health Professions Association. This protocol was approved by the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Ethics Board (#17/08X). As of May 11, 2020, recruitment and data collection have not started.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the effectiveness of yoga and aerobic dance as pain management interventions for female adolescents with JIA. The use of online programs to disseminate these 2 PA interventions may facilitate access to alternative methods of pain management. This study can lead to a full-scale RCT.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/12823

Predicting disease severity and remission in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: are we getting closer?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize current research on the prediction of severe disease or remission in children with juvenile arthritis, and define further steps needed towards developing prediction tools with sufficient accuracy for clinical use.

RECENT FINDINGS

High disease activity, poor patient-reported outcomes, ankle or wrist involvement, and a longer time from onset to the start of treatment herald a severe disease course and a low chance of remission. Other studies confirmed that age less than 7 years and positive ANA are the strongest predictors of uveitis development. Preliminary evidence suggests ultrasound findings may predict flare in patients with clinically inactive disease, and several new biomarkers show promise. A few prediction tools that combine predictors to estimate the chance of remission or a severe disease course in the medium-term to long-term have shown good accuracy when internally validated in the population in which they were developed.

SUMMARY

Promising candidate tools for predicting disease severity and long-term remission in juvenile arthritis are now available. These tools need external validation in other populations, and ideally formal trials to assess whether their use in practice improves patient outcomes. We are definitively getting closer, but we are not there yet.

Multisite Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating an Online Self-Management Program for Adolescents With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy in improving pain and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of an online self-management program for adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

METHODS

Youth ages 12-18 years with JIA were recruited from 10 rheumatology clinics across the United States and randomized to complete an online self-management program (n = 144) or an online disease education program (n = 145). Participants in the self-management group worked through multimedia-based modules comprising psychoeducation, training in cognitive-behavioral coping skills and stress management, and other self-management topics over a 12-week period. Participants in the control group viewed a series of preselected quality educational websites about JIA over the same interval. Online content for both groups was made available in English and Spanish to facilitate inclusion of Hispanic participants. Blinded assessment of main outcomes (pain intensity, pain interference, and HRQOL) and process outcomes (disease knowledge, self-efficacy, pain coping, and emotional adjustment) occurred at baseline, posttreatment, and at 6- and 12-month postrandomization follow-up visits.

RESULTS

Participants on average demonstrated significant improvements over the study period in the main outcomes, with no significant group differences in the degree of improvement. Effect sizes for these improvements were small. The amount of improvement in self-efficacy, emotional avoidance coping, disease knowledge, and emotional functioning in part predicted improvement in pain and HRQOL outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Primarily self-directed online self-management training and online disease education comparably and modestly improve pain and HRQOL in youth with JIA.

Prognostic factors for pain and functional disability in children and adolescents with persisting pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate prognostic factors for pain and functional disability in children and/or adolescents with persisting pain.

DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT

To be included, studies had to be published, peer-reviewed prospective cohort studies of children and/or adolescents with persisting pain at baseline, that reported at least one baseline prognostic factor and its relationship with pain or functional disability at least 1 month after baseline. Two reviewers independently assessed study eligibility, completed data extraction and undertook quality assessment. Meta-analyses were performed when a prognostic factor was reported in two or more studies.

RESULTS

Of 10,992 studies identified from electronic database searches, 18 were included, investigating 62 potential prognostic factors. In clinical settings, insufficient data were available for meta-analysis. Some positive associations with pain and/or disability were reported by single studies for older age, baseline pain intensity and baseline functional disability across multiple combinations of follow-up times and outcomes. In community settings, meta-analyses of two studies found that prognostic factors for the ongoing presence of pain at medium-term (1-year) follow-up were older age (OR 1.25; 95% CI = 1.05-1.47), weekly day tiredness (OR 1.69; 95% CI = 1.14-2.51), weekly abdominal pain (OR 1.44; 95% CI = 1.03-2.02) and waking during the night (OR 1.49; 95% CI = 1.05-2.13). No studies in community settings reported on prognostic factors for functional disability.

CONCLUSIONS

Prognostic factors having significant associations with future pain and disability were identified; however, as few were investigated in more than one comparable study, the results need to be interpreted with caution.

SIGNIFICANCE

Prognostic factors from across the biopsychosocial spectrum are important to consider in paediatric pain clinical practice. However, most prognostic factors that experts have previously agreed upon have not been assessed in prospective cohort studies to date. The findings may help with prioritising data to collect during clinical assessments of children presenting with pain, in the context of pain and functional disability outcomes.

"Asking Too Much?": Randomized N-of-1 Trial Exploring Patient Preferences and Measurement Reactivity to Frequent Use of Remote Multidimensional Pain Assessments in Children and Young People With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Background

Remote monitoring of pain using multidimensional mobile health (mHealth) assessment tools is increasingly being adopted in research and care. This assessment method is valuable because it is challenging to capture pain histories, particularly in children and young people in diseases where pain patterns can be complex, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). With the growth of mHealth measures and more frequent assessment, it is important to explore patient preferences for the timing and frequency of administration of such tools and consider whether certain administrative patterns can directly impact on children’s pain experiences.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the feasibility and influence (in terms of objective and subjective measurement reactivity) of several time sampling strategies in remote multidimensional pain reporting.

Methods

An N-of-1 trial was conducted in a subset of children and young people with JIA and their parents recruited to a UK cohort study. Children were allocated to 1 of 4 groups. Each group followed a different schedule of completion of MPT for 8 consecutive weeks. Each schedule included 2 blocks, each comprising 4 different randomized time sampling strategies, with each strategy occurring once within each 4-week block. Children completed MPT according to time sampling strategies: once-a-day, twice-a-day, once-a-week, and as-and-when pain was experienced. Adherence to each strategy was calculated. Participants completed the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Pain Interference Scale at the end of each week to explore objective reactivity. Differences in pain interference scores between time sampling strategies were assessed graphically and using Friedman tests. Children and young people and their parents took part in a semistructured interview about their preferences for different time sampling strategies and to explore subjective reactivity.

Results

A total of 14 children and young people (aged 7-16 years) and their parents participated. Adherence to pain reporting was higher in less intense time sampling strategies (once-a-week=63% [15/24]) compared with more intense time sampling strategies (twice-a-day=37.8% [127/336]). There were no statistically significant differences in pain interference scores between sampling strategies. Qualitative findings from interviews suggested that children preferred once-a-day (6/14, 43%) and as-and-when pain reporting (6/14, 43%). Creating routine was one of the most important factors for successful reporting, while still ensuring that comprehensive information about recent pain was captured.

Conclusions

Once-a-day pain reporting provides rich contextual information. Although patients were less adherent to this preferred sampling strategy, once-a-day reporting still provides more frequent assessment opportunities compared with other less intense or overburdensome schedules. Important issues for the design of studies and care incorporating momentary assessment techniques were identified. We demonstrate that patient reporting preferences are key to accommodate and are important where data capture quality is key. Our findings support frequent administration of such tools, using daily reporting methods where possible.

Chronic idiopathic musculoskeletal pain in youth: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Chronic musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is frequent in adolescents and has major medical and social consequences. In many cases, when no cause has been clearly established, this pain may be considered to be chronic idiopathic MSP. Our study seeks to identify general criteria for this type of pain through the experience of professionals from tertiary care centers with expertise in pediatric and adolescent chronic MSP.

METHODS

Cross-sectional multicenter qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews of 25 professionals at a rheumatology reference center and in its network for pain management, including diverse specialists and professions. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis is used to explore the data.

RESULTS

This approach led us to identify 10 themes organized around three superordinate themes covering different stages of the diagnostic process: 1) the medical pain history up to the consultation at the reference center; 2) the professional's subjective feelings about the clinical presentation; 3) from the clinical examination to diagnosis and treatment of chronic idiopathic MSP. The main elements guiding this diagnosis do not come from the physical examination but from the medical history and the professionals' subjective feelings, that is, their clinical judgment. The professionals' impression of uneasiness and frustration, induced by patients and their parents, is of major importance.

CONCLUSION

The principal elements guiding the diagnosis of chronic idiopathic MSP do not come primarily from the physical examination but rather from the pain history and the health professional's subjective feelings. Our results suggest that the concept of Juvenile Fibromyalgia (JFM) does not appear to cover all situations of chronic idiopathic MSP in adolescence. A constellation of non-organic criteria enables diagnosis of the latter; these criteria should be validated to avoid medical nomadism and multiple investigations and to shorten the interval until patients receive optimal pain management.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03171792, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03171792?term=LACHAL&cntry=FR&city=paris&rank=1.

Orofacial pain in juvenile idiopathic arthritis is associated with stress as well as psychosocial and functional limitations

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate relations between psychosocial factors, signs and symptoms of orofacial pain and jaw dysfunction in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

METHODS

Forty-five patients with JIA (median age 12 years) and 16 healthy matched controls (median age 13 years) were examined according to the diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD). The subjects answered the DC/TMD questionnaires regarding psychosocial factors (pain intensity, pain-related disability, depression, stress, catastrophizing, pain locations and jaw function).

RESULTS

JIA patients with orofacial pain had higher degree of stress, depression, catastrophizing and jaw dysfunction compared to subjects without. In turn, these factors were associated with orofacial pain intensity. Also, patients with orofacial pain had higher systemic inflammatory activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Orofacial pain in patients with JIA is associated with stress, psychological distress, jaw dysfunction and loss of daily living activities. Pain intensity seems to be the major pain aspect related to these factors. In addition, systemic inflammatory activity appears to be an important factor contributing to orofacial pain in JIA.

The pain trajectory of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA): translating from adolescent patient report to behavioural sensitivity in a juvenile animal model

BACKGROUND

While pain is a common symptom in JIA patients, it remains unclear why some JIA patients develop ongoing or persistent pain. Complex clinical and social settings confound analysis of individual factors that may contribute to this pain. To address this, we first undertook a retrospective analysis of pain reports in a JIA patient cohort with the aim of identifying potential factors contributing to persistent pain. We then carried out an experimental laboratory study, using joint inflammatory pain behaviour in rodents, to validate the role of these factors in the onset of persistent pain under controlled conditions.

METHODS

Patients: Retrospective analysis of anonymised pain visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and accompanying clinical scores from 97 JIA patients aged 13-19 (mean: 16.40 ± 1.21) collected over 50 weeks. Rats: Experimental study of pain behaviour following intra-articular microinjection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in adolescents (n = 25) and young adults (n = 43). Some animals (n = 21) had been previously exposed to joint inflammation in infancy or adolescence.

RESULTS

Patients: Cluster analysis of patient pain VAS scores revealed three trajectories over 50 weeks: consistently low pain (n = 45), variable pain (n = 30) and persistently high pain (n = 22). Number of actively inflamed joints did not differ in the three groups. High pain at a single visit correlated with greater physician global assessment of disease activity, while a high pain trajectory over 50 weeks was associated with more limited joints but fewer actively inflamed joints. Rats: Rodents administered ankle joint CFA also exhibit low, medium and high joint pain sensitivities, independent of joint inflammation. Prolonged inflammatory pain behaviour was associated with high background pain sensitivity, following joint inflammation at an earlier stage in life.

CONCLUSIONS

Both JIA patients and rodents differ in their individual pain sensitivity independent of the concurrent joint inflammation. Using experimental animal models allows us to isolate physiological factors underlying these differences, independently of social or clinical factors. The results suggest that a history of prior arthritic activity/joint inflammation may contribute to high pain sensitivity in adolescents with JIA.

Physical activity and sedentary levels in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) is essential for children throughout their growth and maturation. It improves physiological and psychological health and limits the risk of developing metabolic disorders. However, some chronic physiological and metabolic diseases may lead to decreased PA. The diversity of outcomes in the literature offers no consensus for physical activity and sedentary levels in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

A literature review and a meta-analysis were carried out with original studies from a Medline database search. Only high-quality studies (STROBE checklist) written in English comparing PA level or sedentary behavior (SB) between children with the disorders and their healthy peers were considered. The aim was to examine PA and SB in children with JIA or IBD compared to their healthy peers.

RESULTS

The literature review and meta-analysis identified decreased PA and increased time spent in SB in these populations, which may exacerbate both their lower physical fitness and the symptoms of their health disorders.

CONCLUSION

Results nevertheless show discrepancies due to the different materials and methods used and the variables measured. Further studies are needed to establish a gold standard method for assessing PA level in these populations.

"Seeing Pain Differently": A Qualitative Investigation Into the Differences and Similarities of Pain and Rheumatology Specialists' Interpretation of Multidimensional Mobile Health Pain Data From Children and Young People With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Background

In contrast to the use of traditional unidimensional paper-based scales, a mobile health (mHealth) assessment of pain in children and young people (CYP) with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) enables comprehensive and complex multidimensional pain data to be captured remotely by individuals. However, how professionals use multidimensional pain data to interpret and synthesize pain reports gathered using mHealth tools is not yet known.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the salience and prioritization of different mHealth pain features as interpreted by key stakeholders involved in research and management of pain in CYP with JIA.

Methods

Pain and rheumatology specialists were purposively recruited via professional organizations. Face-to-face focus groups were conducted for each specialist group. Participants were asked to rank order 9 static vignette scenarios created from real patient mHealth multidimensional pain data. These data had been collected by a researcher in a separate study using My Pain Tracker, a valid and acceptable mHealth iPad pain communication tool that collects information about intensity, severity, location, emotion, and pictorial pain qualities. In the focus groups, specialists discussed their decision-making processes behind each rank order in the focus groups. The total group rank ordering of vignette scenarios was calculated. Qualitative data from discussions were analyzed using latent thematic analysis.

Results

A total of 9 pain specialists took part in 1 focus group and 10 rheumatology specialists in another. In pain specialists, the consensus for the highest pain experience (44%) was poorer than their ranking of the lowest pain experiences (55%). Conversely, in rheumatology specialists, the consensus for the highest pain experience (70%) was stronger than their ranking of the lowest pain experience (50%). Pain intensity was a high priority for pain specialists, but rheumatology specialists gave high priority to intensity and severity taken together. Pain spread was highly prioritized, with the number of pain locations (particular areas or joints) being a high priority for both groups; radiating pain was a high priority for pain specialists only. Pain emotion was challenging for both groups and was only perceived to be a high priority when specialists had additional confirmatory evidence (such as information about pain interference or clinical observations) to validate the pain emotion report. Pain qualities such as particular word descriptors, use of the color red, and fire symbols were seen to be high priority by both groups in interpretation of CYP pain reports.

Conclusions

Pain interpretation is complex. Findings from this study of specialists’ decision-making processes indicate which aspects of pain are prioritized and weighted more heavily than others by those interpreting mHealth data. Findings are useful for developing electronic graphical summaries which assist specialists in interpreting patient-reported mHealth pain data more efficiently in clinical and research settings.

Efficacy and cost savings with the use of a minimal sedation / anxiolysis protocol for intra-articular corticosteroid injections in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a retrospective review of prospectively collected data

BACKGROUND

Intra-articular corticosteroid injections (IACI) are frequently used in the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. There is a paucity of evidence-based research describing methods of pain and anxiety control for this procedure. IACI were mostly performed under general anesthesia for children younger than 13 years old in our institution as of 2014. We started to integrate sedation services more commonly in our institution with the minimal sedation/anxiolysis (MSA) protocol outlined as an alternative to general anesthesia for IACI in 2015. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and cost savings of a minimal sedation protocol for intra-articular corticosteroid injections in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients after instituting this protocol at our institution.

METHODS

The MSA protocol included nitrous oxide, intranasal fentanyl, a topical numbing agent, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, ondansetron and child life intervention. A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed on a total of 80 consecutive patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis who underwent joint injections using the protocol.

RESULTS

The procedure was successfully completed in greater than 95% of the patients. The median pain score (measured on a verbal numeric scale of 0-10) reported by the patient was 1 (IQR 0-2.5), by the parent 1 (IQR 0-2), by the rheumatologist 1 (IQR 0-1), and by the sedationist 1 (IQR 0-1). Degree of motion during the procedure was reported by the rheumatologist and the sedationist as none in 68% of the patients, mild in 36% and moderate in 6%. Patient, parent, rheumatologist and sedationist rated satisfaction as very high in the vast majority (94%). Emesis was reported in only 2 (2.5%) patients, no significant adverse events were reported, and no patients progressed to a deeper level of sedation than intended. Financial analysis revealed a 33% cost reduction compared with the use of general anesthesia in the operating room.

CONCLUSIONS

A minimal sedation/anxiolysis protocol (including nitrous oxide, intranasal fentanyl, a topical numbing agent, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, ondansetron and child life intervention), provides safe and effective analgesia for intra-articular corticosteroid injection in a subset of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and offers a lower cost alternative to general anesthesia.

Longitudinal Health Status from Early Disease to Adulthood and Associated Prognostic Factors in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Objective.

To describe the longitudinal health status from childhood to adulthood in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), compare outcomes after 19 years with those of controls, and identify early predictors of physical functioning, pain, and physical health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Methods.

Between 1995–2003, 96 patients with JIA (mean 6.1 ± 4.0 yrs, 67% female) were assessed within 18 months of diagnosis and every 6 months for the next 3 years with measures of JIA disease activity, physical functioning, pain, fatigue, and well-being. They were reassessed a mean of 18.9 ± 1.5 years later (mean age 25.1 ± 4.2 yrs) with measures of physical disability [Health Assessment Questionnaire–Disability Index (HAQ-DI)], pain, fatigue, well-being (visual analog scale), and physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQOL; Medical Outcomes Study 12-item Short Form Health Survey, version 2).

Results.

During the first 3 years, physical disability improved (p < 0.001) and the proportion of patients reporting best possible well-being increased (p = 0.013), while pain and fatigue did not change. At 3- and 19-year followups, patients had similar levels of physical disability, well-being, and pain, but fatigue increased (p = 0.016) and the number of patients with HAQ-DI = 0 decreased (p = 0.001). After 19 years, patients had worse pain and physical HRQOL than controls (p < 0.001). Pain, active joints, and physical disability during the first 3 years were associated with more disability and pain and worse physical HRQOL after 19 years (p < 0.001–0.047).

Conclusion.

Patients with JIA reported similar physical functioning, well-being, and pain at 3- and 19-year followups, but more fatigue after 19 years. Patients also had worse health status than controls after 19 years. Pain, active joints, and physical disability were early predictors of unfavorable outcomes.

A Granulocyte-Specific Protein S100A12 as a Potential Prognostic Factor Affecting Aggressiveness of Therapy in Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Background

Defining new prognostic biomarkers has become one of the most promising perspectives for the long-term care of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The new efficient indicators of disease activity and potential response to treatment are crucial in establishing new therapeutic plans in accordance with the “treat to target” strategy. One of the most studied proteins is called S100A12, which is an alarmin specific for granulocytes, considered as a marker of their activity.

Materials and Methods

Study involved 80 patients diagnosed with JIA. Children with systemic subtype were not included in the study. In 53 cases, blood samples were obtained in two time points. Results from the study group were compared to 29 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals.

Results

Serum S100A12 levels were higher in JIA than in healthy controls at the study baseline (11.67 ± 6.59 vs. 6.01 ± 2.33 ng/ml). There were no significant differences in S100A12 values between assessed subtypes of JIA. The highest concentrations were observed in patients within a disease flare. S100A12 levels were not dependent from using glucocorticosteroids. The studied protein appeared to be an efficient biomarker for JIA patients: 100% specificity as a diagnostic marker (cut-off level: 10.73 ng/ml) and 100% sensitivity as an indicator of exacerbations within a 3-month observation (cut-off level: 5.48 ng/ml).

Conclusions

S100A12 may become an important factor influencing decisions on aggressiveness of JIA therapy. Further elaboration on the clinical algorithm is necessary for that protein to be included in everyday practice.