Abstract
Objective: To assess and compare the impact of medication treatments on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), family function, and medical status in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods: Fifty-seven children diagnosed with JIA were assessed by a pediatric rheumatologist and placed into one of three treatment groups: (1) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory; (2) methotrexate; or (3) steroids via IV methylprednisolone. Questionnaires were administered at baseline and 4-month follow-up. The attending pediatric rheumatologist provided additional medical information. Results: Data document the impact of JIA on HRQOL, particularly on physical and pain domains. Steroid patients experienced improved HRQOL at follow-up relative to other groups, despite reporting more problems with side effects. Conclusion: These results demonstrate positive benefits of steroids in treating JIA children, despite the greatest incidence of adverse side effects.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 262-271 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Journal of pediatric psychology |
Volume | 31 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2006 |
Keywords
- Health-related quality of life
- Juvenile arthritis
- Outcomes
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Developmental and Educational Psychology