8/95 Intraarticular corticosteroids for arthritis in children: efficacy & effects on cartilage & growth

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J Pediatr 1995 Aug;127(2):317-21

Intraarticular corticosteroids for chronic arthritis in children: efficacy and effects on cartilage and growth.Huppertz HI, Tschammler A, Horwitz AE, Schwab KO.Children's Hospital, University of Wurzburg, Germany.OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and effects on cartilage and statural growth of intraarticular corticosteroid (IAS) therapy for chronic arthritis in children and adolescents.

METHODS: We examined 21 children and adolescents with chronic arthritis (median duration, 8 months) that did not respond to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. The 21 joints injected with triamcinolone-hexacetonide were examined before and 7 weeks after IAS therapy by gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging; 14 joints were also examined 13 months after IAS therapy.

RESULTS: All joints treated with IAS had improvement. Magnetic resonance imaging showed long-lasting suppression of inflammation and pannus without evidence of toxic effects on cartilage. Statural growth was not affected.

CONCLUSION: In experienced hands, IAS therapy may be a safe and effective tool in the treatment of chronic arthritis in childhood. Long-term follow-up is mandatory.PMID: 7636665 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]