The relationship between depression, disease activity and physical function in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients in Zagazig University Hospitals – Egypt

Aim of the workTo assess the relationship of depression, disease activity and physical ability in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients.Patients and methodsFifty-four JIA patients were included in this study. There were 18 males (33.3%) and 36 females (66.7%). The mean ± SD age of patients was 11 ± 2.7 years and with a disease duration range of 1–10 years and median of 4 years. Disease activity was measured by: juvenile arthritis disease activity score (JADAS 27), 100-mm pain visual analogue scale (VAS), global physician-rated assessment of disease activity and parent/patient global assessment. Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) was used to assess functional ability. Psychological function was assessed by using depression scale for children of the center for epidemiological studies (CES-DC).ResultsAll studied patients suffered from variable degrees of depression, as the median of depression (CES-DC) was 38.5 and the range was (19–60). The CES-DC score significantly correlated with number of tender joints, number of swollen joints, JADAS 27, number of limited joint motion, pain by VAS and CHAQ (P < 0.0001). The CHAQ was significantly correlated with number of tender joints, number of swollen joints, JADAS 27 and depression (CES-DC) (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsChildren and adolescents with JIA are at significantly elevated risk of depression. Poor psychological outcome is associated with more severe disease activity and physical disability.