ascorbic-acid and Arthritis--Juvenile

Ten patients with scurvy were evaluated by rheumatology; we review their clinical, laboratory, and dietary presentations. Eight patients had developmental delay or autism. All had elevated inflammatory markers. These clinical and laboratory features with imaging findings can mimic rheumatic conditions such as arthritis, vasculitis, and chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO).

Topics: Adolescent; Arthritis, Juvenile; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Autistic Disorder; Child; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Child, Preschool; Diagnosis, Differential; Diet; Female; Humans; Inflammation; Male; Musculoskeletal Pain; Osteomyelitis; Rheumatology; Scurvy; Vasculitis; Young Adult

The aim of this study was to examine both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant status in a select group of children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), living in Cairo, Egypt. The plasma concentrations of albumin, ceruloplasmin, vitamin C, vitamin E as well as erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and whole blood glutathione peroxidase activities were all significantly decreased in the presence of JRA compared to those without JRA. Unlike these antioxidant factors, vitamin A and its carrier (e.g. retinol binding protein), which have very little or no antioxidant property, remained unaffected by JRA. These results suggest that the children with JRA are subject to oxidative stress.

Topics: Antioxidants; Arthritis, Juvenile; Ascorbic Acid; Ceruloplasmin; Child; Child, Preschool; Egypt; Female; Glutathione Peroxidase; Humans; Infant; Male; Retinol-Binding Proteins; Retinol-Binding Proteins, Plasma; Serum Albumin; Superoxide Dismutase; Vitamin A; Vitamin E

The specific cause of short stature in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is unknown. One hypothesis links altered growth to inadequate dietary intake. In this study, nutritional status was assessed in 34 children with JRA (8 with systemic JRA, 14 with polyarticular JRA, and 12 with pauciarticular JRA) and 9 healthy controls using 3-day diet records, anthropometrics, and biochemical analyses. Differences in growth were found among the three types of JRA. One third of all subjects were at or below the 10th percentile in height for age (these being predominantly among the systemic and polyarticular groups). With few exceptions, the mean dietary intake for calories and essential nutrients was found to be adequate for each of the three groups. However, more than half of those with systemic JRA reportedly consumed less than the recommended caloric intake for their age and weight. No significant correlations were found linking dietary intake to growth percentiles in any of the groups studied. Biochemical abnormalities were found among the systemic and polyarticular groups. These abnormalities included low plasma levels of vitamins A and C, proteins (albumin, prealbumin, and retinol binding protein) and zinc; and increased levels of copper and glutathione peroxidase activity. Plasma selenium and vitamin E levels were unchanged. The discrepancy between intake and certain circulating nutrient levels may reflect alterations in the requirements, absorption, or use of these nutrients in the presence of chronic inflammation.

Topics: Adolescent; Arthritis, Juvenile; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Proteins; Body Height; Body Weight; Child; Child Development; Child, Preschool; Diet; Humans; Nutritional Status; Steroids; Vitamin A

Nutritional status, with emphasis on nutrients involved in inflammatory processes, was investigated in 26 girls with juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) and in healthy controls. Children with JCA had decreased plasma selenium compared to controls. Glutathione peroxidase activity in plasma was similar in both groups but the activity in blood was slightly depressed in JCA. The decrease in blood glutathione peroxidase was more pronounced in patients with high to medium disease activity. Ascorbic acid was measured in plasma, platelets, mononuclear cells and granulocytes. A slight decrease in granulocyte ascorbic acid was observed in patients but in plasma, platelets and mononuclear cells no difference was observed. Serum alpha-tocopherol, blood folate and serum cobalamine was the same in both groups. Several patients, especially in the youngest group, exhibited impaired growth. Serum creatinine and arm muscle circumference were lower in the arthritic patients indicating a lower muscle mass. These changes were more pronounced in patients with systemic or polyarticular onset of the disease. The possibility that the changes in nutritional status in patients with JCA can be corrected by dietary supplementation needs further investigation.

Topics: Adolescent; Age Factors; Anthropometry; Arthritis, Juvenile; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Proteins; Calcifediol; Child; Creatinine; Female; Ferritins; Glutathione Peroxidase; Humans; Iron; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Selenium; Serum Albumin

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Amyloidosis; Arthritis, Juvenile; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Ascorbic Acid; Child; Child, Preschool; Dimethyl Sulfoxide; Drug Evaluation; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Humans; Kidney; Middle Aged; Proteinuria; Scleroderma, Systemic; Sjogren's Syndrome; Ultrasonics

Topics: Adolescent; Arthritis, Juvenile; Ascorbic Acid; Child; Female; Humans; Hydroxyproline; Male; Prednisone

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Animals; Arthritis, Juvenile; Ascorbic Acid; Child; Guinea Pigs; Humans; Hydroxyproline