Intravenous regional administration of corticosteroids in juvenile chronic arthritis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Treatment of juvenile chronic arthritis patients with longstanding multiple joint or tendon involvement that is resistant to medication remains a challenge. For 20 years, we have been treating these severely ill patients with intravenous regional glucocorticoids (a modified Bier's block).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Since 1996, all juvenile chronic arthritis patients have been followed prospectively by an occupational therapist who has registered the grip strength and range of motion at an average of 6 months after treatment.

RESULTS:

In 22/40 wrists and hands, increased grip strength was recorded. The mean grip strength increased for the whole group from 47 to 59 N and the flexion lag decreased.

INTERPRETATION:

The effect of intravenous regional steroid treatment may be limited from a long-term perspective, but in our series, half of the patients showed a considerable improvement after 6 months. Surgical synovectomy can be postponed and perhaps even be omitted.

• Authors: Magnus Tägil, Jan Reimertz, Renate Elborgh, Philippe Kopylov
• Journal: Acta orthopaedica Scandinavica (Acta Orthop Scand) Vol. 75 Issue 3 Pg. 352-4 (Jun 2004) ISSN: 0001-6470 [Print] England
• PMID: 15260430 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Hydrocortisone

Topics

• Adolescent
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (administration & dosage)
• Arthritis (drug therapy)
• Child
• Chronic Disease
• Female
• Humans
• Hydrocortisone (administration & dosage)
• Injections, Intravenous
• Male
• Prospective Studies