15A119
Down’s Arthropathy (DA): Clinical and Radiological Features of Arthritis in Children with Trisomy 21 (T21)
Author(s)
C Foley, EJ MacDermott, D Veale, OG Killeen
Department(s)/Institutions
NCPR OLCHC; SVUH
Introduction
The ‘Arthropathy of Down syndrome’ was first described in 1984, yet we still have limited literature on the features of this arthritis, although it is estimated to be 3-6 times more common than JIA in the general paediatric population.
Aims/Background
To describe the clinical course and radiological features of DA.
Method
Musculoskeletal examination performed on children with T21 (0-20 years). DA cases identified, investigated and managed as per normal clinical practice. New cases of JIA diagnosed, recruited to a comparison group.
Results
503 children with T21 screened for arthritis (56.4% Male, age 0.6-19.2 years); 22 new cases of DA detected (33 = total DA cases now attending the NCPR).
DA Features
• 82% = Polyarticular RF negative arthritis,
• 78.6% = Small joint involvement,
• 66.7% = X-Ray changes at diagnosis, (29.2% erosions),
• 1.7 years = Time to diagnosis
• 75% = Methotrexate (MTX)- associated nausea.
Conclusions
Small joint involvement of the hands is a predominant disease pattern, and unique to DA. Treatment with MTX was complicated by significant MTX-associated nausea. Outcomes could be improved for children with DA by inclusion of a musculoskeletal examination in the annual T21 surveillance programme.