The Mexican Spanish version of the Juvenile Arthritis Multidimensional Assessment Report (JAMAR).

The Juvenile Arthritis Multidimensional Assessment Report (JAMAR) is a new parent/patient reported outcome measure that enables a thorough assessment of the disease status in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). We report the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the parent and patient versions of the JAMAR in the Mexican Spanish language. The reading comprehension of the questionnaire was tested in 10 JIA parents and patients.

The use of methotrexate in children with rheumatic diseases.

Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the most useful drugs for the treatment of various rheumatic diseases in children, mainly juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), and localised scleroderma. MTX is considered the standard treatment of JIA, particularly of those subgroups with polyarticular course. JIA response and remission rates to MTX are the standard for comparison with other drug modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) and biologic agents in clinical trials.

Methotrexate improves the health-related quality of life of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Objectives: To examine the change in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and its determinants in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) treated with methotrexate (MTX).

Methods: Patients were extracted from the PRINTO clinical trial which aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of MTX administered in standard, intermediate or higher doses (10, 15 and 30 mg/m(2)/week respectively). Children with polyarticular-course JIA, who were less than 18 years and had a complete HRQOL assessment were included.

A proposal for a pediatric version of the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index based on the analysis of 1,015 patients with juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: To devise a modified version of the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI) for use in children and adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), based on the frequency and distribution of damage in patients with juvenile-onset SLE and the sources of damage that are most suitable for inclusion in a pediatric damage index.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, damage was assessed through the SDI. Clinical assessments included evaluation of growth failure and delayed puberty, which were believed to be important sources of damage that are not incorporated in the SDI but should be included in a pediatric version of the instrument.

Health-related quality of life of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis coming from 3 different geographic areas. The PRINTO multinational quality of life cohort study.

Objectives: To compare health-related quality of life (HRQL) and to identify clinical determinants for poor HRQL of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) coming from three geographic areas.

Methods: The HRQL was assessed through the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). A total of 30 countries were included grouped in three geographic areas: 16 countries in Western Europe; 10 in Eastern Europe; and four in Latin America.