Biologic Response Modifiers and Systemic JIA

Investigators from multiple institutions conducted a retrospective cohort study of children diagnosed with systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) to assess disease course in the era of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (BDMARDs). Patients were eligible if they were (a) diagnosed at the study children’s hospital with SJIA between 1996–2015, (b) had been evaluated within the first 6 months of disease onset, and (c) followed up for ≥6 months. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from participants’ charts, including symptoms at disease onset, disease course, and treatments used.

Disease course was categorized into 3 groups: (1) monophasic, defined as a single episode of disease; (2) polycyclic, characterized by recurrent flares; and (3) persistent, defined as still requiring medication at the last visit and with a disease course of flares …