Analysis of Menstrual Dysfunction in Girls Suffering from Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Abstract

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the commonest and most debilitating rheumatic disease occurring among children. Objective: To identify the frequency and nature of the menstrual disorders observed in girls affected with JIA. Material and Methods: The study included 147 patients of the Rheumatology department of St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University’s clinic, 58 of who were afflicted with JIA. We used anamnestic, clinical and laboratory methods as well as analysis of the medical records to diagnose this disease. Results: We examined 58 patients with JIA. Menstrual function was present in 40 girls in the age range of 12 to 17 years among the 58 patients with JIA selected for this study. The average age of menarche was 12.4±2.5 years. Menstrual irregularities were observed in 27 cases (67.5%). Excessive menstruation with regular cycle was observed in 44.4% of the cases; primary oligomenorrhoea and secondary amenorrhoea were detected in 29.6% of the girls and primary dysmenorrhoea in 29.6%. Conclusions: • The frequency of the menstrual disorders in girls with JIA is 67.5%. The form associated with excessive menstruation with regular cycle occurs most often. • The most frequent menstrual disorders were observed in the polyarticular and systemic course of JIA. • The age at onset, disease duration and use of glucocorticoid therapy affected the nature of the menstrual disorders. • Menstruating girls suffering from JIA require gynecological control to determine the status of menstrual function with the purpose of prevention of reproductive disorders.