To describe longitudinal trajectories of physical function in children with different JIA categories and identify baseline characteristics that may predict persisting functional impairments.
Approach:
Outcome Measures: Physical function was assessed using the Kids Disability Screen (KDS), which measures disability levels on a scale from 0 (no disability) to 10 (severe disability) in the context of JIA.
Key Findings:
Most children had mild to moderate functional impairments at diagnosis, improving with a median time to optimal function of 36 weeks.
Rheumatoid factor-positive polyarthritis had the largest functional impact, while psoriatic arthritis had the least.
38% of patients were assigned to trajectories with persisting mild functional impairments, identifiable by a baseline KDS score ≥1.5.
No functional trajectories with persisting moderate or severe impairments were found, but 8% reported moderate to severe impairment at least once beyond two years post-diagnosis.
Interpretation:
The study highlights the improvement in physical function among children with JIA over time, with specific categories showing varying impacts on function.
Limitations:
The study may not capture long-term outcomes beyond the follow-up period.
Potential biases in self-reported data from parents and physicians.
Conclusion:
Early identification of patients at high risk for long-term functional impairments is crucial for timely interventions.
by Clare Cunningham, Meghan McPherson, Lillian Lim, Roberta A. Berard, Matthew Berkowitz, Jean-Philippe Proulx-Gauthier, Brian M. Feldman, Nicole Johnson, Dax G. Rumsey, Heinrike Schmeling, Lori B. Tucker, Thomas Loughin, Kristin M. Houghton, Jaime Guzman
A VHA study across 11 vendors finds AI-generated primary care notes score lower than clinician-written notes, with the largest deficits in thoroughness, organization, and usefulness
