THU0592 Pubertal delay despite intensive treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis: results of a longitudinal study

Background Delayed puberty and reduced adult height have been reported in JIA before the era of biologicals. Long-term consequences of delayed puberty are among others growth disturbances, low bone mineral mass and decreased fertility. Treatment with anti-TNF restores growth, but data on puberty are unknown Objectives We evaluated onset and course of puberty and growth, in JIA-patients who are treated intensively, including the possibility of biologicals, and identified variables related with puberty and growth Methods In a longitudinal JIA-cohort, all consecutive patients (10–21 years) were followed for three years. Annual examinations were performed regarding demographic and disease-related items as well as Tanner pubertal stages and anthropometric measurements. Median ages at reaching each stage were estimated by Kaplan-Meier curves. Parametric tests were used to determine differences between patients and healthy controls, non-parametric tests between patient-groups. Univariate analyses and mixed models were used to identify associated variables Results 138 patients were included (66% girls). Median disease-duration was 7,8 years (IQR 3.7–10.5), median JADAS-27 3,7 (IQR 1,3–8,0), DAS-28 2,16.1,5–2,8 Puberty onset was 1,2 years delayed in girls (p Conclusions In contrast to normalised longitudinal growth, we found in JIA-patients in disease remission or with low disease activity a delayed onset and progression of puberty despite intensive treatment including biologicals. Eventually, puberty was completed and normal adult height was reached. The effects on bone mass and fertility will have to be evaluated in cohort studies Acknowledgements This study is financially supported by the Dutch Arthritis Association Statistical support was provided by Reinier Timman and Kees A.G.M.van Montfort, department of biostatistics, Erasmus University Rotterdam. Disclosure of Interest None declared