Abstract
Objective: To determine the frequency of growth retardation and functional disability in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
Methods: This descriptive cross sectional study was carried out at the Department of Rheumatology, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad from March 2016 to December 2016. 92 patients with JIA were included in the study. Height and weight of each patient was recorded and BMI calculated. Functional Disability was determined by calculating the CHAQ Score, while disease activity was estimated through JADAS 27 score. Growth Retardation was defined as height, weight and/or BMI below the 3rd centile according to the CDC growth charts. A cut off of ≥1 for CHAQ Score was used to define severe functional disability.
Results: Out of 92 patients, there were 47 male (51.1%) and 45 (48.9%) females. Height, weight and BMI below 3rd centile was observed in 30(32.6%), 49(53.3%) and 41(44.6%) patients, respectively. The overall frequency of growth retardation was 64.1% (n=59) and severe functional disability (CHAQ Score ≥1) was seen in 32.6% (n=30) of patients.
Conclusions: Growth retardation was seen in more than half of patients with JIA and a significant proportion had severe functional disability. Severe functional disability was seen only in patients with active disease.

Key words: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Growth Retardation, Severe Functional Disability, JADAS 27, Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ)