Objectives: Raised serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (sCOMP) has been reported to predict erosive disease in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), subnormal sCOMP levels have been associated with ongoing inflammation and growth retardation. In this study we aimed to assess sCOMP, C-reactive protein (CRP), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 in children/adolescents with JIA and in referents.Method: We enrolled 52 JIA patients at planned outpatient visits and 54 inpatients with ongoing infection (infection referents). A total of 120 referents testing negative for immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated allergy (IgE referents) served as controls. All serum samples were analysed for COMP, IGF-1, and CRP.Results: The average sCOMP level was highest among the IgE referents and lowest among the infection referents. In the JIA patients, the level of sCOMP was not associated with the level of CRP or with clinical signs of disease activity.Conclusions: The results of this study do not support routine clinical analysis of sCOMP levels in patients with JIA.

Funding Agencies|Swedish Rheumatism Association

Intravenous midazolam in small bowel biopsy EDITOR,-Small bowel biopsy has an important role in paediatric gastroenterology. The diagnosis of coeliac disease, the second most common chronic disease in Swedish children, is fully based for instance on the findings of serial small bowel biopsies. In Sweden most paediatric centres perform biopsies using peroral capsule instruments and without general anaesthesia. This biopsy procedure is uncomfortable to children. Optimal sedation is thus essential. Moreover, in a well sedated child the radiation dose can be minimised.' We have previously found intravenous midazolam to be effective and superior to other sedatives given orally.2

Oral alimemazine and cisapride, or diazepam and cisapride, or iv midazolam and metoclopramide were given as premedication for small bowel biopsy to three groups of children from a total population of 185 individuals. The biopsy procedures were performed under intermittent fluoroscopy and times for both were recorded. The median biopsy procedure time was significantly shorter in children given iv midazolam and metoclopramide (6 min) compared to those given oral premedication (10 min) (p < 0.001). The median fluoroscopy time was very short in all groups, ranging between 3 and 6 s. It is concluded that iv premedication is superior to oral premedication for small bowel biopsy in children because more effective sedation is obtained.

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