Changes in Body Mass Index in Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Treated with Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors

Abstract

Over more than 2 years of followup, we did not observe a significant increase in BMI among children with JIA receiving TNF inhibitor compared to those not receiving it.

Prevalence of overweight in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

“…However, a change in the opposite direction is also possible. Pelajo et al (27) and Shafferman et al (28) reported an increase in BMI following the use of anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents. They hypothesized that the inhibition of anti-TNF agents drives the hypermetabolism and results in weight gain.…”

Premature subclinical atherosclerosis in children and young adults with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. A review considering preventive measures

“…A controlled cross-sectional study from Brazil, looking at body composition in 42 female children and adolescents with JIA, showed increased body fat and truncal fat in prepubertal children with JIA, independent of subtype and medication [ 58 ]; this finding is of interest since abdominal fat is considered the origin of systemic inflammation associated with obesity. Weight gain and increase in visceral fat have been described in patients with RA receiving TNF-α- and IL-6-inhibitors, but weight gain was not found in a cohort of children with JIA on TNF-α inhibitor therapy compared with JIA patients not treated with TNF-α inhibitors [ 59 ]; body composition was, however, not assessed.…”