Relationship between delayed menarche and bone density in patients affected by juvenile idiopathic arthritis

The aim of our study was to prospectively evaluate bone density in adolescents females with JIA, and to correlate the results with puberty. Lumbar spine (L2–L4) areal bone mineral density (aBMD) (assessed by Dual X-ray Absorbiometry, DXA) was monitored every 6–12 months in a group of 38 girls with JIA. The evaluated bone density accrual during the peripubertal time as well as absolute and relative (Z-score) aBMD in relationship with age at menarche, JIA subset, disease activity, corticosteroid and methotrexate treatment was assessed. Height, body mass index, Bone Mass Content values were also collected. Volumetric BMD evaluated with a geometric correction formula has been calculated and compared to aBMD.