A NEW study highlights the potential of biologic therapies combined with methotrexate or leflunomide to significantly improve temporomandibular joint (TMJ) inflammation in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). This is the first prospective study to provide evidence of such benefits, measured through advanced imaging and clinical assessments.
Conducted at a single centre, the study followed 18 patients, mostly female, with MRI-confirmed TMJ arthritis over a two-year period. Participants received tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) alongside their existing medication. The results showed marked improvements in TMJ-related symptoms, including reductions in movement pain, morning stiffness, and improvements in jaw opening capacity. Median inflammation scores dropped significantly, and nearly half of the affected joints showed stable or improved deformity scores.
These findings offer promising evidence for the use of biologics in managing TMJ arthritis, a painful and debilitating complication of JIA. Researchers emphasise the importance of early diagnosis and intervention, as this targeted approach appears to alleviate symptoms and prevent further joint damage over time. For clinicians managing JIA, these results underscore the value of incorporating advanced therapies to improve orofacial outcomes in young patients.
Aleksandra Zurowska, EMJ
Reference
Stoustrup P et al. Effects of Biologics on Temporomandibular Joint Inflammation in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. J Rheum. 2024;DOI: https://doi.org/10.3899/jrheum.2024-0538.
