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Abstract

Background: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects children and adolescents, primarily targeting synovial joints and causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. While its physical manifestations are well-documented, growing evidence indicates that chronic systemic inflammation may also impact cognitive development. Adolescents with JIA may experience impairments in memory, attention, and executive function, which can significantly influence academic performance and overall quality of life. Early identification of cognitive deficits is essential for timely interventions and holistic disease management.
Objective: To assess cognitive function in adolescents diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis using a standardized cognitive assessment tool.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at three tertiary care hospitals in Lahore. Using purposive sampling, 100 adolescents aged 10–14 years with confirmed diagnoses of JIA were recruited. Inclusion criteria consisted of both male and female patients diagnosed with JIA, while those with systemic illnesses or developmental disorders were excluded. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), a structured tool administered by trained personnel. Data were recorded using a predesigned standardized questionnaire and analyzed descriptively.
Results: The mean age of participants was 11.95 ± 1.23 years, with a mean height of 4.91 ± 0.19 feet and mean weight of 48.20 ± 2.42 kg. Gender distribution was equal, with 50 males and 50 females. MMSE results indicated that 60% of participants scored in the normal range (30–26), whereas 40% demonstrated varying degrees of cognitive impairment, including mild to moderate deficits.
Conclusion: The study identifies a significant cognitive burden among adolescents with JIA, highlighting the importance of integrating cognitive assessment into routine clinical evaluation. Targeted cognitive interventions may improve long-term outcomes and enhance quality of life.