Markers of inflammation Measuring disease activity in juvenile idiopathic arthritis using imaging and immunological biomarkers

In this thesis, blood and imaging markers for the assessment of inflammation or changes secondary to inflammation in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) were investigated. The ultimate goal of these different biomarkers is to help clinicians and patients to make evidence-based and individualized decisions about 1) starting or adjusting treatment to prevent damage and/or long-term complications due to JIA and 2) stopping treatment to prevent overtreatment and the risk for side-effects of the immunosuppressive drugs. Development of quantitative imaging biomarkers for inflammation that are measured using non-invasive (non-GBCA) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) would increase patient friendliness of MRI, reduce time, costs and side-effects of MRI and thus increase clinical applicability of MRI in patients with JIA.