Borage Oil Helps Juvenile Arthritis

Source: News release
Date Published: November 15, 1999

BOSTON, Nov 15, 1999 - Data from a recent study conducted at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Springfield, MA, found that Borage Oil can benefit children with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Preliminary data from the study was presented by lead researcher Dr. Deborah Rothman, MD, PhD, November 15 during the Annual Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology in Boston.

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis is the most frequent major connective tissue disease in children. The disease afflicts between 27,400 and 54,800 children under age 16 in the United States -- some patients are as young as 6 months old. JRA is often a mild condition which causes few problems, but in severe cases it can produce serious complications. Symptoms include morning stiffness, stiffness following inactivity, and night pain. Fatigue and low-grade fever are common at the onset of disease. Anorexia, weight loss, failure to grow, and psychologic regression to a more infantile pattern of behaviour are seen in many children.

There are three forms of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis -- the most common is Polyarthritis, which affects multiple joints (five or more). A less common form of the disease is Oligarthritis, which affects four or fewer joints. A few children experience Systemic Arthritis, in which internal organs and other body parts are also affected.

In her research, Dr. Rothman found that the effects of Borage Oil were strongest for patients with Polyarthritis.

Borage Oil is a natural supplement derived from the seed of the borage plant and containing Gamma-linolenic Acid (GLA). In previous studies, GLA has been found useful in adult Rheumatoid Arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Use of Borage Oil in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis may allow some patients to reduce their dosage of standard medications such as as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids. These powerful drugs are known to cause side effects such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, heartburn, and upset stomach. Approximately 15% of patients on long-term NSAID treatment develop ulcers of the stomach, which can lead to severe bleeding and death. Children with rheumatic disease receiving long term corticosteroids are also at high risk of developing osteoporosis and infections.

Telltale signs that a child is affected by Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Children may not directly communicate their symptoms. The parent must use careful observation and questioning to detect symptoms of the disease. The child may be increasingly irritable, may assume a posture of guarding the joints, and may refuse to walk. Fatigue and low-grade fever are common at the onset of the disease. Anorexia, weight loss, failure to grow, and psychologic regression to a more infantile pattern of behaviour are seen in many children. If you suspect that your child may be affected, consult your family doctor immediately.

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