In this unique study, we seek to expand our understanding of early-life environmental factors' role in JIA development and phenotype, alongside their interaction with genetic risk. We also investigate mother-father-child triads to pinpoint genetic factors associated with JIA and to gain a deeper understanding of phenotypic variation and family-related factors. We utilize data from the large MoBa pregnancy cohort and registries, examining environmental exposures like socioeconomic, perinatal and early-childhood factors, with several ongoing subprojects. 

As part of the overall project “MoBaRheuma”, we also study the impact of genetics and environmental factors on adult-onset rheumatic disease. We adopt an interdisciplinary approach with two current PhD students and two postdocs, each with diverse backgrounds.

To achieve our objectives, we collaborate closely with national and international expert groups in relevant fields. Our long-term goal is to facilitate preventive strategies for JIA, and our study will provide valuable insights into disease mechanisms not only in JIA but also in other rheumatic diseases.

This internationally unique long-term outcome study focuses on multiple aspects of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), including risk factors and outcomes. In two controlled cross-sectional examinations, we conducted comprehensive phenotyping of patients with JDM and age- and sex-matched controls utilizing state-of-the-art methods. This encompasses biomarkers (e.g. cytokines and adipokines), physical fitness, body composition, as well as muscular, lung, and heart imaging and function. Our work has yielded novel insights into the predictive factors, biomarkers, prognosis and organ involvement associated with JDM and have influenced international guidelines. 

To date, four PhD students have successfully defended their theses, and we have published 18 papers in medium to high-impact journals. Furthermore, we have ongoing PhD projects that involve longitudinal evaluation of disease activity, damage, myositis-associated antibodies and cardiac function. Additionally, we are exploring the association between physical fitness and cardiac function. The Nor-JDM project strives to enhance our understanding of JDM to ultimately improve patient outcomes.

We are studying physical fitness, physical activity, physical function and quality of life in patients with JIA. One PhD student has defended her thesis based on this material, and several subprojects are ongoing. This include associations between a) visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and disease activity and adipokines, b) cardiorespiratory fitness and VAT, c) how physical exertion and exercise affect inflammatory markers and d) evaluation of the psychometric properties of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).

We are translating and validating pediatric Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) modules, including those related to physical activity, mobility, fatigue, sleep-related impairment and sleep disturbance. These PROMIS modules will be included in the Norwegian registry of pediatric rheumatology (NOBAREV), and also in international juvenile myositis collaborative studies.

• The JIA classification study: The PRINTO Evidence-based revision of the International League Against Rheumatism (ILAR) classification criteria for juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• PharmaChild: A European collaboration on long-term outcome and pharmacovigilance for biologics used in juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• EUROFEVER: International registry for autoinflammatory diseases
• SHARE project: optimize and disseminate diagnostic and management regimens in JDM, update
• ABIRISK: immunogenicity in juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Physical Activity Among Children and Youth with Juvenile Myositis: A Cross-Sectional International Survey 

We are conducting a Norwegian register-based study on childhood-onset systemic connective tissue diseases (cCTD). Using existing infrastructure, including rheumatic registries and biobanks, our goals are to establish a national prospective cohort and a historical cohort at OUS for cCTD patients. The study aims to provide essential insights into cCTD epidemiology in Norway, variations in organ damage and quality of life over time, treatment and outcome disparities nationally, and knowledge expansion across disease groups. This research will contribute to optimized treatment and streamlined follow-up both at OUS and nationally, laying the foundation for a personalized approach. Additionally, we will collect valuable clinical data and biospecimens for further research. We are currently in the process of applying for funding.