Summary

• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic arthropathy of children and includes several subtypes (including oligoarticular, polyarticular, and systemic onset).
• Affects 1 in 1000 children and can present at any age.
• Diagnosis is made clinically. Laboratory and radiographic testing provide classification and prognostic information but are not diagnostic.
• Intra-articular corticosteroids offer good control if only a few joints are affected. Methotrexate is the most commonly used disease-modifying agent. Agents that block inflammatory cytokines (e.g., anti-TNF alpha medications, interleukin-1, and interleukin-6) are used in more resistant cases. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and psychology form an important aspect of management.
• Around 10% to 20% of children with JIA are at risk of developing anterior uveitis. All children with a diagnosis of JIA must undergo regular ophthalmological examinations to detect and manage inflammation.