Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) describes a group of chronic paediatric inflammatory arthritides. There are 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.

The primary goals of treatment are to relieve immediate pain and prevent joint damage and therefore disability. Intra-articular corticosteroids offer good control if only a few joints are affected. Methotrexate is the most commonly used conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug. 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.

A collection of chronic paediatric inflammatory arthritides characterised by onset before 16 years of age and the presence of objective arthritis (in one or more joints) for at least 6 weeks.[1]Petty RE, Southwood TR, Manners P, et al. International League of Associations for Rheumatology classification of juvenile idiopathic arthritis: second revision, Edmonton, 2001. J Rheumatol. 2004 Feb;31(2):390-2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14760812?tool=bestpractice.com

Arthritis of joints is defined by swelling or effusion, increased warmth, and/or painful limited movement with or without tenderness.