Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a chronic disease of childhood involving persistent joint inflammation and joint pain. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is similar to adult rheumatoid arthritis except that JRA develops in patients before age 16. In juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, joint inflammation can occur in 1 joint or in multiple joints. There are several types of JRA, all of which can affect a child's growth and cause joint deformities.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a chronic disease that results in inflammation of joints or of connective tissue surrounding the joints. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis typically affects children younger than 16 years. The cause of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is not known. Although JRA is not considered a hereditary disorder, genetics may increase a child's risk of developing JRA.
The 3 main types of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are pauciarticular JRA, polyarticular JRA, and systemic JRA. Systemic JRA is commonly referred to as Still's Disease. Pauciarticular JRA affects 4 or fewer joints. Children with this type of JRA usually experience symptoms in the leg, starting with the knee. Polyarticular JRA (polyarthritis) involves joint inflammation in 5 or more joints. In polyarticular JRA, joint inflammation usually affects the same joints on each side of the body, for example, both knees or both hips. Systemic JRA gets its name because it not only affects any number of joints, but it also affects other organ systems, such as causing inflammation of the eyes, enlargement of the spleen, and swollen lymph glands. In systemic JRA, fevers and rash may appear before joint inflammation and pain.
With all types of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, joints can become swollen and warm. Children may awaken with joint stiffness and may be reluctant to walk or use the affected joint. JRA can also lead to joint deformities and joint damage, which can affect a child's physical growth.
Often, symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis disappear at puberty. Up to half of the children with pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and about one quarter or more of children with polyarthritis or systemic disease experience complete remission. Diagnosis and treatment of all forms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis should be carefully coordinated with a physician.
