Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a term used to describe a common type of arthritis in children. It is a long-term (chronic) disease resulting in joint pain and swelling.
Causes
The cause of JRA is not known. It is thought to be an autoimmune illness. This means the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue.
JRA usually occurs before age 16. Symptoms may start as early as 6 months old.
It is divided into several types:
Systemic (bodywide) JRA involves joint swelling or pain, fevers, and rash. It is the least common type.
Polyarticular JRA involves many joints. This form of JRA may turn into rheumatoid arthritis. It may involve five or more large and small joints of the legs and arms, as well as the jaw and neck.
Pauciarticular JRA involves four or less joints, most often the wrists, or knees. It also affects the eyes.
Symptoms
Symptoms of JRA may begin with a swollen joint, limping, a spiking fever, or a new rash.
Any or all of these blood tests may be normal in patients with JRA.
The health care provider may place a small needle into a swollen joint to remove fluid. This can help to find the cause of the arthritis and help relieve pain, too. Sometimes, the health care provider will inject steroids into the joint to help reduce swelling.
Eye exam by an ophthalmologist (should be done on a regular basis, even if there are no eye symptoms)
Treatment
When only a small number of joints are involved, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen may be enough to control symptoms.
Corticosteroids may be used for more severe flare-ups to help control symptoms.
Children who have arthritis in many joints, or who have fever, rash, and swollen glands may need other medicines. These medicines are called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). They can decrease or prevent swelling in the joints or body. DMARDs include:
Methotrexate
Biologic drugs, such as such as etanercept, infliximab, and related drugs
It is important for children with JRA to stay active and keep their muscles strong.
Exercise will help keep their muscles and joints strong and mobile.
Walking, bicycling, and swimming may be good activities.
Children should learn to warm up before exercising.
Talk to the doctor or physical therapist about exercises to do when your child is having pain.
Support and help for children who have sadness or anger about their arthritis is also very important.
Some children with JRA may need surgery, including joint replacement.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Long periods with no symptoms are more common in those who have only a small number of joints involved. Many children with JRA eventually go into remission with very little loss of function and joint damage.
The greater the number of joints affected, the more severe the disease and the less likely that the symptoms will eventually go into total remission.
Children with JRA who have many joints involved, or who have a positive rheumatoid factor are more likely to have chronic pain, disability, and poor school attendance. The greater the number of joints affected, the more severe the disease and the less likely that the symptoms will eventually go into total remission.
References
Long AR, Rouster-Stevens KA. The role of exercise therapy in the management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Curr Opin Rheumatol
. 2010 Mar;22(2):213-7.
Prince FH, Otten MH, van Suijlekom-Smit LW. Diagnosis and management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. BMJ
. 2010 Dec 3;341:c6434.
Ruperto N, Lovell DJ, Quartier P, et al; Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization and the Pediatric Rheumatology Collaborative Study Group. Long-term safety and efficacy of abatacept in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Arthritis Rheum
. 2010 Jun;62(6):1792-802.
Update Date: 6/28/2011
Ariel D. Teitel, M.D., M.B.A., Chief, Division of Rheumatology, St. Vincent’s Hospital, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
