Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a medical group of related diseases which occur in children before the age of 16 years. It is a chronic disorder which results in joint pain and swelling. The cause is believed to be the result of an autoimmune illness. This suggests that the body cells attacks and destroys healthy joint tissue by mistake. JRA most often occurs before age 16. Symptoms may begin as early as 6 months old.
There are three main types of JRA:1. Pauciarticular JRA affects four or fewer joints, most often the knees, or wrists. It also involves the eyes. It is the most frequent type of JRA.2. Polyarticular JRA affects many joints. This type of JRA may become rheumatoid arthritis. It may affect five or more large and small joints of the legs and arms, as well as the jaw and neck.3. Systemic (bodywide) JRA affects the joint pain or swelling, rash, and fevers.
It is the least frequent form. Symptoms of JRA are:1. Swollen, red, or warm joint2. Limping or difficulty using a limbDiagnosis is confirmed with:1. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) raised2. ANA and RA factor positive3. Full blood count (FBC)4. HLA antigens for HLA B27 presentAspiration of Joint Fluid may help in the diagnosis and treatment. The treatment of JRA is by:Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen are sufficient to reduce symptomsCorticosteroids may be given for more severe joint inflammationNew disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are used such as methotrexateBiologic drugs, such as such as infliximab, etanercept are even more helpfulChildren with JRA need to stay active.
There is no cure for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Table of ContentIntroductionChapter 1 Juvenile Rheumatoid ArthritisChapter 2 CausesChapter 3 SymptomsChapter 4 DiagnosisChapter 5 TreatmentChapter 6 PrognosisChapter 7 Rheumatoid ArthritisChapter 8 Reiter SyndromeEpilogue