According the Arthritis Foundation, approximately 300,000 children have some form of juvenile arthritis. Juvenile arthritis, commonly referred to as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) or juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA), encompasses any form of arthritis or arthritis-related condition that occurs before the age of 16. It is characterized by inflammation in the joints causing pain, swelling, and possibly deformity.
Types
The three types of juvenile arthritis are polyarticular, pauciarticular, and system onset, which are diagnosed based upon the classification of symptoms. Polyarticular juvenile arthritis is the most common, affecting five or more smaller joints most often in the hands, knees, wrists, and ankles. Pauciarticular juvenile arthritis affects four or fewer larger joints, particularly in the knees, ankles, and wrists and generally on one side of the body. The last of the three, systemic onset juvenile arthritis, is characterized by arthritis in the smaller joints of the hands, wrists, knees, and ankles as well as a high fever lasting weeks to months and pale red rashes on the skin.
Symptoms
In general, all forms of arthritis cause pain, swelling, tenderness, and stiffness in the inflamed joints. The difference among the types of arthritis and between individuals is in the severity of these symptoms and the joints affected. Chronically inflamed joints can lead to more severe and debilitating complications such as damage to the joint cartilage leading to bone deformity, changes in growth, short stature, and joint contracture resulting in the reduced ability to fully extend muscles.
Causes
The exact cause of arthritis is still unknown, but it is believed to be a type of autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own cells. It has been shown not to be hereditary, contagious, or related to foods, toxins, allergens, or vitamin deficiencies. However, researchers do believe a genetic predisposition and environmental factors play a role in the development of juvenile arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
Diagnosis
There is no single test to diagnose juvenile arthritis, therefore, a complete family history and physical examination along with several types of tests are needed to diagnose and determine the type. Blood and urine tests such as a complete blood count, sedimentation rate test, and antinuclear antibody test can identify chemicals and other proteins in the body that are characteristic of juvenile arthritis. Imaging tests are also very important to determine the affected joints and severity of the condition. These include x-rays, medical resonance imaging (MRIs), CT scans, and ultrasounds.
Treatment
Unfortunately there is not cure for juvenile arthritis, but many treatment options exist to ease the symptoms of the disease and prevent further complications. With juvenile arthritis, the four primary goals of treatment are aimed at reducing inflammation, easing pain, preventing further joint damage, and increasing mobility in the affected joints. Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, anti-rheumatic drugs, and biologic response modifiers (BRMs) are used quite frequently to alleviate symptoms. Physical and occupational therapy are useful in increasing range of movement, alleviating discomfort, and combating disabilities in work and everyday life.
