Arthritis in children is referred to as juvenile arthritis (JA.) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that there are different classifications for juvenile arthritis, but the one most commonly used in the United States is the juvenile rheumatoid arthritis classification system. Another system, juveniile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), is most commonly used in Europe and Canada, but is sometimes used in the United States. Regardless of the classification system, there are a few main types of childhood arthritis.
Pauciarticular Arthritis
Pauciarticular arthritis is the most common type of juvenile arthritis, and it is also the mildest type of the disease. According to the Cedars Sinai Medical Center, pauciarticular arthritis affects four joints, or fewer, and children with this type are at a high risk of developing inflammatory eye problems, or they may develop adult arthritis later in life. The Arthritis Society reports that with pauciarticular arthritis, the onset often starts at age 4, affects more girls than boys, and the disease can often go into remission within a few years of its onset.
Polyarticular Arthritis
The second most common type of juvenile arthritis is polyarticular, and with this type there are five, or more, joints affected. The Arthritis Society states that it can start at any age, and like pauciarticular arthritis, it is found in more girls than boys. While it occurs in five or more joints, it can often start in one or two joints, and then spread to others.
Systemic Juvenile Arthritis
Systemic juvenile arthritis (SJA) is not as common as the above types, but it is more severe. Systemic juvenile arthritis can be accompanied by a fever that rises and falls, along with a rash. According to Cedars Sinai Medical Center, systemic juvenile arthritis is accompanied by inflammation in the body's internal organs, along with the joints. SJA affects boys as frequently as it does girls. After a few years, systemic arthritis can become inactive and go into remission, or it may come and go.
Spondyloarthropathy
Spondyloarthropathy is also referred to as ankylosing spondylitis, and according to the Cleveland Clinic, it most often occurs in early adolescence. With this type of arthritis, the spine is affected, as well as the joints. It can also cause inflammation in the bowels and the eyes. This is the one type of juvenile arthritis that is more common in boys than in girls, and can be connected to an inherited gene.
