Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis - What Is It?

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Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

What Is It?

www.jointsinmotion.org/conditions/DiseaseCenter/jra.asp

JRA is the most common form of arthritis in children. It may be a mild

condition that causes few problems over time, but it can be much more

persistent and cause joint and tissue damage in other children. JRA can

produce serious complications in more severe cases.

Arthritis is best described by four major changes in the joints that may

develop. The most common features of JRA are: joint inflammation, joint

contracture (stiff, bent joint), joint damage and/or alteration or change in

growth. Other symptoms include joint stiffness following rest or decreased

activity level (also referred to morning stiffness or gelling), and weakness

in muscles and other soft tissues around involved joints. However, because

JRA affects each child differently, your child may not experience all of

these changes. Children also vary in the degree to which they are affected

by any particular symptom.

The signs and symptoms of JRA vary from child to child, and even from day to

day in the same child! This is an important fact for parents, caretakers and

teachers (especially gym teachers) to keep in mind when working with

children who have JRA.

There is no single test to diagnose JRA. The diagnosis is made when there

has been persistent arthritis in one or more joints for at least 6 weeks

after other possible illnesses have been ruled out. Sometimes, a variety of

tests may be necessary to come to a firm diagnosis. Once your child's

physician suspects or makes this diagnosis, your child may be referred to a

pediatric rheumatologist. This is a physician who specializes in the

diagnosis and treatment of children with arthritis and arthritis-related

conditions.

The type of arthritis is usually determined based on the symptoms your child

has had during the first 6 months of the illness. The 3 major types of JRA

are: pauciarticular which affects 4 or fewer joints; polyarticular JRA which

affects 5 or more joints; and systemic onset JRA which affects at least one

joint but causes inflammation of internal organs as well.