Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Alternative names:

JRA; juvenile chronic polyarthritis; Still disease

Treatment:

Treatment is aimed at preserving mobility and joint function and supporting the patient and family through a long chronic illness.

Therapeutic medications include:

• aspirin
• nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents (NSAIDS)
• corticosteroids
• topical ophthalmic corticosteroids
• mydriatics
• gold therapy
• chloroquine agents
• immune suppressing agents (rarely used in children)

Note: Talk to your health care provider before giving aspirin or NSAIDS to children!

Physical therapy and exercise programs may be recommended. Surgical procedures may be indicated, including joint replacement.

Expectations (prognosis):

JRA is seldom life threatening. Long periods of spontaneous remission are typical. Often JRA improves or remits at puberty. Approximately 75% of JRA patients eventually enter remission with minimal functional loss and deformity.

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See arthritis - support group.

Complications:

• loss of vision or decreased vision
• total joint destruction of the major weight-bearing joints
• chronic spondyloarthropathy

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you notice symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Also call your health care provider if symptoms worsen, do not improve with treatment, or new symptoms develop.