ADAM Health Encyclopedia

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Definition

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a general term for the most common types of arthritis in children. It is a long-term (chronic) disease resulting in joint pain and inflammation, which may lead to joint damage.

Alternative Names

Causes

JRA occurs in 50-100 per 100,000 children in the United States. It usually occurs before age 16.

JRA is divided into several categories:

• Systemic JRA occurs in about 10% of cases. It involves joint pain, swelling, fevers, and rash. It is similar to adult Still's disease. The cause of this form of JRA is unknown.
• Polyarticular JRA occurs in about 40% of cases and involves multiple painful, swollen joints. The cause of this form of JRA is also unknown. Some children may have a positive rheumatoid factor and the condition may turn into rheumatoid arthritis.
• Pauciarticular JRA occurs in about 50% of cases and involves only a few joints. Some of these children, in particular boys, will be HLA-B27 positive. HLA-B27 is a substance called a gene marker that is associated with several autoimmune disorders.

Symptoms

Arthritis symptoms:

• Joint stiffness on arising in the morning
• Limited range of motion
• Slow rate of growth or uneven arm or leg growth
• Hot, swollen, painful joints
• A child may stop using an affected limb
• Back pain

Systemic JRA symptoms:

• Fever, usually high fevers every day
• Rash that comes and goes with the fever
• Swollen lymph nodes (glands)

JRA can also cause eye inflammation. These symptoms include:

• Red eyes
• Eye pain
• Photophobia (increased pain when looking at a light)
• Visual changes

Exams and Tests

The physical examination shows swollen, warm, and tender joints that hurt to move. The child may have a rash. Other signs include an enlarged liver, enlarged spleen, or swollen lymph nodes.

Blood tests may include:

• CBC
• ESR (sedimentation rate)
• ANA
• RA factor
• HLA antigens for HLA B27

The doctor may need to tap a joint. This means that they will put a small needle into a joint that is swollen. This can help to find the cause of the arthritis. By removing fluid, the joint may feel better, too. Sometimes, the doctor will inject steroids into the joint to help decrease the swelling.

Other tests:

• X-ray of a joint
• X-ray of the chest
• ECG
• Eye exam by an ophthalmologist

Treatment

Medicines used to treat this condition may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroids
• An antimalaria medicine called hydroxychloroquine, which helps reduce inflammation related to JRA
• Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including methotrexate
• Biologic drugs, such as such as etanercept and infliximab, which block high levels of inflammatory proteins

Note: Talk to your health care provider before giving aspirin or NSAIDs to children.

Physical therapy and exercise programs may be recommended. Surgery may be needed in some cases, including joint replacement.

Outlook (Prognosis)

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

For additional information and resources, see arthritis support group.

Possible Complications

• Total joint destruction of the major weight-bearing joints
• Loss of vision or decreased vision
• Chronic spondyloarthropathy (back stiffness)

When to Contact a Medical Professional

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

Prevention

There is no known prevention for JRA.