Autoimmune/Rheumatic

Childhood Arthritis (Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis)

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), formerly known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis in children under 16. JIA can cause persistent joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Some children may experience symptoms for only a few months, while others have symptoms for the rest of their lives.

7

Symptoms

3

Causes

6

Treatments

1

Prevention

Condition Overview

Understand key symptoms, causes, diagnosis options, and treatment pathways for Childhood Arthritis (Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis). This overview is intended for patient awareness and should be followed by specialist consultation.

AutoimmuneRheumaticPrevalence Available

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Symptoms

  • Pain, swelling, and stiffness in joints
  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Eye inflammation (uveitis)
  • Lymph node swelling
  • Limping
  • Fatigue

Causes

  • Exact cause unknown
  • Autoimmune condition
  • Genetic and environmental factors

Diagnosis

  • Physical examination
  • Blood tests (ANA, RF, HLA-B27, CBC)
  • X-rays
  • Ultrasound
  • Eye examination

Treatment

  • NSAIDs
  • DMARDs (methotrexate)
  • Biologic agents
  • Corticosteroids
  • Physical and occupational therapy
  • Eye drops or surgery for uveitis

Risk Factors

  • Female sex
  • Age between 2–3 years or early teens
  • Family history of autoimmune disease

Prevention

  • No known prevention

Prevalence

Affects approximately 1 in 1,000 children in the United States.