Simply put, Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a form of arthritis which afflicts children. This form of arthritis extends for more than 16 weeks on the joints of children aged 16 years and below. JRA inflammation can occur on either or both joints and limit movements.  JRA can be classified into the following types. Systemic- it is a less common type of JRA which results in swelling or pain in the joint, fevers, and rash.

Pauciarticular – this type of JRA affects up to four joints and the most affected are the wrists and knees.

Polyarticular JRA – this type affects multiple joints (5 or more) on the arms, legs, neck, and jaw. It can mutate into rheumatoid arthritis.

Prevalence of JRA

It is estimated that more than 50,000 kids in the US alone are afflicted by this form of arthritis affects.  Currently, the rate of prevalence stands at 8-150 out of every 100, 000 kids. But, this depends on the analysis that is done. Of the affected population, 50% of the kids develop Pauciarticular JRA, 40% develop Polyarticular JRA, and 10% develop systemic JRA. Research also shows that females are at high risk of developing JRA than their male counterparts.

JRA Causes and Risk factors

Health experts do not know the real cause of Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Even so, they concur that is an autoimmune condition (immune system attacks and destroys the body tissue by mistake). And as autoimmune disorder, JRA also mistakes and attacks its very own cells and tissue which considers as foreign substances. This continuous attack by the immune system results in redness, swelling, and pain.

JRA Symptoms

Children who suffer from this type of arthritis experience a variety of symptoms. Some of the common symptoms which become manifest include redness, warmth, swelling, soreness, stiffness, limping, and pain on the joints. Interestingly, majority of kids do not complain of pain in the joints. There are also other body-wide symptoms such as fever, rash, paleness, and swollen lymph nodes, eye pain, and red eyes which accompany the primary signs.

Signs and Medical Tests

Some of the blood tests which may be administered include ANA, ESR, complete blood count, and HLA Antigens.  In addition, the physician can also insert a small needle into the swollen area and draw out fluids which will be used for diagnose the cause of the inflammation. Additional tests include bone scan, x-ray, eye examination, and ECG.  Children who go for medical tests may reveal signs such as warm, tender, and swollen joints which hurt when moved. The physician may also observe swellings in the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen.

Treatment

In most cases, physicians will administer ibuprofen or naproxen and other types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and other symptoms.  Corticosteroids can also be used to manage severe symptoms. The physician may also administer disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs such as Methrotexate to minimize swelling on the joints. In extreme cases, surgery may be done to facilitate joint replacement.

Apart from medication, children should also stay active. Exercises such a cycling, swimming, and walking can also strengthen muscles and joints. It is advisable to talk to a physical therapist about the best exercises for children with JRA.

Prognosis

Kids may develop juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in multiple joints if they have positive rheumatoid factor. This may result in prolonged pain or disability and reduced attendance of school.  The severity of the disease tends to increase when more joints become affected. Fortunately, majority of kids experience do not experience complete loss of function or complete damage of joints.