Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that can severely affect the joints and cause disability in children and adolescents. At COPAC, we know the importance of receiving an early diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan to reduce inflammation, pain, and prevent disability.
With proper treatment, most children and teens with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can maintain an active, healthy lifestyle. We invite you to learn more about this topic below…
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system itself appears to mistakenly attack the body’s cells, including healthy joint cells, leading to inflammation and pain. It is called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis because it usually affects children and adolescents under the age of 16.
The signs of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can vary from patient to patient. In this sense, a person may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
Chronic pain.
Swelling.
Stiffness in the joints.
Fatigue.
Fever.
Rashes.
Joint deformity (in severe cases).
The exact cause of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is not known with certainty, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors are thought to play an important role in its development.
Studies suggest that a genetic predisposition to the disease, as well as certain environmental factors or infections, may contribute to the onset of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, the immune system is known to be key in this condition, as it causes inflammation in the joints and damage to surrounding tissues by mistake.
To diagnose juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, the doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about the patient’s symptoms, medical and family history. The following tests may also be done to confirm the diagnosis:
Laboratory tests are used to look for the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and rheumatoid factor IgM, which are common indicators of rheumatoid arthritis.
X-rays, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are used to assess the extent of damage within the joints.
Treatment for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis depends on the type and severity of the disease. The main goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and pain, prevent disability, and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Conservative treatments include: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologic therapy. Additionally, some patients may require physical therapy, occupational therapy, or surgery in severe cases.
It is important to work closely with a specialist, to create a personalized treatment plan that is truly effective for the patient.
There is no known way to prevent juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, as the exact cause of the disease remains uncertain. However, some healthy habits can help reduce the risk of developing the disease, including:
Maintain a healthy weight.
Exercise regularly.
Have a nutritious diet.
It is also advisable to take measures to prevent infections, because it is known that these can trigger the disease in some cases.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can have a variety of complications, especially if it’s not properly diagnosed and treated. Some of them include:
Permanent joint damage.
Deformities.
Functional limitations.
Disability.
Growth retardation.
Anaemia.
Inflammation in other organs of the body (eyes, heart, lungs...).
