Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Causes and Treatment
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of arthritis in children. It can start as young as 6 months or as late as 16 years of age. Like adult-onset arthritis it is characterized by inflammation of one or more joints, leading to stiffness and loss of mobility, pain, swelling, redness and occasionally heat at the site of the affected joint.
What Causes Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis?
It’s not known exactly what causes JRA in kids. Research indicates that it is an autoimmune disease. In autoimmune diseases, white blood cells lose the ability to tell the difference between the body’s own healthy cells and harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. The immune system, which is supposed to protect the body from these harmful invaders, instead releases chemicals that can damage healthy tissues and cause inflammation and pain.
The chronic inflammation of the synovium (the lining of the joints) is linked to greater-than-normal activity of the immune system.
The immune system produces specialized cells and proteins, which are released into the bloodstream to fight off the “invaders.” One important type of immune protein is called an antibody.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the child and the specific disorder. Common symptoms include:
1. One or more joints that are persistently swollen and tender, or possibly red and warm to the touch
2. Pain when moving joints, although many young children never complain of pain
3. Stiffness or decreased ability to move joints, especially when waking
In children, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, also known as Still’s disease, is usually preceded by high fever and shaking chills along with pain and swelling in many joints. A pink skin rash may be present.
How is it Treated?
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment provides children with the best possible opportunity for a favorable outcome. Your child’s treatment will be based on the kind of arthritis he/she has and on their specific symptoms.
Treatment for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) usually begins after your health professional has eliminated other causes for your child’s symptoms. A good indicator of JRA is if your child’s pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints have persisted for at least 6 weeks. Your health professional may set up a treatment team, often including a pediatrician, rheumatologist, and physical and/or occupational therapist.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), reduce pain and swelling. Because children can develop side effects such as bleeding and liver and stomach problems, be sure to use these medications under a doctor’s supervision.
