Learn About Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)

View Main Condition: Arthritis

What is the definition of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)?
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), previously known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, is a type of joint inflammation that occurs in children and adolescents before the age of 16, causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling for more than six weeks. The term, “idiopathic,” means of unknown cause, although juvenile idiopathic arthritis is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, affecting females more than males. Nearly 50% of children and adolescents will outgrow the disease; however, it can still cause lasting joint damage. There are several types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which are determined by their symptoms, the affected joints, lab tests, and family history, and which include the following: Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis – This type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis affects one or more joints, causing joint inflammation accompanied by a fever that lasts at least two weeks. In addition, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis may also be accompanied by a skin rash, or enlarged lymph nodes, lungs, liver, or spleen. Oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (Oligoarthritis) – This type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common type (more than 50%) and occurs in four joints or less during the first six months of the disease and has two subtypes: 1) persistent oligoarthritis (four affected joints or less after six months); and 2) extended oligoarthritis (more than four affected joints after six months). Individuals with oligoarthritis have an increased risk of developing eye inflammation (uveitis or iridocyclitis). Rheumatoid factor positive polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (Polyarthritis) – This type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis affects more than five joints, usually the fingers or toes, during the first six months of the disease and is similar to adult rheumatoid arthritis, as patients with this type test positive for rheumatoid factor and may develop small bumps near joints (rheumatoid nodules). Rheumatoid factor negative polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (also called Polyarthritis) – This type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis affects five or more joints during the first six months of the disease; however, patients with this type test negative for rheumatoid factor. Psoriatic juvenile idiopathic arthritis – This type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis occurs alongside psoriasis, a skin disorder which is characterized by reddened skin plaques (patches) covered with white scales and which can also include nail abnormalities (pitting) and eye inflammation. Enthesitis-related juvenile idiopathic arthritis (Juvenile spondyloarthritis) – This type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis affects the areas where bone connects with tendons, ligaments, or other connective tissue, usually in the hips, knees, or feet, causing tenderness (enthesitis), along with joint inflammation, and may affect other areas of the body, such as the eyes (uveitis), and is more common in males than females. Reactive arthritis (Reiter’s syndrome) – This type of arthritis develops as a reaction to bacterial infections, such as shigella, salmonella, yersinia, or genitourinary chlamydial infection (sexually transmitted disease), and occurs abruptly, causing fever, joint pain and inflammation, painful urination, and eye infection (conjunctivitis). Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus) – This disease can cause joint inflammation in addition to inflammation in several other areas of the body. Undifferentiated arthritis – This type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis covers any type that does not fall into the above categories.
What are the alternative names for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)?
There are several alternative names for juvenile idiopathic arthritis, including arthritis, enthesitis-related juvenile idiopathic arthritis, juvenile chronic arthritis, JIA, juvenile spondyloarthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), juvenile RA, oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, polyarthritis, psoriatic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, rheumatoid factor negative polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, rheumatoid factor positive polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and systemic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
What are the causes of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)?
While the exact cause of juvenile idiopathic arthritis is unknown, researchers believe it is a genetic autoimmune disorder, which means that the body’s immune system attacks the normal joint linings (synovial membranes), causing inflammation, stiffness, pain and tenderness, eventually damaging cartilage and bone, usually after being triggered by a bacterial or viral infection. Since the ends of bones are the growth areas, damaged bones may develop abnormalities. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis may also have a genetic factor as mutations in the genes that make human leukocyte antigen (HLA antigen DR4) complex that helps the immune system produce certain proteins may also increase the risk of developing juvenile idiopathic arthritis. However, the majority of juvenile idiopathic arthritis cases occur in individuals with no family history of the disease.
What are the symptoms of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)?
Symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis may vary by individual, affect a few joints or several joints, and may also cause symptoms in other areas of the body. The most common symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis include stiff, swollen, painful joints, especially in the morning, that may last only a few months, or for a lifetime. Additional symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis may include fatigue, decreased appetite, poor weight gain, stunted growth, irritability, clumsiness, limping, bent posture, rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, joints that appear deformed, bone growth abnormalities (uneven leg lengths), small bumps around joints (rheumatoid nodules), chest pain, eye inflammation, or blurry vision. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is further characterized by flare-ups followed by periods without any symptoms.
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What are the current treatments for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)?
Treatments for juvenile idiopathic arthritis focus on relieving joint pain and swelling, increasing movement and strength, and preventing complications, and usually includes medications, physical therapy, exercise, adequate rest, healthy diet, and regular eye exams. Severe cases of juvenile idiopathic arthritis may require surgery. Medications –  Medications used for juvenile idiopathic arthritis include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; ibuprofen ) and naproxen sodium (Aleve, Naprosyn, and others) or COX-2 inhibitors, such as celecoxib (Celebrex), all of which are used to reduce joint pain and inflammation; disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs; methotrexate ) to relieve joint pain and swelling when there is high risk of joint damage; biologic agents (tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers (etanercept ) and adalimumab (Humira) to reduce systemic inflammation and prevent joint damage; and other biologic agents to suppress the immune system, such as abatacept (Orencia), rituximab (Rituxan), anakinra (Kineret), canakinumab (Ilaris), infliximab (Remicade), and tocilizumab (Actemra); and corticosteroids, such prednisone, to control symptoms and other inflammation, such as pericarditis (inflammation of the heart lining). Other medications for juvenile idiopathic arthritis may include hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), leflunomide (Arava), azathioprine (Imuran), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), and thalidomide. Physical therapy may be recommended for juvenile idiopathic arthritis to maintain joint flexibility, range of motion, and muscle tone, in addition to the use of protective devices, such as joint supports or splints. Some children may need counseling to help deal with having a chronic illness, nutritional counseling, and regular eye exams. Very severe cases of juvenile idiopathic arthritis may require surgery to correct a joint abnormality caused by the disease.
Who are the top Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Local Doctors?
Pediatric Rheumatology
Pediatric Rheumatology
2174 N Druid Hills Rd Ne, 
Atlanta, GA 
 6.5 mi
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Sampath Prahalad is a Pediatric Rheumatologist in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Prahalad and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). His top areas of expertise are Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), Arthritis, Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), and DRESS Syndrome. Dr. Prahalad is currently accepting new patients.

Emory Medical Care Foundation Inc

80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr Se, 
Atlanta, GA 
 0.4 mi
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Alison Gizinski is a Rheumatologist in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Gizinski and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Her top areas of expertise are Sarcoidosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), MASS Phenotype, and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease. Dr. Gizinski is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Rheumatology
Rheumatology

Piedmont Providers LLC

1984 Peachtree Rd Nw, Suite 300, 
Atlanta, GA 
 4.1 mi
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Claro Palma is a Rheumatologist in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Palma and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). His top areas of expertise are Raynaud Phenomenon, Sjogren Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and Rhizomelic Pseudopolyarthritis. Dr. Palma is currently accepting new patients.

What are the support groups for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)?
There are several online, local, national, and international support groups for juvenile idiopathic arthritis, including the following: Arthritis Foundation - https://www.arthritis.org/juvenile-arthritis Arthritis Society - https://arthritis.ca/support-education/support-for-childhood-arthritis Juvenile Arthritis Association - http://www.juvenilearthritis.org/ Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Foundation - https://www.systemicjia.org/patient-resources/
What is the outlook (prognosis) for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)?
The outcomes (prognosis) for juvenile idiopathic arthritic varies by individual; however, the disease is generally characterized by flare-ups followed by periods of no symptoms. Treatments can help control symptoms. While the disease eventually disappears in nearly 50% of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, some children may continue to have symptoms for several years. Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis who experience severe symptoms may have permanent joint or bone damage and abnormalities, as well as stunted growth, or rarely—kidney, heart, or endocrine system disorders.
What are the possible complications of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)?
Possible complications of juvenile idiopathic arthritis can be serious, such as stunted growth and bone development, permanent joint damage, and eye inflammation (cataracts, glaucoma, iridocyclitis, uveitis, or blindness). Children with oliogoarthritis should have frequent eye examinations.
When should I contact a medical professional for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)?
If your child experiences any of the symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, such as rash, fever, persistent joint pain, swelling, stiffness, limited motion, or limping for more than one week, make an appointment with their doctor as soon as possible.
How do I prevent Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)?
There is currently no known method to prevent juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
What are the latest Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Clinical Trials?
The Efficiency of Supervised Exercise Program Versus Personalized Mobile-Based Exercise Program in Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Summary: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is a heterogeneous, idiopathic, chronic inflammatory, rheumatic disease that is most common in childhood and is thought to involve immunological mechanisms in its etiopathogenesis. Exercise and physical activity (PA) approaches have an important place in the treatment of childhood rheumatic diseases. These approaches alleviate both the symptoms of children and a...

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A Multicenter, Randomized Open-Label Study to Assess the Efficacy, Safety, and Pharmacokinetics of Upadacitinib With a Tocilizumab Reference Arm in Subjects From 1 Year to Less Than 18 Years Old With Active Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Summary: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the most common type of arthritis that affects children. The term idiopathic means of unknown origin. It is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that causes swelling, warmth, and pain of one or more small joints. Systemic JIA ia a rare and serious form of JIA. Systemic means it may affect not only the joints but other parts of the body, including the liver, lungs...