Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

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Juvenile chronic polyarthritis; JRA; Still's disease; Juvenile idiopathic arthritis  

The goal is to preserve mobility and joint function and support the patient and family through a long chronic illness.

Therapeutic medications include:

• Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents (NSAIDS)
• Corticosteroids
• Topical ophthalmic corticosteroids
• Hydroxychloroquine
• Immune suppressing agents, including methotrexate, infliximab, and etanercept

Note: Talk to your health care provider before giving aspirin or NSAIDS to children.

Physical therapy and exercise programs may be recommended. Surgical procedures may be indicated, including joint replacement.

JRA is seldom life threatening. Long periods of spontaneous remission are typical. Often, JRA improves or goes into remission at puberty. Approximately 75% of JRA patients eventually enter remission with minimal functional loss and deformity.

For additional information and resources, see arthritis support group.

• Total joint destruction of the major weight-bearing joints
• Loss of vision or decreased vision
• Chronic spondyloarthropathy (back stiffness)

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you notice symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Also call your health care provider if your symptoms get worse, do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.

Review Date: 04/20/2005
Reviewed By: Stanford Peng, M.D., Ph.D., Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.