Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is not only a disease that affects adults. Children can and do suffer from it as well. Almost 300,000 children in the United States live with some form of arthritis. Of these, 50,000 have been diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis causes joints to become hot, red, and swollen. The symptoms can last for only a relatively short time and then the disease can go into remission. For some people, the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis last for months or years. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment options, including medication and surgery, are available.

Causes of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

As in the adult version, the cause of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Research done to date indicates that it is an autoimmune disorder. The body's defenses against disease and infection turn on the body itself. It releases chemicals that cause the joints to become inflamed and painful.

Types of Juvenile Arthritis

Pauciarticular Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis affects up to four joints in the body. Pain, swelling, and stiffness are all symptoms of this disorder. Knee and wrist joints are especially vulnerable.

If five or more joints are affected, then the young person has Polyarticular Arthritis. Girls are more susceptible to the disorder than boys. As in adult rheumatoid arthritis, the individual may develop nodules (bumps or swelling around joints). Pain and swelling of the joints of the hands, hips, knees, and ankles may be experienced. The child may also develop a low-grade fever.

The third form of juvenile arthritis is known as Systemic Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. As the name implies, it affects the entire body. Symptoms include a high fever that spikes in the evening and breaks, a rash, and swollen lymph nodes. The spleen may become enlarged. As the disease progresses, the joints become swollen, stiff, and painful.

Getting a Diagnosis

To make a diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, the doctor will start with a complete medical history and a physical examination. Further testing may be ordered, including:

Blood tests to check red and white blood cells and platelets. A blood culture to check for bacterial infections may be ordered. The rheumatoid factor test may also be ordered.

Bone marrow tests and/or a bone scan may also be conducted. These will help doctors pinpoint the cause of pain in the bones and joints.

The doctor may also refer the child to an orthopedic surgeon for a consultation. The specialist may wish to take a sample of the fluid surrounding the joints or the material lining the joints for examination.

Treatment for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Treatment options for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are much the same as for adults. Anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed. A course of physical therapy may be part of the treatment plan.

Regular physical activity will likely be recommended. The doctor or physical therapist will be able to recommend activities that are less likely to put stress on irritated joints.

The symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can start off looking like the flu or a virus. Be alert for a fever that spikes in the evening and disappears which is accompanied by a rash. If you have concerns about your child's health, be sure to consult with your family doctor.

Common Symptoms For Rheumatoid Arthritis