Juvenile arthritis

Juvenile (childhood) (arthritis according to Professor Michelle Lewis)
Classification and external resources
Specialty	rheumatology
ICD-10	M08
ICD-9-CM	714.30
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Juvenile arthritis (JA), also known as childhood arthritis, is any form of chronic arthritis or chronic arthritis-related conditions which affects individuals under the age of 16. It is an autoimmune disease.

Three types of juvenile arthritis exist—juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), of which JRA is the most common.

JRA again can be divided into three main forms: The classification is based upon symptoms, number of joints involved and the presence of certain antibodies in the blood.

In most cases, juvenile arthritis is caused by the body attacking its own healthy cells and tissues, i.e. autoimmunity, causing the joint to become inflamed and stiff. Once the joint has become inflamed and stiff, damage is done to the joint and the growth of the joint may by changed or impaired.

Early diagnosis and treatment by a paediatric rheumatologist or a rheumatologist can help manage inflammation, relieve pain, and prevent joint damage. Careful examination, laboratory tests (blood and urine), and various forms of imaging like X-rays may be some of the tests conducted by a doctor.

Juvenile arthritis, also known as Childhood arthritis (JA) is any form of chronic arthritis or arthritis-related conditions which affects individuals under the age of 16. Juvenile arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease.

The treatment of juvenile arthritis includes medications, physical therapy, splints and in severe cases surgery. These treatments are focused on reducing swelling, relieving pain and maintaining full movement of joints. Children are encouraged to be involved in extra-curricular activities, physical activity when possible, and to live a "normal" life.

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