Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Statistics
According to the Arthritis Foundation, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is the most widespread form of arthritis in children. JRA is also referred to as juvenile idiopathic arthritis and juvenile chronic arthritis. Some children with JRA may experience only mild symptoms while others suffer chronic discomfort as well as joint and tissue damage. Early signs include joint pain or swelling and reddened or warm joints.
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Statistics
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Kidshealth.org says juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can begin between the ages of 6 months and 16 years. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) says a 2008 report from the National Arthritis Data Workgroup showed nearly 300,000 children age 17 and younger are affected with arthritis or other rheumatic conditions; of those, an estimated 50,000 have juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Cause
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Although the exact cause of JRA is unclear, it is believed to be an autoimmune disease, where the body's immune system erroneously harms some of its own healthy tissues and cells, reports the NAIMS.
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Types
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There are three primary types of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Oligoarticular JRA affects no more than four joints, most commonly the wrists and knees. According to the Bone and Joint Decade website, oligoarticular JRA is the most common, making up 60 percent of all juvenile arthritis cases.
Polyarticular arthritis affects the small joints of the hands and joints in the face neck, hip, ankles and knees. This form of JRA generally affects more girls than boys. According to SaveYourJoints.org, 30 percent or more of children with JRA have polyarticular disease. With systemic JRA, the entire body is affected. A high fever, rash and possibly swollen lymph nodes may accompany this far less common type of JRA.
Symptoms
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The most prevalent symptoms of all types of JRA are ongoing joint swelling, pain and stiffness. An early indication of the condition might be limping upon wakening due to an affected knee. Sometimes the symptoms lift for a time, only to flare-up and possibly intensify at a later date.
Diagnosis
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The Arthritis Foundation says there is no specific test to identify JRA. Your child's doctor may diagnose the condition when symptoms have been present for at least six weeks and other potential causes---such as bacterial of viral infections, physical injury or inflammatory bowel disease---have been eliminated. Once JRA is positively identified, your doctor may suggest an examination by a pediatric rheumatologist, who specializes in treating juvenile arthritis.
Treatment
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Most children require medication and other therapies to successfully treat JRA. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen may help relieve inflammation and pain. When symptoms are severe, corticosteroids such as prednisone may be prescribed. As corticosteroids can impede a child's normal growth and cause weakened bones, the dosage is usually lowered and tapered off once symptoms are under control.
Physical Therapy
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A physical therapist can tailor an exercise plan to help your child preserve muscle tone and regain range of motion in the joints. The use of splints and similar appliances to help preserve normal bone and joint growth may also be considered.
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