Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
About Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is inflammation of the joints that occurs before the age of sixteen. It is thought to be an auto-immune disorder. For some reason, the body begins to look at part of itself as foreign material like a virus or bacteria. In juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, the body attacks the joints and results in damage to the bone and cartilage.Symptoms
Symptoms may include red or swollen joints, pain, stiffness, rash, low-grade fever, limping or limb deformity.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Although the diagnosis is hard to make, a combination of blood tests, imaging tests and historical clues may lead your doctor to the correct diagnosis.Common tests: ANA, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Joint fluid analysis.
OTC sleep aids and supportive treatments
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Treatment is directed at reducing the inflammation produced by this disorder. In mild cases, anti-inflammatory agents such as motrin and naprosyn may be effective. In other cases, steroids such as prednisone can be used to reduce inflammation. Other more powerful drugs have also been used with success. These include hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), leflunomide (Arava), azathioprine (Imuran), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), thalidomide, adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel), Infliximab (Remicade), anakinra (Kineret) and methotrexate. Physical therapy and surgery may also be recommended based on the progression of the disease.Medical specialties
Pediatrics · Family Practice · Pediatric Rheumatology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.