Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Question 1

What is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis?

Answer 1

-Arthritis occurring in someone who is less than 16 years old that lasts for more than 6 weeks.
=Female
=HLA polymorphisms
=FHx autoimmunity
-Systemic onset JIA is a type of JIA which is also known as Still’s disease

Question 2

Features of systemic onset JIA

Answer 2

-Pyrexia
-Salmon-pink rash
-Lymphadenopathy
-Arthritis (joint pain and swelling)
-Uveitis
-Anorexia and weight loss

Question 3

Investigations of systemic onset JIA

Answer 3

-ANA may be positive, especially in oligoarticular JIA
-Rheumatoid factor is usually negative
-Normal or reduced haemoglobin and elevated platelets

Question 4

What is pauciarticular JIA?

Answer 4

4 or less joints are affected. It accounts for around 60% of cases of JIA

Question 5

Features of pauciarticular JIA

Answer 5

-Joint pain and swelling: usually medium sized joints e.g. knees, ankles, elbows
-Limp
-ANA may be positive in JIA - associated with anterior uveitis

Question 6

Treatment of JIA

Answer 6

-DMARD
-Biologics
-NSAID
-Intra-articular corticosteroid