Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Question 1

Definition of JIA

Answer 1

an umbrella term for a group of persistent arthritis in children under the age of 16 years of unknown cause and lasting more than 6 weeks

Question 2

Classification of JIA

Answer 2

• oligoarticular (persistent/extended)
• polyarticular (RH +/-)
• systemic JIA
• Enthesitis related arthritis
• psoriatic arthritis
• unclassified

Question 3

Definition of extende oligoarticular arthritis

Answer 3

If more than 4 joints are affected after 6 months of disease

Question 4

Epidemiology of oligoarticular JIA

Answer 4

• 50-60% of patients
• girls aged 1-2
• girls: boys = 4:1
• 70% ANA pos
• 50% have only knee affected

Question 5

Symptoms of oligoarticular JIA

Answer 5

• pain, morning stiffness and gelling
• limp/swelling
• overgrowth of affected limb
• iridocyclitis (uveitis)

Question 6

Special investigations for JIA

Answer 6

• FBC, ESR, CRP, RF, ANA, HIV, Mantoux, liver enzymes
• CXRAY
  US/MRI of affected joints

Question 7

Treatment of oligoarticular JIA

Answer 7

• NSAIDS
• IAI of steroids
• oral steroid 1mg/kg dly