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Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
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Ency. home > Disease > J > Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Juvenile chronic polyarthritis; JRA; Still's disease

Treatment

Treatment is aimed at preserving mobility and joint function and supporting the patient and family through a long chronic illness.

Therapeutic medications include:

  • aspirin
  • nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents (NSAIDS)
  • corticosteroids
  • topical ophthalmic corticosteroids
  • mydriatics
  • gold therapy
  • chloroquine agents
  • immune suppressing agents

Note: Talk to your health care provider before giving aspirin or NSAIDS to children!

Physical therapy and exercise programs may be recommended. Surgical procedures may be indicated, including joint replacement.

Prognosis

JRA is seldom life-threatening. Long periods of spontaneous remission are typical. Often JRA improves or remits at puberty. Approximately 75% of JRA patients eventually enter remission with minimal functional loss and deformity.

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See arthritis - support group.

Complications

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you notice symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Also call your health care provider if symptoms worsen, do not improve with treatment, or new symptoms develop.

Ency. home > Disease > J > Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

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