An uncommon type of arthritis that impacts children is juvenile chronic arthritis, which involves inflammation of the joints. This condition is more prevalent in girls and typically emerges between the ages of two and four, or during the period of puberty.
There are three primary categories, all of which lead to joint discomfort, inflammation, and rigidity. The most prevalent type is pauciarticular juvenile arthritis, which impacts four joints or fewer and generally emerges in very young girls. Polyarticular juvenile arthritis impacts five or more joints and is more frequent in girls. Still’s disease (systemic onset juvenile arthritis) affects both boys and girls. It commences with symptoms like fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, abdominal pain, and weight loss. These indications persist for several weeks. Joint issues might take several months to manifest.
Potential complications encompass reduced height, anemia, pleurisy (inflammation of the lung membrane), pericarditis (inflammation of the heart membrane), and enlargement of the liver and spleen. Uveitis (inflammation of certain eye parts) might arise. In rare instances, amyloidosis (abnormal protein deposition in bodily organs) or kidney failure could occur.
The diagnosis relies on the symptoms, coupled with the findings from X-rays and blood tests. It is confirmed only when the condition persists for more than three months.
The treatment options can encompass antirheumatic medications, corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and aspirin. Splints might be utilized to provide relief to inflamed joints and minimize the likelihood of deformities. Physiotherapy helps lower the chance of muscle deterioration and deformities. Typically, the arthritis resolves within a few years, though in certain cases, it endures from childhood into adulthood.