 | | | | Medical Health Encyclopedia | |
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
| | | |
| |
| |
| Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis |
|
Definition:
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a chronic disease resulting in joint pain and inflammation. It may result in joint damage. It usually occurs before age 16. Alternative Names:
Juvenile chronic polyarthritis; JRA; Still's disease; Juvenile idiopathic arthritis Text Continues Below
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
JRA is a chronic inflammatory arthritis in children. It occurs in 50-100 per 100,000 children in the United States. JRA is a general term for the most common types of arthritis in children. It is divided into several categories: - Systemic JRA: This form, which occurs in about 10% of cases, involves joint pain and swelling as well as fevers and rash. It is similar to adult Still's disease. The cause of this form of JRA is unknown.
- Polyarticular JRA: This form occurs in about 40% of cases and involves multiple joints that are painful and swollen. The cause of this form of JRA is unknown. Some children may have a positive rheumatoid factor and the condition may evolve into rheumatoid arthritis.
- Pauciarticular JRA: This form occurs in about 50% of cases and involves only a few joints. Some of these children, in particular boys, will be HLA-B27 positive. Families with HLA-B27 are at increased risk for this arthritis.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
|
.gif)
