Arthritis is not just a disease that affects the elderly – in fact, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood diseases nationwide. Common symptoms include:
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Joint tenderness & Stiffness
Joint tenderness can be reduced with regular stretching, exercise, and splinting. Splints are braces that help joints (like knees or wrists) stay in place.
Inflammation & Swelling
Inflammation may cause pressure and pain in and around a child’s joint. Sometimes, children and teens with JIA may keep the inflamed joint in a bent position, which is usually more comfortable for them. The problem is, if the joint stays bent for too long, the muscles and tendons that attach to the bone will shorten and not grow properly. As a result, inflamed joints may become stuck in a bent position.
JIA is arthritis that affects one or more joints in a child aged 16 or younger for at least six weeks. Commonly affected joints include:
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- Wrists
- Ankles
- Knees
Some forms of JIA are more common in young girls. No one knows the exact cause of juvenile arthritis, but scientists do know it is an autoimmune disorder affecting the immune system, which normally helps the body fight infection. Instead of working to help the body fight infection, a person with JIA’s immune system attacks the body’s own tissue.
In the past, standard Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis treatments have included:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin, and
- Corticosteroids like prednisone.
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Still, over the last two decades, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) treatments have been revolutionized due to new medications and improved reproducibility in clinical trials. JIA is now treated with newer medicines called biologics. These medicines are called biologics because they are extracted from biological sources. Biologics are usually injected, and they are used to target the body’s overactive immune system by suppressing the proteins that trigger inflammation and swelling. Common biologic medications include:
Enbrel
Enbrel is used to reduce the signs of moderately to severely active juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children ages 2 years and older.
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Humira
During a 32-week period of a clinical study in patients 4-17 years of age, fewer children treated with Humira experienced disease flare compared with those who did not receive Humira. In the same study, more children had at least a 70% improvement in their juvenile idiopathic arthritis symptoms at Week 48 compared to those who did not take Humira.
Orencia
Orencia is used to reduce signs and symptoms of moderate to severe JIA in patients 2 years of age and older. Orencia is available in two forms: intravenous (IV) infusion, or subcutaneous (SC) injection.
Actemra
Actemra is a prescription medicine called an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist used to treat patients with JIA 2 years of age and older.
It is important to keep a watchful eye on children who have been diagnosed with JIA. Several serious complications can result from a JIA diagnosis, including:
Eye problems due to inflammation
JIA may cause eye problems in addition to joint problems. JIA may lead to an increased risk of uveitis, glaucoma, or cataracts. Children with JIA should see an optometrist or ophthalmologist for an eye-check up regularly. An ophthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in eye care and treatment. An optometrist is a health care professional who diagnoses eye problems.
Stunted bone development
JIA may cause bones to become thin and weak, leading to osteoporosis. Bones with osteoporosis break and fracture more easily. Young people with JIA may develop osteoporosis due to inactivity and calcium deficiency.
Prolonged joint inflammation may also lead to osteoporosis. Vitamin D supplements and regular bone density tests can help prevent osteoporosis.
If your child is diagnosed with JIA, is recommended to work with a pediatric rheumatologist, a doctor specializing in children's joint problems. If there isn’t a pediatric rheumatologist in your area, a physical therapist, rehabilitation specialist, or occupational therapist may also be able to help. By using a combination of strategies to relieve pain and swelling, a child with JIA may maintain full strength and movement of their joints.
