Juvenile arthritis is a chronic condition which causes inflammation in one or more joints and begins before the age of 16. There are several different patterns of arthritis. Though all have joint inflammation in common, they behave very differently, may require different treatment approaches and have different outcomes.
Systemic onset type begins with very high fevers, frequently has a skin rash and shows evidence of inflammation in many internal organ systems as well as the joints. About 10 percent of children with arthritis have this type.
Pauciarticular onset disease affects fewer than five joints. About half of all children with arthritis are in this category. Some of these are very young, from infancy to about age 5, and have a risk of developing eye problems. Regular eye exams are essential. Others are older - usually over age 8 - and may evolve into one of the adult forms of arthritis.
Polyarticular disease has more than five joints affected, (often many more) and can begin at any age. Some of these children have adult type rheumatoid arthritis which began at an earlier age than usual.
Causes
The causes of juvenile arthritis are unknown. Some genetic markers are more common in certain
types of childhood arthritis or in children who develop particular complications from it. Although this
genetic makeup may be associated with an increased chance of developing arthritis, these conditions
are not regarded as hereditary and rarely affect more than one family member. Some features of
these diseases suggest that there may be infectious triggers in a genetically predisposed child, but no
specific infectious cause has been identified.
Health Impact
* About 285,000 children in the United States have juvenile arthritis.
* The child may be affected by absenteeism from school, reduced participation in peer activities or
limited career options.
* The parents and siblings are impacted by the psychological and financial stress of chronic illness in
a family member
**Special Thanks To HeathTouch For Providing This Information.
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Pediatric Rheumatology
For doctors, patients and family members interested in learning more
about arthritic conditions in children.
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Arthritis Foundation - The Impact of Juvenile Arthritis
American Juvenile Arthritis Organization: Tell Me More about Juvenile
Arthritis:. The Impact of Juvenile Arthritis.
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Healthtouch - Health Information: Facts About Juvenile Arthritis
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Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis resembles rheumatoid arthritis but also
differs in significant ways
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Arthritis - Doctor's Guide to the Internet
The latest medical news and information for patients or friends/parents
of patients diagnosed with arthritis and arthritis-related disorders.
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Arthritis Foundation
Latest news about coping with and curing arthritis.
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SkyDancer's Arthritis Information Page
Large resource for arthritis information containing many links
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American College of Rheumatology
An organization of physicians, health professionals, and scientists that
serves its members through programs of education, research and
advocacy that foster excellence in the care
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National Institute of Arthritis and Muscuskeletal & Skin
Diseases
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Stanford Rheumatology Research
Rheumatology research at the Stanford School of Medicine. Learn
about the latest research projects on arthritis.
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Arthritis and Rheumatism Alternatives
Various causes, treatments and cures including a list of doctors and
links.
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Arthritis Society--Nova Scotia
A simple explanation of various arthritic conditions. Also lists arthritis
resources in Nova Scotia.
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Elfstrom's Arthritis and Rheumatology
Researched articles about arthritis and other rheumatic diseases written
by physicians, patients and researchers.
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Arthritis Index
Arthritis and Arthritic Conditions Ankylosing spondylitis Arthritis with
bowel disease Back pain Behcet's Disease Carpal tunnel syndrome
Children's arthritis Crystal deposition
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Ask NOAH About: Arthritis and Rheumatic Disease
Ask NOAH About: Arthritis & Rheumatic Disease. Researched by
NOAH Contributing Editor: Patricia E. Gallagher, MLS, AHIP New
York Academy of Medicine
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