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What is Juvenile Chronic Arthritis?
 Statistics show that one child in 1,000 in the world is affected by juvenile chronic arthritis. It can occur in children at any age, but first appears more
commonly between the ages of one and 4, and 10 and 13 years.
What causes juvenile chronic arthritis?
Juvenile chronic arthritis (also known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis) is
an autoimmune disorder. This means that the body mistakenly attacks some of its own cells and tissues. It is not known why this occurs in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, but some scientists suspect that an
environmental factor such as a virus may trigger the condition in genetically susceptible children.
The main difference between juvenile and adult rheumatoid arthritis is that more than half of the children affected grow out of it, while adults usually
have symptoms for life. Another difference is that, according to US statistics, fewer than half of all children with the condition test positive for
a particular kind of antibody in their blood called rheumatoid factor (RF), whereas about 70-80 per cent of adults with RA do test positive.
Different kinds of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
There are 3 main types of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
- Pauci-articular arthritis is the most common form, and occurs in about half of all children
with the condition, notably in girls under the age of 8. Pauci-articular arthritis typically affects 4 or fewer joints, usually the larger ones such as the knees. It can be accompanied
by stiffness, particularly in the morning, causing the child to limp.
Between 20 and 30 per cent of children with pauci-articular arthritis may also be susceptible
to eye diseases such as iritis (inflammation of the iris) or uveitis (inflammation of the inner eye or uvea). For this reason, these children should also be examined regularly by an
ophthalmologist. The second important problem with pauci-articular arthritis is that it may cause the bones in the legs to grow at different rates, causing a limp. This may damage the
knee and hip leading to premature wear and tear on these joints.
- Polyarticular arthritis affects approximately 30 per cent of all children with the condition.
It is characterised by 5 or more joints being affected, most commonly the smaller joints in the hands and feet. Children with polyarticular arthritis often have a more severe form of
the disease, and it is considered to be the same as adult rheumatoid arthritis.
- Systemic arthritis affects approximately 20 per cent of all children with the condition,
according to US statistics, and is characterised by joint swelling in combination with fever and a light rash. It may also affect internal organs such as the liver, heart, spleen and lymph
nodes. While systemic arthritis tends to abate of its own accord, a small percentage of these children can have severe arthritis that continues into adulthood.
Diagnosis, treatment and outlook
Joint swelling or pain must have been present for at least 6 weeks for the doctor to consider
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis as a diagnosis. Along with a detailed medical history, thorough physical examination and symptom evaluation, blood tests and X-rays may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential, with the main aim being to minimise damage by keeping the joints moving, the muscles strong and the limbs in a good position.
- Apply VITAFON Apparatus Vibroacoustic's Vibraphones after selecting the related pre-progranmed operation on the sick aria. Folow the instruction manual for treatment
sessions.
The outlook for children with arthritis is generally very good, and most will grow up without any
obvious disability. Promoting optimal growth, physical activity, and social and emotional development in your child will help to ensure that your child will lead a normal, healthy life.
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