All issues > Volume 50(12); 2007

Review Article

Korean J Pediatr. 2007;50(12):1173-1179. Published online December 15, 2007.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Dong Soo DS Kim¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Severance Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea

Correspondence Dong Soo DS Kim ,Email: dskim6634@yuhs.ac

Abstract

The diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is based on patient's age at disease onset, symptom duration, gender, and clinical manifestations. JRA is of unknown origin, begins under the age of 16, and persists for a minimum of 6 weeks. JRA is categorized into three principal types, systemic, oligoarticular and polyarticular. Infection, other connective tissue diseases, malignancy, trauma, and immunodeficiency are discussed as differential diagnoses for JRA. Because of joint damage, focusing on early diagnosis and intervention, a vigorous initial therapeutic approach must be taken in patients who have poor prognostic factors. A multidisciplinary team approach is also important for the care of patients with JRA.

Keywords :Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Diagnosis, Treatment