Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Diagnosis and management

Objective: To provide an overview of diagnosis and management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods: Review of the literature. Results: JIA is the most common rheumatologic disease in children. There are 7 categories of JIA. The diagnosis is made based on physical exam and is one of exclusion. JIA is associated with uveitis; therefore, routine eye exams are indicated. Treatment options have exploded with the advent of biologics; choice depends on severity, number of joints affected, and level of disability. The goal of treatment is to prevent long-term disability, preserve normal growth, and improve joint function. The sooner that referral to the pediatric rheumatologist is made in a child with suspected JIA the less likely the child will experience long-term morbidity. Conclusion: The primary care provider plays a fundamental role in the recognition, referral, and comanagement of a child with JIA, especially since timely and appropriate treatment can prevent long-term disability that may otherwise be incurred from delayed diagnosis or referral or undertreated disease.

Duke Scholars

Author Consuelo Egla Diana Rabinovich Pediatrics, Rheumatology