Understanding Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

0

In honor of Juvenile Arthritis Awareness month, I had the opportunity to spend some time discussing the subject with my mother. I’ve never experienced Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) firsthand, but the further I get into motherhood, the more curious I get about all the things that can pop up unexpectedly.

My mother, Diana Harris, is a local retired physician who specialized in rheumatoid arthritis. I have heard many endearing stories about her patients over the years, so I was happy to have the opportunity to dig a little deeper into her specialty.

I knew many of her patients she kept up with for several years because we would receive Christmas gifts from them yearly. The most special cross-stitched ornaments with my name on them were some of my favorites, and they still hold a place on our tree today. Gifts to my mother were equivalent to family heirlooms because she made such a strong bond with her patients during their long, and sometimes difficult, diagnosis and treatment period.

I am especially grateful for her pediatric patients because I fear that my brother and I may not exist without their special connection with my mother.

Here are a few items we discussed to help patients recognize some early symptoms of JRA and to aid in the understanding of our friends that are coping with JRA every day:

Recognizing Early Symptoms

juvenile rheumatoid arthritisJRA, often called Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), is arthritis that causes joint inflammation and stiffness for more than six weeks in children under 16.

JRA can be diagnosed in children as early as two years old. However, it can be difficult to diagnose because there are several different potential presentations. Symptoms may include unexplained fever spikes, rash, swollen joints, nail changes, and eye dryness.  However, none of the latter symptoms may be present at all.

The range and varying symptoms and combinations are due to the different types of JRA:

Systemic Onset JRA – This affects the whole system (think organs) and not just joints. This can be hard to diagnose, but fever, joint pain, and rash are common side effects. Complications may include slower than expected growth and abnormalities of liver and lung function.

Oligoarticular JRA – Affects fewer joints (less than 5 in a 6 month period). This is the most common category and affects more girls than boys.

Polyarticular JRA – Affects 5 or more joints in a 6 month period.

Psoriatic – Often detected through a rash (psoriasis).

Enthesitis – Inflammation at the site of a tendon. This typically affects males over 8 years old, and it often presents with pain in the lower back.

Undifferentiated – Children that do not fit the above criteria or that overlap more than one subtype. Accurate prognosis and treatment plans can be challenging.

Treatment typically begins with anti-inflammatories like Motrin; additional options get stronger based on severity. If it goes untreated, there may be damage to the joint. Joint damage in the lower extremities can affect the length of the leg. Inflammation of the jaw joint can cause underdevelopment of the lower jaw.

Staying physically active is an important part of the treatment plan. Low-impact activities such as water sports are great ways for kids to stay active and protect their joints from overuse.

While there is no cure for juvenile arthritis, a treatment plan from a professional will help control the pain and improve the child’s quality of life.

Things to Know

  • JRA is not a passing thing
  • Fatigue can be an issue
  • It may have long-lasting effects
    – joint damage
    – organ involvement
    – ability to participate in physical activities
  • Requires frequent doctor visits
  • Other children may not understand the limitations

Many people think arthritis only affects adults, so oftentimes symptoms may be overlooked or dismissed. A child may limp but not complain of the pain or may have trouble communicating that pain. Also, differentiating between an acute injury and arthritis can be difficult. Seeking professional medical guidance from a specialist is a great place to start.

Professionals like my mother are eager to help and have accumulated years of experience and knowledge on the subject. I’m certainly proud of her work as a physician and female professional in the field of medicine.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here