Question

Clinical features of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

Hint:

The diagnosis of JIA is based on the clinical presentation, and the symptoms may vary according to the type of JIA.

Answer 1

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JI is the most common type of arthritis in children and involves chronic inflammation of the joints. The clinical features can vary depending on the subtype of JIA, but common features include:
1. Joint Involvement:
- Asymmetric or symmetric joint involvement, often affecting the knee, hip, and wrist.
- Swelling, pain, and stiffness are common in the affected joints.
- Morning stiffness and difficulty in moving joints after rest are typical symptoms.
2. Systemic Features:
- Some children may experience fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the systemic onset type (Still’s disease).
- Fatigue and growth delays are often seen in children with chronic JIA.
3. Age of Onset:
- JIA typically affects children under the age of 16 and often begins between 1-5 years of age.
4. Duration:
- The condition typically lasts for more than six weeks. Chronicity and relapse are common.