Juvenile idiopathic arthritis - what the clinician needs to know

Abstract

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) includes several forms of chronic arthritis in childhood with no apparent cause. JIA is the most common rheumatic disease in children, and may result in pain, joint deformity, and growth im- pairment, with possible persistent active arthritis into adulthood. Prior treatment involved non-specific agents, several with significant adverse effects. The recent use of biologics now provides target-specific therapy, which may be better tolerated. Through continued translational research and clinical trials, one better understands the biology mediating disease, with the hope of offering safer, more effective medicine, and potential cure. This review will outline the clinical features of JIA, as well as provide the latest updates in treatment.