Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis: Challenges and Pitfalls in Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis occurs most frequently between the ages of two and five years. Early clinical manifestations include daily high fever, rash, arthralgia, cardiac involvement, pulmonary inflammation, severe abdominal pain and rare systemic conditions. Arthritis may occur at any time. The cause of the disease is still unknown, and no specific diagnostic test has yet been devised. All drugs used in treatment are palliative; preservation of normal motility, good nutrition and emotional well-being are most important in the therapeutic regimen.