Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA)
The diagnosis of childhood arthritis comes as a shock. Many of us think arthritis is a disease of the elderly—but more than 300,000 American children are diagnosed with JRA each year. When your child has arthritis, you need to learn all you can about this complex disease.
Fast Facts about JRA
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis…
… is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack its own cells. This leads to inflammation in joints and other parts of the body.
…strikes for unknown reasons. Scientists are not sure what causes JRA. It probably involves both genetics and "environmental triggers" such as viruses and bacteria.
…is outgrown by most children, especially if they are diagnosed early and get expert medical care. Today, even kids with severe JRA can often control the disease and live full lives.
…can be easily misdiagnosed and mistaken for injury or infection. Untreated JRA can permanently damage joints, bones and organs.
JRA is more than one disease
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is an umbrella term used for a variety of diseases that cause swollen joints. To better describe JRA's multiple forms, pediatric rheumatologists-specialists who treat the disease-use a new name for JRA.
Most pediatricians—and parents—however, still use the terms juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or JRA and divide the disease into three forms:
Pauciarticular—pronounced PAH-see-are-TICK-you-lur-JRA involves one to four joints, often larger joints such as the knee.
Polyarticular—pronounced PAHL-ee-are-TICK-you-lur-JRA involves five or more joints, usually small joints such as those in the hands and feet.
Systemic JRA: Along with joint swelling and pain, systemic JRA can cause a light rash and spiking fever and can involve organs of the body.
What you can do to help your child with JRA
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Seek expert care now. Early, accurate diagnosis and expert treatment can prevent permanent joint and organ damage.
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See a pediatric rheumatologist, if possible. These experts are trained in both childhood medicine and rheumatology—the study of joints and autoimmune disease.
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Choose a facility with multidisciplinary care and ongoing rheumatologic research. Access to children's medical specialists and new JRA therapies gives your child a huge advantage.
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Learn more about JRA from the following organizations:
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The Arthritis Foundation
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American Juvenile Arthritis Organization (AJAO)
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Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA)
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National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
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Looking for superb JRA care near your home?
The Pediatric Rheumatology Department at Children's Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM), is located in the north Bronx, minutes away from suburban New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. We offer children with JRA:
- Care from the nation's most experienced pediatric rheumatologists.
- State-of-the-art facilities with under-one-roof treatment from over 100 different specialists.
- Access to the latest clinical trials.
- Support services for families.
Get the help you need for your child. Call CHAM today.
To learn more about our JRA treatment or to make an appointment with one of our pediatric rheumatologists, call us at 718-741-2456. Please call today—we look forward to hearing about your child.
