Polyarticular and Systemic Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Polyarticular Juvenile Arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects children between twelve and sixteen years of age. This disease affects approximately one out of three juvenile arthritis patients and targets twice as many girls as boys.

The affected joints are evenly distributed between the right and left sides of the body (symmetrical arthritis). For example both the right foot and the left foot would be affected. Polyarticular arthritis generally affects the smaller joints, for instance the joints in the fingers and toes, however the larger joints such as the knee or hip may also be affected.

More joints are involved when a child has polyarticular juvenile arthritis than the more common pauciarticular form, at least five joints, or maybe more  can be painful and swollen. Some children with polyarticular juvenile arthritis may have the rheumatoid factor in their blood (RH) which means the disease may re-appear as rheumatoid arthritis in later life. Fortunately the majority will outgrow it.

Systemic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

This type affects about 10% of children with arthritis and it is this form that is most likely to continue into adulthood. Children with the systemic type may have several joints that are swollen and painful. More often than not there will also be a fever which lasts about two weeks. This fever is usually worse in the afternoon and evenings.

Systemic juvenile arthritis accounts for about 20% of juvenile arthritis sufferers. Children with the systemic form of arthritis may also have a pink rash that appears on the thighs and lower body. Systemic juvenile arthritis can also affect the lymph system and internal organs, such as the heart and liver. On the other hand, few children with the systemic form carry the RH factor which can develop into rheumatoid arthritis.

Systemic arthtritis can be hard to diagnose as the joints may not become affected until some time after the other symptoms.

The severity of arthritis in children can vary a lot, even from day to day. Make the most of the days that your child is feeling well. Make sure that they're getting enough exercise to strengthen their muscles and ensure their general health.

Research continues into juvenile arthritis. Finding the cause, new medications and other treatments are being, and will continue to be discovered. Natural arthritis treatments are a good idea to help your children and can help parents find other options for treating this disease. This becomes especially relevant if your child is likely to be taking medication long term.

Meanwhile try to ensure your child has a normal and as carefree a life as possible. Remember children don't like to be "different", so try to include them in all family activities.

This article is not intended to replace medical advice. Always seek medical advice for any childhood disease.

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