What is JIA?

JIA or JRA (Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis) is an autoimmune disease that causes pain and swelling in joints in about 300,000 children. It is the most common rheumatologic disease in children, as well as one of the most common chronic childhood diseases. It typically develops before the age of 16.

What is a flare? A flare is a temporary worsening in severity of arthritis. A flare can occur when the child is on medication or even in remission. A flare can last a few days or a few weeks. What are symptoms of JIA? Symptoms may include, pain, swelling, stiffness, tenderness, warmth, redness in joint area. Limited mobility, fatigue and persistent fevers and rashes can be present as well.

Enthesitis: Inflammation where tendons attach to bone Systemic: Stubborn fever and rashes Psoriatic: Rashes

What causes JIA? Researchers don't know exactly why the immune system goes awry in children with JIA. They suspect that it's a two-step process. First, something in a child's genetic makeup gives them a tendency to develop JIA. Then an environmental factor, such as a virus, triggers the development of JIA. The main difference between JIA and adult arthritis is that some children can outgrow JIA.

Types of JIA Oligoarticular: 4 or few joints Risk of eye inflammation Polyarticular: 5 + joints

Treatment There is no cure for JIA only treatment. Medicines can be administered orally, subcutaneously or intravenously. NSAIDs, biologics, corticosteroids are medications used to treat JIA. Physical therapy and occupational therapy are recommended as well. Some potential side effects of medication are stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and anemia.

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

are based on genetics or environment, improving access to medications and other treatments, and developing therapies to slow or halt the progression of JIA. Teaching Strategies Find creative ways to encourage student to move around to reduce stiffness. Allow extra time to get to next classroom. Provide handouts to reduce writing. Modify physical education. Frequent bathroom breaks. Allow student to sit in a chair instead of floor. Provide student with additional set of textbooks to keep at home. Allow a water bottle. Innovative Technologies Allow student to use built-up pencils of felt tip pen for schoolwork. Allow use of laptops or Alpha Smart. Use of loop scissors and wishbone pencils. Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatism Research Alliance (CARRA) https://www.carragroup.org/ http://www.kidsgetarthritistoo.org/ Metro Washington Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation http://www.arthritis.org Katie Sperberg 1-800 365-3811 ksperberg@arthritis.org National Arthritis Foundation Pediatric Rheumatology Collaborative Study Group (PRCS) https://prcsg.org/

Current Laws The Arthritis Foundations nationwide network of advocates urged the passage of a 2014 spending bill which earmarks funds to encourage more medical students to make a career commitment to pediatric rheumatology. If funded, the program will begin to alleviate the severe shortage of pediatric rheumatologists by providing an incentive to pursue a career in rheumatology and to practice in areas where the need is greatest. JIA falls under section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1974. A 504 plan establishes accommodations than can make it easier for a child with juvenile arthritis to get through the school day. Research CARRA (Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatism Research Alliance) is currently researching better medications for children, identifying if risk factors

References
Arthritis Foundation. (2014). Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Retrieved from http://www.arthritis.org/conditions-treatments/disease-center/juvenile--arthritis/ Bass, Pat. (2012, October 7). Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Retrieved from http://childrensnational.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Library/Encyclopedia/90,P01722# Brescia, A. (2012, January). Arthritis. Retrieved from http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/arthritis Midatlantic Arthritis. (2013, March). [photo] Retrieved from http://midatlanticarthritis.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/pediatric_rheuma_map_2_2013_1 1.jpg?w=300&h=234 Simon, Harvey. (2013, June 27). Rheumatoid Arthritis [Photo]. Retrieved from http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/~/media/ADAM/Images/en/17128.ashx:/ /umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/rheumatoid-arthritis Special Needs. (2002).Pen Again Twist N' Write Children's Pencils [photograph]. Retrieved from http://www.especialneeds.com/penagain-twist-n-write-childrenspencils.html Thistle help. (2009). Loop scissors [photograph]. Retrieved from http://www.thistlehelp.co.uk/household/images/thumbs/pr63008_loop_scissors_tm.jpg Zelman, D. (2012, July 23). Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/juvenile-rheumatoid-arthritis

Family Resources Call 800-283-7800 to request your free JA welcome kit.