Chronic Childhood Arthritis: Idiopathic Disease, Symptoms and treatment

 

Chronic Childhood Arthritis: Idiopathic Disease

What is it?

Chronic childhood arthritis (CCA) is a group of chronic rheumatic diseases that affect children and adolescents under the age of 16. The most common type of CCA is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), which is characterized by persistent joint inflammation. JIA is idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown. it is thought to be an autoimmune disease, in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues.

Symptoms

The symptoms of CCA can vary depending on the type of the disease and the severity. There are seven different subtypes of CCA, each with its own unique set of symptoms and characteristics. The most common subtype is oligo articular JIA, which affects four or fewer joints. Other subtypes include polyarticular JIA (affects five or more joints), systemic JIA (affects the entire body, including the joints, skin, eyes, and internal organs), and psoriatic arthritis (affects the joints and skin).Some of the most common symptoms include:

·        Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness

·        Fatigue

·        Fever

·        Rash

·        Loss of appetite

·        Eye problems

Treatment

There is no cure for CCA, but there are a number of treatments that can help to manage the symptoms and prevent joint damage. Treatment options include:

·        Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

·        Corticosteroids

·        Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

·        Biologic therapies

·        Physical therapy

Prognosis

The prognosis for CCA varies depending on the type of the disease and the severity. Some children with CCA will go into remission, while others may experience lifelong symptoms. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, most children with CCA are able to live active and productive lives.

Idiopathic disease

An idiopathic disease is a disease with no known cause. JIA is idiopathic, meaning the doctors do not know what causes it. However, there are a number of factors that are thought to play a role in the development of JIA, including genetics, environment, and the immune system.

Conclusion

CCA is a group of chronic rheumatic diseases that affect children and adolescents under the age of 16. The most common type of CCA is JIA, which is characterized by persistent joint inflammation. JIA is idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown. There is no cure for CCA, but there are a number of treatments that can help to manage the symptoms and prevent joint damage. With early diagnosis and treatment, most children with CCA are able to live active and productive lives.