Definition:
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is arthritis that occurs in children and teens. Like arthritis in adults, common symptoms of JRA can include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and swelling.
There are several types of JRA, including:
- Polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) - a form of juvenile arthritis more common in girls; five or more joint are affected, especially the knees, wrists and ankle.
- Pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) - usually affects four or fewer joints, including the knees, ankles, or wrists, but only on one side of the body.
- Systemic onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) - affects both boys and girls equally, causing arthritis in the small joints of the hands, wrists, ankles, and knees, and can be associated with a rash and high fever.
JRA is sometimes hard to diagnose in children, as the symptoms are sometimes confused with injuries or joint infections when they first start. A pediatric rheumatologist can help diagnose and manage children with JRA.
Pronunciation: J.R.A.
Also Known As: Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Alternate Spellings: Juvenile Arthritis
Examples:
Jane was diagnosed with JRA by a pediatric rheumatologist after having knee pain and swelling for six months.
