Artritis idiopática juvenil

Abstract

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatic disease in childhood. It is defined as arthritis of unknown origin, lasting for at least 6 weeks and with onset before 16 years of age. The current classification identifies seven different categories. The most common clinical forms are oligoarthritis and rheumatoid factornegative polyarthritis. The diagnosis of JIA needs the exclusion of other diseases. An accurate clinical history and whole physical examination are needed. The main complications are skeletal sequelae and anterior uveitis. Macrophage activation syndrome is the most severe complication of systemic JIA. The treatment should be individualized according to the subtype of JIA. Biologic drugs have significantly improved the prognosis of this disease.