14.3 Early cardiovascular risk assessment in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Background Inflammation has emerged as an important factor that contributes to the development of atherosclerosis and is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic inflammatory condition with its origin in childhood. Its adult form, rheumatoid arthritis, has been associated with an excess of cardiovascular disease even after adjustment for traditional risk factors.