The term juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) describes a clinically heterogeneous group of arthritides. The onset in all subgroups is before 16 years of age, but each group presents with different clinical signs and symptoms. The cause of the disease is unknown, but both genetic and environmental factors are believed to be involved. Management of the disease has greatly improved in recent years due to advances in pharmacologic treatment options (especially with new biologic agents) and the prognosis for patients is better than ever before. However, none of the available drugs has a curative potential. This review provides an overview on the classification and the clinical symptoms of the defined subgroups of JIA as well as pharmacotherapies for it.
Treatment of children with JIA is challenging and complex. Since lengthy therapy might be necessary, a multidisciplinary pediatric rheumatology team is crucial for optimal treatment. Although a cure is unknown at this time, adequate treatment aims to preserve function of the joints as well as normal childhood development.