Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (which is also called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis) is a condition which affects people ages 16 and under. The problem consists of excess swelling around joints in the knees, ankles, wrists, hands and feet. More boys than girls are affected.  

Symptoms consists of lethargy, strong pain and reduced physical activity. There is also stiffness in the morning which may improve later on during the day. Juvenile arthritis is an autoimmune disease.  

Treatment includes pain-killers, NSAIDs, physiotherapy, and in extreme cases, gold injections.  

 Hospital misconduct 

It is not usually considered life-threatening but in 1976 a girl of 5 years was prescribed with steroids at Great Ormond Street Hospital to lessen her acute arthritic pain and died at home on 30th December after a swift attack of encephalitis. Her Death Certificate gives the cause of death as 'Still's Disease' a form of Juvenile idiopathic arthritis. 

Category:Autoimmune diseases
Category:Children
Category:Diseases and disorders of joints
Category:Arthritis
Category:Rheumatology