Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Several serious complications can result from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. But keeping a careful watch on your child's condition and seeking appropriate medical attention can greatly reduce the risk of these complications:

  • Eye problems. Some forms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can cause eye inflammation. If this condition is left untreated, it may result in cataracts, glaucoma and even blindness. Eye inflammation frequently occurs without symptoms, so it's important for children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis to be examined regularly by an ophthalmologist.
  • Growth interference. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can interfere with the development of your child's bones and growth. Some medications used to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, mainly corticosteroids, also can inhibit growth.
References
  1. Questions and answers about juvenile arthritis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Juv_Arthritis/default.asp. Accessed Aug. 27, 2009.
  2. Miller ML, et al. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. In: Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/157224368-3/881801128/1608/462.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-7..50156-0_3615. Accessed Aug. 31, 2009.
  3. Arthritis in children. American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/diseases_and_conditions/juvenilearthritis.asp. Accessed Sept. 1, 2009.
  4. Grom AA, et al. Immunopathogenesis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 31, 2009.
  5. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: How is it diagnosed? Arthritis Foundation. http://www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=38&df=diagnosed. Accessed Aug. 31, 2009.
  6. Lehman TJ. Management of polyarticular onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 1, 2009.
  7. Juvenile arthritis. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00075. Accessed Sept. 1, 2009.
  8. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: Treatment options. Arthritis Foundation. http://www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=38&df=treatments. Accessed Sept. 1, 2009.
  9. JA Alliance. Arthritis Foundation. http://www.arthritis.org/ja-alliance-main.php. Accessed Sept. 1, 2009.

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Oct. 16, 2009

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