ISSN: 2640-2726
Authors: Dias E* and Shanon Stafford DA
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most widespread rheumatic disease and main cause of disability in children. The disorder includes various classified forms depending on the affected joints’ location and number, as well as the presence or absence of various inflammatory markers. The specific cause is not known but is believed to involve a combination of genetic, humoral, and environmental factors. The aims of treating JIA are to reduce inflammation, reach remission, alleviate pain, sustain function, and do so with minimal side effects. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are still beneficial in mild cases, while intra-articular steroid injections remain the most common treatment for patients with oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Disease-modifying drugs like methotrexate and leflunomide have shown to be effective and safe, but in numerous patients, the disease continues to be active even with this therapy. These patients are given more specific medical care like tumour necrosis factor -alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors, interleukin-1 inhibitors, interleukin-6 inhibitors, selective costimulation modulators, and selective B-cell blockade. Treatment comes with risks, as several medications necessitate monitoring and patient education to manage potential complications. If left untreated, the disease can progress and become chronic, leading to significant illness and potentially having a devastating impact on the child’s quality of life. Despite the advancements in modern therapies improving patient outcomes, a significant portion of individuals still do not respond to treatment. This underscores the necessity for a deeper comprehension of disease development and recovery in order to properly categorize patients for appropriate treatment options.
Keywords: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Dmards, Biologics, TNF-Α
