[Amyloidosis--a complication of chronic juvenile arthritis in adults]

A clinical picture of secondary amyloidosis, a rare complication of juvenile chronic arthritis in adults, is presented. This is the most severe complication which occupies the first place as the cause of death. Its frequency ranges from 1% in USA and Australia to 18% in Poland, but in majority of European countries it accounts for 7-8%. On the average, it occurs after 8-10 years from the onset of joint inflammation. First clinical symptoms are as follows: abdominal pains sometimes with diarrhea, labby edemas in the lower leg, hypertensions and enlargement of the liver and the spleen. Clinical picture of juvenile chronic arthritis with secondary amyloidosis is also presented.