How I treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis: A state of the art review

Rolando Cimaz1, Achille Marino1, Alberto Martini2

  • 1Azienda Oospedaliera Universitaria Anna Meyer, Florence, Italy; Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy.

Autoimmunity Reviews
|August 6, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a common childhood rheumatic disease causing disability. This review offers practical treatment advice for physicians managing JIA patients to achieve remission and minimize side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Immunology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most prevalent chronic rheumatic condition in children.
  • JIA presents with diverse subtypes, each having unique clinical features and underlying etiopathogenesis.
  • Effective management of JIA is crucial for preventing short- and long-term disability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To offer practical, daily guidance for treating physicians managing JIA.
  • To synthesize current recommendations and clinical experience for JIA management.
  • To aid in achieving early and sustained remission with minimal adverse effects in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing JIA treatment guidelines.
  • Synthesis of clinical expertise from experienced rheumatologists.
  • Analysis of distinct JIA disease categories and their implications.

Main Results:

  • Identification of key challenges in JIA pharmacotherapy.
  • Emphasis on individualized treatment strategies based on JIA subtypes.
  • Highlighting the importance of timely medication adjustment.

Conclusions:

  • Optimizing JIA treatment requires a nuanced approach considering disease heterogeneity.
  • Physicians need practical tools to navigate medication choices for JIA.
  • Early and sustained remission is achievable with informed therapeutic decisions.

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