Integrated pain management in a child with arthritis in Cape Verde: a case report

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatic disease in childhood, often associated with persistent pain, functional disability, and a negative impact on quality of life. Pain management is challenging, requiring multidisciplinary approaches that integrate biological, psychological, and social factors.

This case report presents a clinical case of a 10-year-old male admitted for progressive polyarthritis with severe pain and an inability to walk. Laboratory and imaging tests confirmed enthesitis-related JIA (HLA-B27 positive). During a nine-month hospitalisation, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions were implemented, resulting in partial improvement and recurrent episodes of pain, leading to referral for biologic therapy at a specialized centre.

This case illustrates the complexity of chronic pain in JIA, with significant functional, emotional, and behavioural repercussions. Psychosocial factors and family involvement influence the experience of pain. Integrated, multidisciplinary, child-centred strategies that combine pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions with emotional support are essential for effective management.

In settings with limited resources, the lack of biologic therapies requires referral networks to ensure access to specialized care. This report highlights the importance of multidisciplinary, child-centred approaches to optimize the management of chronic pain in JIA.