Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Spontaneous and Evoked Measures of Pain in Murine Models of Monoarticular Knee Pain
08:03

Spontaneous and Evoked Measures of Pain in Murine Models of Monoarticular Knee Pain

Published on: February 22, 2019

Pain in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: a descriptive study

H H Abu-Saad1, M Uiterwijk

  • 1Department of Nursing Science, University of Limburg, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Pediatric Research
|August 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) consistently report pain, often described as hurting or stinging. Pain assessment is crucial, as worst pain correlates with disease activity, not current discomfort.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Pain Management
  • Child Health

Background:

  • Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a chronic condition affecting children.
  • Understanding the subjective experience of pain in JRA is essential for effective management.
  • Previous research has not fully elucidated the characteristics and correlates of pain in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the pain experienced by children diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
  • To explore the relationship between pain perception and disease activity in pediatric JRA patients.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 33 children (aged 7-16 years) with JRA participated.
  • Pain was assessed using the Abu-Saad pediatric pain assessment tool by children, parents, and physicians.
  • Disease activity was evaluated by a physician using a standardized index.

Main Results:

  • All participating children reported experiencing pain.
  • Pain was commonly described using terms such as 'hurting,' 'stinging,' 'warm,' and 'uncomfortable.'
  • Significant correlations were observed between child, parent, and physician ratings of present pain.
  • The worst pain reported over the preceding week, not current pain, correlated with physician-rated disease activity.

Conclusions:

  • Pain is a universal symptom in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Comprehensive pain assessment tools are necessary for evaluating pediatric JRA patients.
  • Longitudinal studies are important to further understand pain patterns and their relationship to disease activity in JRA.

More Related Videos

Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain04:50

Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain

Published on: May 16, 2025

An Adoptive Transfer Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Mice07:37

An Adoptive Transfer Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Mice

Published on: June 6, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management01:21

Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management01:20

Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management

AssessmentA comprehensive assessment is essential in managing a patient with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Begin with obtaining a detailed medical history, including recent streptococcal infections, a history of rheumatic fever, or previously diagnosed rheumatic heart disease. Assess the patient for symptoms such as fever, chest pain, widespread joint pain (arthralgia), tachycardia, pericardial friction rub, muffled heart sounds, heart murmurs, peripheral edema, subcutaneous nodules, and...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease01:25

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...