Final answer:
Juvenile Idiopathic Rheumatoid Arthritis (JIRA) is an autoimmune condition in children characterized by inflammation of synovial joints, leading to swelling, stiffness, and pain. Diagnosis is through examination, blood tests, and imaging; treatment involves medications and physical therapy. JIRA is the pediatric equivalent of adult-onset RA, affecting growth and development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Features of Juvenile Idiopathic Rheumatoid Arthritis (JIRA)
Juvenile Idiopathic Rheumatoid Arthritis (JIRA), also known as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), is an autoimmune condition primarily affecting children. Like adult-onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA), JIRA involves inflammation of the synovial joints leading to symptoms such as joint swelling, stiffness, and pain. However, distinct features of JIRA include its onset before the age of 16 and its potential impact on growth and physical development. The cause is not fully understood, but it involves the immune system attacking healthy joint tissues, resulting in cartilage breakdown and swelling of the joint lining. Parts of the body other than joints can be affected, including organs such as the eyes. Diagnosis is generally made through clinical examination, blood tests for markers like Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (anti-CCP), and imaging techniques such as X-ray, MRI, and arthrography, which help in detecting joint damage. Treatment aims to control symptoms and prevent joint damage, involving medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and physical therapy.