JIA
Also written as: JIA — juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, a group of autoimmune conditions causing joint inflammation in children under 16 years.
Full Definition
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an umbrella term for a heterogeneous group of chronic inflammatory arthritides affecting children under 16 years of age. Previously known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or juvenile chronic arthritis, JIA is classified into several subtypes based on the number of joints affected and associated features. The condition can cause significant morbidity including growth disturbances, joint contractures, and visual complications from chronic anterior uveitis. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics have dramatically improved outcomes.
Usage
Usage note: Preferred over older terms JRA (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis) and JCA (juvenile chronic arthritis). Always spell out on first use.
In Context
- "The patient was diagnosed with oligoarticular JIA and referred for ophthalmologic screening." — diagnosis and referral
- "Systemic JIA presents with fever, rash, and organomegaly in addition to arthritis." — clinical description