Are there different types of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis?
This type of JRA typically affects large joints, such as the knees. Girls under age 8 are most likely to develop this type of JRA. Some children with pauciarticular JRA have special proteins in the blood called antinuclear antibodies (ANAs). Eye disease affects from 20% to 30% of children with pauciarticular JRA and is more common in children with ANAs. Regular exams by an ophthalmologist (a doctor specializing in eye diseases) are necessary with JRA. The ophthalmologist treats serious eye problems such as iritis (inflammation of the iris, the colored part of the eye) or uveitis (inflammation of the inner eye). Many children with pauciarticular disease outgrow JRA by adulthood. Still, eye problems can continue and joint symptoms may recur in some people. Polyarticular JRA About 30% of all children with JRA have polyarticular disease, in which five or more joints are affected. The small joints, such as those in the hands and feet, are most commonly involved. However, the disease may als
