The impact of juvenile onset rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases on education, vocation and employment

Abstract

Professor Suzanne Verstappen discusses the impact and challenges associated with juvenile-onset rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases when navigating education and employment. Juvenile onset rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (jRMDs), such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), lupus and vasculitis, are chronic diseases with onset before the age of 16 years. These conditions can cause persistent joint pain, swelling of the joints and stiffness. Other symptoms include fatigue and functional disability. These symptoms may fluctuate, and sometimes, children and young adolescents with jRMDs have severe symptoms, whilst, on different days, they may feel better. Some children may experience the symptoms only for a couple of months or years, whilst others have symptoms for many years and continue to have symptoms during adulthood. Some types of jRMDs can cause serious complications, such as joint damage, growth problems and inflammation of the eyes. Although disease management has improved in the last decade with more effective drugs and multidisciplinary care, the symptoms, adverse events due to medication use and clinical visits may impact school attendance, career choices and future employment.