[Juvenile idiopathic arthritis-Diagnosis and management].

Abstract

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatic disease in children and adolescents. Currently, JIA is classified into seven categories according to the International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) criteria. Diagnosis is primarily clinical and involves excluding age-specific differential diagnoses, which can be particularly challenging in very young children. Early and effective treatment is crucial to minimize disease burden, chronic morbidity and reduced quality of life. Treatment strategies depend on the JIA category and comorbidities. The treatment should follow consensus treatment plans/strategies published by the German initiative Protocols for Classification, Monitoring and Therapy in Pediatric Rheumatology (ProKind) considering the treat-to-target strategy. Since a significant number of patients continue to have symptoms into adulthood, a well-structured transition from pediatric to adult rheumatology care is essential.