Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the term used to describe arthritis inflammation (cellular damage) of the synovium (the lining of joints) with onset before 16 years of age. Previously called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, the name has been changed to reflect the difference between the juvenile (childhood) forms of arthritis and adult forms of arthritis. Although JIA is idiopathic (the cause is not known), it is likely the result of a combination of genetic, infectious and environmental factors. Because arthritis in children may resemble the joint pain associated with infections, cancer, bone disorders and other inflammatory disorders, these potential causes must be excluded before the diagnosis of JIA can be made. The October 5, 2005, issue of JAMA includes an article about treatment of JIA.
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