Arthrities Research UK

Oligoarthritis

This type of JIA, which accounts for about half of new JIA patients is diagnosed when four or fewer joints are involved within the first six months, most often the knee, ankle and wrist joints. It also can cause inflammation of the eye called uveitis. Many young people will outgrow this type of arthritis by adulthood. In some cases it may spread to eventually involve more joints.

Polyarthritis

A young person is diagnosed with polyarthritis when five or more joints are involved during the first six months. Polyarthritis can also affect the neck and jaw joints as well as small joints, such as those in the hands and feet.

Systemic

Systemic JIA usually causes a high non-contagious fever and a rash, which most often appears on the trunk, arms and legs. The disease can also affect internal organs, such as the heart, liver, spleen and lymph nodes.

Enthesitis-related

This type is characterized by the inflammation of the entheses, or sites where tendons attach to the bone. This type of JIA often affects the spine, hips and and occurs mainly in boys older than 8 years. The eyes are often affected.

Psoriatic arthritis

This type of arthritis affects young people who have arthritis with the rash of psoriasis. Young people frequently have nail changes that look like pitting. The arthritis can precede the rash by many years or vice versa.

Other types of arthritis

Though JIA is the most common type of juvenile arthritis, it certainly isn’t the only type. Other forms include reactive arthritis as well as arthritis related to inflammatory bowel disease, juvenile lupus, juvenile scleroderma, and juvenile dermatomyositis.

The symptoms and severity of SLE vary tremendously between people. Many people have fatigue (tiredness), weight loss and a mild fever. In addition, one or more of the following may develop.

Joint and muscle pains

Young people with SLE may develop some joint and muscle pains. The small joints of the hands and feet tend to be the ones affected most. The pains may 'flit' from joint to joint. Severe arthritis with joint damage is unusual.

Skin, mouth and hair

A red rash, which develops over the cheeks and nose is common (the 'butterfly rash'). Other areas of skin exposed to sunlight (hands, wrists, etc) may also develop a rash. Fingers can change colour in cold weather, going first very pale, then blue and finally red – this is called Raynaud’s phenomenon. Groups of mouth ulcers may appear. Some hair may fall out (alopecia). Any hair loss tends to be minor and causes hair 'thinning' rather than bald patches.

Blood and lymph nodes

A mild anaemia is common. Other blood problems, such as reduced numbers of white blood cells (cells fighting infection) or platelets (the cells that help the blood to clot), can be seen. Some lymph glands may swell.

Heart and lungs

The tissues that cover the heart and lung (the pleura and pericardium) may become inflamed. This can cause pleurisy (pains in the side of the chest) or pericarditis (central chest pains). The actual heart or lung tissue is less commonly affected.

Kidneys

Around 1 in 3 people with SLE may develop inflammation of the kidneys and kidney damage can sometimes occur.

Brain and nervous system

Occasionally, inflammation of the brain can lead to epilepsy, headaches, migraines and other conditions. Patients with SLE may also develop depression and anxiety.

Other organs

Abdominal pain, caused by effects on the gut, pancreas, liver or spleen; a painful red eye or changes in eyesight.

Weak muscles

The muscles that are affected the most are those near the trunk of the body: the upper arms, the thighs, the neck and the trunk itself. Other muscles can become weak and young people can have difficulty swallowing, or develop changes in their voice.

Skin rash

The skin rash in JDM usually occurs on the face, knuckles, elbows, knees and ankles and is usually red purplish. The fingernails and the nailbeds may take on a pinkish colour as well. Sometimes, patients develop Gottron’s Papules, which are small bumps that appear over the finger joints. They can look like small blisters.

Fatigue

With JDM, young people can tire easily and sometimes can only walk short distances. Maybe;JDM patients can sometimes have a lack of energy to do normal activities but this varies from day to day.

Fever

Sometimes, patients with JDM run mild fevers.

Other possible symptoms

Occasionally there is inflammation in the gut, which can cause bowel problems. Ulcers can occur in the skin, and can look like sores within the skin rash. Contractures are shortened muscles that cause a joint to stay in a bent position. These can occur due to lack of movement or due to muscle inflammation. Some patients with JDM can develop calcinosis, which are small lumps of calcium that form under the skin or in the muscle. They may feel like little rocks under the skin and can range in size from a dot to a large pebble.