What are the effects and signs?
There are 3 major subtypes of JIA as based on the symptoms at disease onset.
| Type | Symptoms | Additional Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Pauciarticular (50%) Sub-type - extending pauciarticular |
Fewer than 5 joints involved during the first 6 months. New joints affected slowly over a number of years. |
Usually affects large joints (e.g. knee) in early childhood. Affects girls more often. High incidence of chronic uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye). This subtype has poor prognosis. |
| Polyarticular (30-40%) | 5 or more joints involved during the first 6 months. | Both large and small joints. Can also affect the lower jaw in later childhood. Affects girls more often. Resembles adult rheumatoid arthritis. |
| Systemic (10-20%) | Fever, light salmon-coloured rash. | Enlarged liver and spleen. Anaemia. Lung and cardiac involvement. Affects boys and girls equally. |
