Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: An Insight into Clinical Features and Therapeutic Management in Children

Abstract

Background: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a persistent inflammatory condition in children, characterized by diverse clinical features and varying levels of disease severity. In Bangladesh, the major challenges still persist with late diagnosis and restricted availability of advanced treatment options. Timely detection and swift intervention are crucial to enhance long-term results, avert joint injury, and minimize disability. Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted in the Paediatric Medicine Department of Bangladesh Medical University, evaluating the clinical characteristics, disease severity, and treatment approaches in children with JIA (n=60) diagnosed according to ILAR criteria. Data were gathered through a structured form and examined using SPSS v25, employing descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test (p < 0.05). Ethical permission and informed consent were acquired. Results: Sixty children diagnosed with JIA were examined. The majority were between 5 and 10 years old (46.7%), female (60%), and from rural locations (66.7%). Oligoarticular JIA (46.7%), characterized by joint pain/swelling (91.7%), was the most prevalent. Mild disease severity (41.7%), low activity (33.3%), and Functional Class II (36.7%) were the most common. NSAIDs (83.3%) and methotrexate (75%) were the most commonly used therapies, whereas 70% did not receive biologic treatments. The severity of the disease showed a significant association with age, subtype, duration, and type of treatment, but not with sex. Conclusion: JIA is a long-lasting childhood rheumatic condition, primarily oligoarticular, characterized by mild to moderate severity. Severity relates to subtype, duration, age, and treatment. Timely identification and enhanced treatment are crucial to decrease disability.

Journal of Paediatric Surgeons of Bangladesh (2026) Vol. 17 (1): 42-47