Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis associated uveitis

Systemic JIA represents 20% of all JIA cases. It is characterized by the onset of high-grade fever associated with multiple extra-articular manifestations. [2] These include maculopapular rash, generalized lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, pericarditis, and pleuritis. Joint involvement is initially mild or absent, but becomes the more prominent feature of the disease as the patient ages. Severe joint involvement constitutes the major morbidity in these patients. Uveitis is rare in this subtype. Polyarticular JIA is defined by the involvement of 5 or more joints in the first three months following initial presentation of the disease, and represents 20%-37% of all JIA cases. [2] Progression is typically asymmetrical, with 15% of patients experiencing severe joint destruction. Uveitis is uncommon in this subtype, but more common than seen with systemic JIA. Pauciarticular JIA, the most common subtype, comprises 37%-60% of all JIA cases. It is defined as the involvement of less than 5 joints during the first three months of disease. [2] Systemic symptoms, like fever or rash, are mild if present. The knees are the most common joints involved, but the small bones of the hands or feet may also be affected. Patients with the pauciarticular subtype are those at highest risk of developing uveitis.