Juvenile polyarthritis, rheumatoid factor positive

The following criteria must be met: At least five or more joints must be affected by juvenile joint inflammation in the first six months. The rheumatoid factor must be detected in the blood. The test must be positive twice at intervals of three months.

The following diseases must be excluded: Juvenile polyarthritis with rheumatoid factor positive results occur in 7 to 13 year olds, 90% in girls. Typical signs such as swelling, redness, pain, effusion can occur. There is a morning stiffness.

This means that after sleeping or not moving for a long time, the joints are often stiff and painful. After moving moderately, the pain calms down and the joints can be bent more easily again. The inflammation occurs simultaneously on both sides and is mainly found on the wrists, fingers and toes, but basically any other joint can be affected.

Frequently, severe functional damage occurs, some of which is no longer present. As with chronic polyarthritis in adulthood, rheumatic nodules can also occur in children and young people. In addition, small and medium-sized vessels and internal organs can be affected by the inflammation.

Further symptoms of juvenile polyarthritis with positive rheumatoid factor are In the course of the disease, serious consequences can quickly appear. Disease activity is easily readable from the increase in rheumatoid factor and inflammatory activity, which can be measured by means of BSG, CRP in the blood. Within a short period of time, bony injuries can occur, which can lead to limited mobility and joint malpositions. Therefore, early diagnosis with immediate treatment is necessary and the progression of the disease can be stopped and a possible gradual healing can be achieved.

HLA-B27 positive arthritis in boys
Psoriasis of the affected child or a first degree relative
Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or chronic morbus
Conjunctivitis of the eye (uveitis)
Other known rheumatic diseases like spondylitis, sacroiliitis or enthesitis associated arthritis.
Growth retardation up to growth arrest
Delayed development
Performance bend
Slightly elevated temperature
Weight loss
Weakness in performance
Lymph node swelling
Slight enlargement of the liver and spleen.