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Classification of juvenile chronic arthritis
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Three classifications of juvenile chronic arthritis are used: the classification of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), the classification of juvenile chronic arthritis of the European League against rheumatism (EULAR), the classification of juvenile idiopathic arthritis of the International League of Rheumatological Associations (ILAR).
Classifications of juvenile arthritis
Classification of the American College of Rheumatology |
Classification of the European League against rheumatism |
Classification of the International League of Rheumatology Associations |
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis systemic; Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis polyarticular (seropositive, seronegative); Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis oligoarticular |
Juvenile chronic arthritis systemic; Juvenile chronic arthritis polyarticular; Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (seropositive); Juvenile chronic arthritis oligoarticular; Juvenile psoriatic Arthritis; Juvenile ankylosing spondylitis |
Juvenile idiopathic systemic arthritis; Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, polyarticular (seronegative); Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, polyarticular (seropositive); Juvenile idiopathic arthritis oligoarticular: (persistent, progressive); Psoriatic arthritis; Enthesitis arthritis; Other arthritis |
Classification criteria for juvenile arthritis
Criteria |
Classification of the American College of Rheumatology (take into account clinical criteria, debut and current) |
Classification of the European League against rheumatism (take into account clinical and serological criteria, debut) |
Classification of the International League of Rheumatology Associations (take into account clinical and serological criteria, debut and current) |
Number of options for debut |
3 |
6th |
7th |
Number of current subtypes |
9 |
- |
2 |
Age of arthritis debut |
<16 years old |
<16 years old |
<16 years old |
Duration of arthritis |
> 6 weeks |
> 3 months |
> 6 weeks |
Inclusion of juvenile ankylosing spondylitis |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Inclusion of juvenile psoriatic arthritis |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Inclusion of inflammatory bowel diseases |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Inclusion of reactive arthritis |
No |
No |
No |
Exclusion of all other diseases |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
The classification of ILAR needs to be improved, as 20% of children with arthritis either do not meet the criteria of any category, or meet the criteria of more than one category. Every physician who observes children with arthritis should understand that juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is a heterogeneous disease that requires early diagnosis and the appointment of adequate therapy even before the development of joint destruction and disability of the child.