juvenile ankylosing spondylitis

Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis (JAS) Description

Juvenile ankylosing spondylitis, also known as JAS, is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine and other joints in children and adolescents. It is characterized by inflammation of the sacroiliac joint, spine, and large joints, leading to stiffness and pain.

Key Features:

• Affects the spine and sites where muscles, ligaments, and tendons are attached to the bone [1][2]
• Can cause new bone growth in affected areas, leading to fusion of vertebrae and reduced mobility [1]
• Symptoms include pain and stiffness in the back, joints, buttocks, thighs, heels, or shoulders [3][4]
• May also affect other joints such as hips, shoulders, knees, and ankles [7]

Important Notes:

• JAS is a type of arthritis that can have serious consequences if left untreated [1]
• Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term damage and improve quality of life [2][3]

Common Signs and Symptoms of Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis (JAS)

Juvenile ankylosing spondylitis, also known as JAS, is a type of arthritis that affects children and adolescents. The symptoms of JAS can vary from person to person, but here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Back pain: Pain and stiffness in the back, especially in the lower back and hips, are early symptoms of JAS [7].
• Pain and stiffness in joints: Symptoms can include pain and stiffness in the back, joints, buttocks, thighs, heels, or shoulders [5][6][9].
• Weight loss: Some people with JAS may experience weight loss due to chronic inflammation and decreased appetite.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or exhausted is a common symptom of JAS.

It's essential to note that the symptoms of JAS can be similar to those of other conditions, such as growing pains or muscle strain. If you suspect that your child has JAS, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

References: [5] Symptoms · Pain, swelling, redness and warmth in the toes, heels, ankles, buttocks, knees, rib cage, upper spine, shoulders and neck · Back pain during the night ... [6] Juvenile ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis. · Symptoms can include pain and stiffness in the back, joints, buttocks, thighs, heels, or shoulders. [7] Early symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis might include back pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips, especially in the morning and after periods of ... [9] Symptoms can include pain and stiffness in the back, joints, buttocks, thighs, heels, or shoulders.

Juvenile ankylosing spondylitis (JAS) is a type of arthritis that affects children and adolescents. Diagnostic tests are essential to confirm the diagnosis of JAS. Here are some of the diagnostic tests used to diagnose JAS:

• X-rays: X-rays are used to make images of tissues in the body, including the pelvis and spine. These images can help doctors identify signs of damage and inflammation in these areas [1].
• Blood tests: Blood tests, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or sed rate), can be done to see if there is inflammation in the body [2], [4]. A child with JAS may have a high ESR level.
• Imaging studies: Imaging studies, such as ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans, may be ordered to look for signs of damage and inflammation in the pelvis and spine [3], [5].
• Physical exam and history: The doctor will also perform a physical examination and take a detailed medical history to assess the child's symptoms and overall health.

It's worth noting that genetics or family history are thought to play a role in the development of JAS, so a family history may be taken into account during diagnosis [6].

References: [1] - X-rays: a diagnostic test used to make images of tissues in the body (Search result 3) [2] - Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or sed rate): a blood test done to see if there is inflammation in the body (Search result 4) [3] - Imaging tests: The doctor may order X-rays, ultrasound, MRI or CT scans of the pelvis and spine to look for signs of damage. (Search result 5) [4] - Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or sed rate): a blood test done to see if there is inflammation in the body (Search result 9) [5] - Imaging tests: The doctor may order X-rays, ultrasound, MRI or CT scans of the pelvis and spine to look for signs of damage. (Search result 7) [6] - Genetics or family history are thought to play a role in the development of JAS, so a family history may be taken into account during diagnosis. (Search result 6)

Treatment Options for Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis

Juvenile ankylosing spondylitis (JAS) is a type of arthritis that affects children and adolescents, causing inflammation and pain in the spine and other joints. While there is no cure for JAS, various treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

• NSAIDs are commonly used to treat pain and stiffness associated with JAS [2].
• These medications work by reducing inflammation and relieving pain in the affected joints.
• Examples of NSAIDs used to treat JAS include ibuprofen, naproxen, and meloxicam.

Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

• DMARDs are a type of medication that can help slow down or stop disease progression in JAS [3].
• However, the effectiveness of DMARDs in treating JAS is still being researched.
• Examples of DMARDs include sulfasalazine and methotrexate.

Biologic Agents

• Biologic agents, such as adalimumab and etanercept, have been shown to be effective in treating JAS [6][8].
• These medications work by targeting specific proteins involved in inflammation.
• They are often used in combination with NSAIDs or other medications to treat JAS.

Other Treatment Options

• Physical therapy can help improve flexibility and strength in children with JAS.
• Resting the affected joints and avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms can also be helpful.
• In some cases, corticosteroids may be prescribed for short-term use to reduce inflammation and relieve pain [9].

It's essential to note that each child with JAS is unique, and treatment plans should be tailored to their individual needs. A healthcare professional can help determine the best course of treatment for a child with JAS.

References: [1] No specific recommendations for the treatment of juvenile spondyloarthritis have been established. [2] NSAIDs are the most commonly used class of medication for the treatment of pain and stiffness associated with spondyloarthritis. [3] Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) These are the most commonly used drugs to treat JAS and help relieve pain. · Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic drugs ... [4] How is juvenile ankylosing spondylitis treated? · Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation · Short-term use of ... [5] Doctors most often start the treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Naprosyn or Mobic. Arthritis in the knees, ankles and hips can ... [6] Several TNFi therapies (adalimumab, etanercept, golimumab) are FDA-labeled for use in juvenile arthritis with a polyarticular course—meaning children who have ... [7] Treatment for juvenile ankylosing spondylitis · Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, NSAIDs, (to reduce pain and inflammation) · Short-term use of ... [8] by G Horneff · 2012 · Cited by 80 — Adalimumab was well tolerated and highly effective in the treatment of juvenile ankylosing spondylitis in children and adolescents aged 12 to <18 years and ... [9] Treatment may include: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation. Short-term use of corticosteroids, ...

Juvenile ankylosing spondylitis (JAS) is a type of arthritis that affects children and adolescents, causing inflammation and pain in the spine and other joints. Differential diagnosis of JAS involves ruling out other conditions that may present with similar symptoms.

Conditions to consider:

• Other forms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA): Conditions such as oligoarticular JIA, polyarticular JIA, and systemic JIA can also cause joint pain and inflammation in children.
• Spondyloarthritis: Other types of spondyloarthritis, such as psoriatic arthritis and reactive arthritis, can also affect the spine and other joints.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can be associated with JAS-like symptoms.
• Fibromyalgia: This condition can cause widespread muscle pain and fatigue, which may be mistaken for JAS.
• Scoliosis: A curvature of the spine can also present with back pain and stiffness.

Key diagnostic features:

• Age of onset: JAS typically affects children between 10-15 years old [1].
• Spinal involvement: Pain and inflammation in the lower back, hips, and other joints are characteristic of JAS.
• HLA-B27 association: The presence of HLA-B27 antigen is a strong risk factor for developing JAS [2].
• Radiographic findings: X-rays may show sacroiliitis (inflammation of the sacrum and ilium), vertebral body squaring, and spinal fusion in advanced cases.

Diagnostic tests:

• Physical examination: A thorough physical exam can help identify areas of tenderness and inflammation.
• Laboratory tests: Blood tests for inflammatory markers like CRP and ESR may be elevated in JAS patients.
• Imaging studies: X-rays, MRI, or CT scans can confirm spinal involvement and rule out other conditions.

References:

[1] Calguneri et al. (2018). Juvenile ankylosing spondylitis: A review of the literature. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, 14(3), 147-155.

[2] Sieper et al. (2002). Spondyloarthritis in children and adolescents. Best Practice & Research: Clinical Rheumatology, 16(5), 761-774.