Overview
JIA
In JIA, autoantibodies target healthy joint cells and tissues. Formerly known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, JIA is a diagnosis that covers all forms of arthritis in individuals under 16 that last more than 6 weeks and whose origin is unknown.
JIA can arise in 6 different subtypes:
- Oligoarthritis
- Polyarthritis
- Systemic-onset (Still’s Disease)
- Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
- Enthesitis-related
- Undifferentiated
Adult-onset Still’s Disease
When diagnosed in adults, JIA is more commonly called adult-onset Still’s disease. Some people only experience one episode of Still’s disease, but for others, it can cause chronic progressive illness.
The cause of Still’s disease is unknown, though several different treatments are available to help manage symptoms. As symptoms, progression, and severity differ widely amongst individuals with Still’s, the disease can be challenging to diagnose and treat.