Rapid Fire
World Young Rheumatic Disease Day
- 23 Mar 2024
- 2 min read
World Young Rheumatic Disease Day (WORD Day) (18th March) underscores the importance of early detection and awareness regarding rheumatic diseases among young individuals.
- Rheumatic disease is an umbrella term that refers to arthritis and several other conditions that affect the joints, tendons, muscles, ligaments, bones, and muscles
- The most prevalent paediatric rheumatic disorder, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) encompasses various inflammatory arthritis subtypes, posing a significant health challenge among children worldwide.
- JIA's global prevalence ranges from 0.07 to 4 per 1,000 children, with varying distribution patterns across different regions.
- Children with JIA commonly experience joint pain, swelling, and functional limitations, particularly noticeable in the morning or after periods of rest.
- JIA can affect different joints, causing diverse functional limitations such as impaired mobility and difficulty with activities like writing and eating, depending on the subtype.
- Therapeutic options for JIA include steroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and newer biologic drugs, aimed at modulating the immune system and managing symptoms.
- Challenges include limited awareness and delayed diagnosis, highlighting the need for enhanced community awareness and streamlined referral mechanisms.
- Early intervention is crucial in managing JIA, with studies emphasising the importance of timely referrals to paediatric rheumatologists for best outcomes.
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