World Young Rheumatic Disease Day | 23 Mar 2024

Source: TH

World Young Rheumatic Disease Day (WORD Day) (18^th 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.