Sunway City:Early detection and immediate medical intervention are essential in managing Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), an autoimmune condition affecting children as young as eight months old, a medical expert stated. Low public awareness often leads to delayed diagnosis, potentially causing irreversible joint damage in affected children.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Cham Weng Tarng, a paediatric rheumatologist at Sunway Medical Centre, highlighted the challenges of diagnosing JIA, particularly in infants and toddlers who cannot articulate their discomfort. Parents may notice symptoms through changes in movement, such as limping or reluctance to walk. In some cases, symptoms are subtle, like an infant crying during nappy changes due to hip arthritis.
Dr. Cham explained that JIA is classified into seven subtypes, affecting various joints in the body. Diagnosis requires persistent joint inflammation for at least six weeks, after ruling out other causes. He advised parents to seek medical evaluation if joint pain or swelling persists for over a week, as these could indicate underlying conditions.
Misconceptions among parents can delay diagnosis and treatment, potentially leading to severe joint deterioration. Dr. Cham recounted a case where a child became wheelchair-bound at age 11 after discontinuing treatment for five years. Beyond joint damage, children with JIA risk developing uveitis, requiring regular ophthalmological monitoring.
Dr. Cham noted that advancements in medical treatments have greatly improved the outlook for JIA patients. Previously limited to painkillers and steroids, treatment now includes disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and biological therapies that target internal inflammation. With early and controlled treatment, children can achieve significant improvements and lead unrestricted lives.
He emphasized the importance of trusting modern medical science, adhering to medication regimes, and maintaining communication with physicians. Dedicated children's emergency departments can provide coordinated care for JIA cases, offering hope and opportunities for recovery.