Diagnosis Of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Research Articles

Cardiac and Visceral Signs of Connective Tissue Dysplasia in Children with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis According to Ultrasound Examination Data

To study the cardiac and visceral signs of connective tissue dysplasia in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, a comprehensive ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity organs and echocardiography examination were conducted according to the standard protocol in 52 children aged from 5 to 16 years with the diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The reference group consisted of 26 patients with autonomic dysfunction (vegetative-vascular dystonia). The incidence of such visceral dysplasia types as duodenogastric reflux, gastroesophageal reflux, and gallbladder malformations among children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis was shown higher than in the reference group. The main cardiac sign of connective tissue dysplasia in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are an excessive chord of the left ventricle.

Seropositive juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: analysis of the spectrum of clinical manifestations and therapy according to a retrospective study

Seropositive juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is the rarest subtype of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) that is the equivalent of RA in adults and is manifested mainly by a symmetric polyarticular lesion, rapid structural disease progression with the formation of intraarticular erosions, the presence of positive rheumatoid factor (RF), and/or anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies.Objective: to analyze demographic, clinical, and laboratory features of seropositive JRA and drug therapy according to a retrospective 10-year study.Patients and methods. The retrospective study enrolled patients diagnosed with seropositive JRA confirmed according to the ILAR classification, who were treated at the Childhood Rheumatology Department, V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, from 2010 to 2020. Demographic indicators, data from clinical, laboratory, and instrumental examinations, and performed therapy were assessed.Results and discussion. The investigation enrolled 70 patients, amounting to 6.5% of the total number of patients with all clinical types of JIA. Among them, there was a great preponderance of girls (88.6%); the ratio of boys to girls was 1:7.8. The median age of onset of JRA was 12.2 [7.0; 14.0] years; the median duration of disease at diagnosis verification was 6 [4; 12] months; the median number of active joints at diagnosis of JRA was 16.5 [10.75; 23.25]; oligoarthritis was identified in 11.2% of patients at disease onset (within the first 6 months). During the first year of the disease, radiographic Stages II, III, and IV were defined in 42.9, 50, and 7.1%, respectively. Positive RF was found in 94.3% of patients; there was positivity for anti-CCP antibodies in 78.6%, a combination of positivity for RF and anti-CCP antibodies in 72.9%; only positive anti-CCR antibodies were seen in 5.7%. The median ESR at diagnosis verification was 29 [19.75; 44.5] mm/h; that of CRP was 15.0 [6.9; 34.4] mg/l. The extra-articular manifestations of the disease were found in 18 patients (25.7% of the total number of patients): fever in 5 (7.2%); lymphadenopathy in 17 (24.3%); lung damage in 3 (4.3%); rheumatoid nodules in 2 (2.9%); pericarditis in 1 (1.4%) patient, and uveitis in 1 (1.4%). Sjögren's syndrome was diagnosed in 25.7% of patients; autoimmune thyroiditis in 8.6%. A family history of autoimmune diseases was recorded in 22.8%. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticoids were used in 97.1 and 48.6% of patients; respectively; the patients received synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (sDMARDs): only methotrexate (MTX) [n=55 (78.6%)], sequentially 2 sDMARDs [n=10 (14.3%)], 3 sDMARDs [n=5 (7.1%)]; biological agents (BAs) [n=66 (94.2%)]. During the first year of the disease, Biological therapy was initiated because of the rapid progression of the erosive process in 78.6% of patients. 64.3% of children took one BA, 18.6 and 7.1% received two and three BAs, respectively. Abatacept (ABC) as the first BA was used most often (45.7%). The reasons for revision of therapy were its secondary inefficiency in most cases and serious adverse reactions in 4 patients (ABC- and infliximab-related infusion reactions in 2 cases and conversion of tubercular tests in 2). The differences in the anti-CCP antibody detection rate were statistically insignificant in the group that used only one BA effectively long and in the group that needed to switch to another BA. When choosing a BA, preference was given to tocilizumab or rituximab (RTM) in patients with seropositive JRA in the presence of systemic manifestations, and high clinical and laboratory activities and to RTM or ABC in those with detected Sjögren's syndrome.Conclusion. Seropositive JRA is a rare subtype of JIA that has an initially unfavorable course. Most patients require early aggressive therapy, including MTX and a BA due to the rapid progression of erosive arthritis. The presence of systemic manifestations and/or Sjögren's syndrome plays a defining role in choosing a specific BA. The presence of anti-CCP antibodies does not affect the selection or change of a BA.

Skeletal phenotype/genotype in progressive pseudorheumatoid chondrodysplasia.

Axial and extra-axial deceleration in function and progressive joint pain with subsequent development of antalgic gait associated with swellings, and stiffness of the joints with loss of the physiological spine biomechanics were the natural history in this group of patients. Clinical and radiological phenotypes have been analysed carefully to further understand the aetiology behind. Seven patients (three children around the age of 9-11 and one child of 17years old). Three adults aging 25, 30, 33 and 40years old were seen and examined. The paediatric group of patients were initially diagnosed with myopathy followed later by juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in other institutions. Clinical and imaging documentation were collected in our departments, followed by mutation screening, was carried out by bidirectional sequencing of the WISP3 gene. Clinical and radiological phenotypic studies confirmed the diagnosis of progressive pseudorheumatoid chondrodysplasia. A constellation of abnormalities such as early senile hyperostosis of the spine (Forestier disease), osteoarthritis of the hips showed progressive diminution and irregularities of the hip joint spaces associated with progressive capital femoral epiphyseal dysplasia and coxa vara have been encountered. Loss-of-function homozygous mutations (c.667T>G, p.Cys223Gly) and (c.170C>A, p.Ser57*) in the WISP3 gene were identified in our patients. The definite diagnosis was not defined via vigorous myopathic and rheumatologic investigations. Detailed clinical examination and skeletal survey, followed by genotypic confirmation, were our fundamental pointers to rule out the false diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatoid polyarthritis in the adult group of patients. We wish to stress that the clinical/radiological phenotype is the baseline tool to establish a definite diagnosis and to guide the geneticist toward proper genotype.Key Points•Joint pain and difficulties in walking/climbing the stairs are characteristic features encountered in early childhood. False diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can be made at this point.•False positive-like muscular wasting resembling myopathy results in ensuing vigorous troublesome investigations.•Flattened vertebral bodies associated with defective ossification of the anterior end plates are characteristic features of progressive pseudorheumatoid chondrodysplasia.•Joint expansions, which are usually accompanied by narrowing of the articular ends of the appendicular skeletal system, show a clear radiological phenotype of pseudorheumatoid chondrodysplasia.

VITAMIN D AND ITS ROLE IN COURSE OF INFLAMMATORY DISEASES OF JOINTS IN CHILDREN

Studies of recent decades have found that vitamin D implements immunoregulatory effects by influence on mechanisms of nonspecific protection from infectious agents, as well as on a system of a specific immune response. A number of studies indicate a relationschip between vitamin D deficiency and the autoimmune diseases onset.Objective. To improve diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and reactive arthritis in children by studying of the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D impact on disease activity. Materials and methods. 80 children aged 2 to 16 years were observed. I group included 20 children with articular form of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), II group - 40 children with reactive arthritis (RA). The control group consisted of 20 healthy children. To all children level of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was measured by enzyme immunoassay.Results. A significant 25-hydroxyvitamin D decrease was found among children with JRA 19.53 [12.34;27.50] mmol/L and RA 22.77 [12.39;36.33] in comparison with the children of control group 27.08 [19.87;50.90] mmol/l (p<0,05). Inverse correlation was found between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and number of affected joints in children with JRA (p<0,02), as well as between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and indicators of laboratory activity in RA and JRA patients (p<0,05).Conclusion. This study indicates a reliable relationship between the disease аctivity and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin in reactive arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis patients. Thus, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D can be used as a marker of disease severity, as well as for predicting the course of inflammatory joint disease in children.

Un amorcillo raquítico

Caravaggio´s painting “Amore dormiente” is subjected to a diagnostic exercise. Our impression has been that of a toddler with severe rickets. It has been challenged by others, who assert a diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. A semiotic analysis of the physical features of the model is attempted.

A case with Trico-rhino-phalangeal syndrome type 1 case with a preliminary diagnosis of Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Triko-rino-falanjiyal sendrom Tip 1, bulboz burun, seyrek saclar, uzun duz filtrum, epifizlerde konilesme ile karakterize nadir gorulen bir hastaliktir. Yazimizda 15 yasinda Triko-rino-falanjiyal Sendrom Tip 1 tanisi koydugumuz bir kiz hastayi sunduk. Fizik muayenesinde sac anormallikleri, bulboz burun, uzun duz filtrum, falangslarda sekil bozuklugu ve kanat skapulasi mevcuttu. Genetik calisma sonuclari ve radyolojik incelemeler tanimizi destekledi. Kas-iskelet sisteminde bozukluk ile seyreden Triko-rino-falanjiyal Sendrom Tip 1 baslangicta juvenil romatoid artriti taklit edebilir. Kas-iskelet sistemi deformiteleri juvenil romatoid artrit ayirici tanisinda goz onunde bulundurulmalidir.

THE CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF ANTI-CYCLIC CITRULLINATED PEPTIDE ANTIBODIES IN EARLY JUVENILEARTHRITIS

Objective: to estimate the concentration of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (CCPA), the frequency of their increase, and their diagnostic value in children with early juvenile arthritis (JA). Subjects and methods. Sera from 80 patients (36 girls and 44 boys) aged 1,5 to 16 years (mean age 8,5+5,03 years) who had early JA were tested for CCPA. The diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) and juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) was made in 19 and 57 patients, respectively; the duration of JA being < 3 months in 4. The systemic type of JA was present in 8 (10%) children; the polyarticular and oligoar-ticular types in 37 (46,2%) and 35 (43,8%) children, respectively. The duration of the disease in all children did not exceed 6 months. A comparison group comprised 54 adult patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 27 with undifferentiated arthritis (UDA), and 37 apparently healthy children. The concentration of CCPA was measured by immunoassay using the commercial оAxis Shield Diagnosticsп kits (United Kingdom), the upper normal range being 5 U/ml. Results. The higher levels of CCPA were revealed in 7 (8,8%) children with early JA. Their frequency was higher than that in healthy children; however, it was lower than that in adult patients with RA and comparable with UDA. CCPAs were detected more frequently in JCA and rheumatoid factor (RF)-positive patients. Higher concentrations were observed in patients with RF-positive polyarticular JA. There were correlations of CCPA with the number of swollen and tender joints, RF. Conclusion. In patients with early JA, the detection rate of CCPA is significantly higher than that in healthy children and comparable with that of RF. CCPAs have a high specificity for the diagnosis of JRA (an independent nosological entity within JA) are a risk factor of polyarthritis. The early detection of CCPA alone or in combination with RF in JA patients may serve the basis for the early use of active, frequently aggressive therapy.

Salmonella Septic Arthritis Involving Multiple Joints in a Girl with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at Diagnosis

Septic arthritis due to Salmonella has been reported frequently, but multiple joint involvements have rarely been reported in children. A 3-year-old girl presented with Salmonella arthritis involving multiple joints. Laboratory investigations revealed pancytopenia inconsistent with diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or septic arthritis. Bone marrow examination 2 weeks later confirmed the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Immunophenotyping studies were consistent with a diagnosis of pre-B ALL. This case illustrates that a delay in the diagnosis may occur when there is an apparent infection focus without classic features of leukemia. Multiple joints involvement of septic arthritis associated with pancytopenia should highlight the possibility of underlying hematologic disorders.

A Method of Treating the Patient With Postpubescent Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a perplexing and devastating disease for which establishment of a treatment protocol is difficult. The relatively low incidence and unknown cause of this disorder have made it difficult to establish when and how to intervene. Treatment protocols for the prepubescent patient (<12 years for girls and 14 years for boys), as well as for the adult, have been established. A protocol for postpubescence (ages 12 through 18 years) has yet to be established. This pilot study attempts to establish another treatment protocol for this particular subgroup of patients. Five girls between the ages of 14 and 18 years with common facial deformities who were given a diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis were reconstructed by orthognathic surgery and costochondral rib grafts. All underwent surgery performed by the first author and were followed for 4 to 14 years. Patients were in disease remission at the time of surgery, and all presented with the same skeletal/dental deformity and condylar destruction. Serial cephalograms were taken immediately presurgically (T1), immediately postsurgically (T2), and at latest recall (T3). Tracings were done by the same orthodontist with the use of Quick Ceph Image Pro software (Quick Ceph Systems, San Diego, CA). Mandibular position as it related to the success of costochondral and orthognathic surgery was assessed by gnathion position relative to nasion-basion at the cranial center, as described by Rickett's facial analysis. Patient long-term follow-up lasted from 4 to 14 years and had a mean duration of 9.6 years. The average increase in anterior/posterior direction (T1 to T2) was 22.7 mm with an average relapse (T2 to T3) of 1.5 mm. Four of 5 patients had a stable Class I occlusion on follow-up, and 1 developed a 3-mm open bite postoperatively. This pilot study offers a treatment protocol for the postpubescent juvenile patient with rheumatoid arthritis (aged 12 to 18 years) that is based on a single surgery with relative postoperative stability.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

The diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is based on patient's age at disease onset, symptom duration, gender, and clinical manifestations. JRA is of unknown origin, begins under the age of 16, and persists for a minimum of 6 weeks. JRA is categorized into three principal types, systemic, oligoarticular and polyarticular. Infection, other connective tissue diseases, malignancy, trauma, and immunodeficiency are discussed as differential diagnoses for JRA. Because of joint damage, focusing on early diagnosis and intervention, a vigorous initial therapeutic approach must be taken in patients who have poor prognostic factors. A multidisciplinary team approach is also important for the care of patients with JRA.

Lyme Arthritis in 20 Children Residing in a Non-Endemic Area

In non-endemic areas of the country, Lyme disease may not be considered in children who present with arthritis. This report details the clinical features of Lyme arthritis in 20 children residing in central Virginia. All patients presented with transient, often recurrent oligoarthritis of large joints, particularly the knee. Most patients were referred with a presumptive diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). This report reiterates the clinical presentation of Lyme arthritis in children and reminds physicians to consider the diagnosis of Lyme arthritis in children who present with acute arthritis even if they reside in a non-endemic area of the country. In addition, it differentiates the clinical presentation of Lyme arthritis from JRA.

Musculoskeletal manifestations of hemoglobinopathies.

Patients with sickle cell disease often seek treatment for rapid periorbital swelling due to infarction of the orbital bones. Because of resulting orbital compression syndrome, treatment with corticosteroids and antibiotics is advisable. If spinal tuberculosis occurs in patients with sickle cell anemia, radiologic signs will be a combination of the two conditions. The diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is usually delayed in patients with sickle cell disease. Sulphasalazine is the disease-modifying drug of choice for treating juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, because it also reduces the adhesiveness of sickled red cells. TNF-alpha inhibitors may also be useful for treating these patients. A volumetric method to determine the size and special distribution of the necrotic lesions of the femoral head has been developed using magnetic resonance imaging scans. With this method it will be easier to determine which early lesions require core decompression, or which ones should be treated conservatively. Osteomyelitis can be differentiated from bone infarction with the use of segmental radionuclide bone-marrow and bone scans. Reduction in frequency of painful crises can be achieved by increasing fetal hemoglobin with the use of hydroxyurea. The treatment of the actual pain requires decisions about the analgesics that are used as well as the route of their administration. Ketorolac monotherapy is likely to fail in the presence of an initial high pain score or with involvement of four or more pain sites.

Multifocal choroiditis in patients with familial juvenile systemic granulomatosis

PURPOSE: To document clinical features of uveitis in patients with familial juvenile systemic granulomatosis. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: Ophthalmologic examination, medical history, and clinical course in 16 patients from eight families examined at six academic medical centers. RESULTS: Of the 16 patients, 15 had evidence of panuveitis with multifocal choroiditis. One patient had only an anterior uveitis. Ischemic optic neuropathy, presumably due to a small vessel vasculopathy, and retinal vasculopathy each occurred in one patient. Ocular complications were common, including cataracts in 11, glaucoma in six, band keratopathy in six, cystoid macular edema in six, and optic disk edema in six. All 16 patients had polyarthritis, and at least nine had skin rash. Often patients were misdiagnosed initially as having either juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or sarcoidosis. CONCLUSIONS: Familial juvenile systemic granulomatosis is an uncommon genetic disease characterized by polyarthritis and uveitis. Panuveitis and multifocal choroiditis often may be present. Patients with a diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis but having a family history of the disease and multifocal choroiditis should be suspected of having familial juvenile systemic granulomatosis.

Parvovirus B19 in the acute arthropathies and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

To evaluate the prevalence of recent parvovirus B19 infection in a cohort of children presenting with acute arthropathy and to determine the prevalence of a subsequent diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in this cohort. In this prospective study, parvovirus B19 IgM antibody was investigated in 75 patients who were referred to our clinic with acute joint complaints and also in 75 healthy controls. One patient in each group was excluded due to neuroblastoma and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The characteristics of parvovirus B19 IgM positive patients who were accepted as parvovirus B19 arthropathy were further evaluated. All the patients were followed up for at least 6 weeks and the patients with chronic progression of joint complaints were followed for at least 6 months to determine their progress. The cases of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in this chronic group were identified. Parvovirus B19 IgM was detected in 16 of 74 patients (21.6%) with acute arthropathy compared with 3 of 74 (4.1%) in the healthy control group (chi(2) = 8.67; P = 0.003). The parvovirus B19 positive patients with arthropathy were more likely to become chronic (P = 3.7 x 10(-7)) and to be diagnosed as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (P = 0.03) than the parvovirus B19 IgM negative group with arthropathy. Additional joint destruction developed in one case who was parvovirus B19 IgM positive in whom juvenile rheumatoid arthritis was diagnosed during follow up. These data support the hypothesis that parvovirus B19 infection may be associated with the onset of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in a proportion of patients.

Radiologic mimics of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Established criteria for diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis require consideration of a number of other joint arthropathies and arthritides. In this pictorial essay, we present an approach to those common and uncommon disorders that should be considered and may be mistaken for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda with progressive arthropathy: An important form of osteodysplasia in the differential diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda with progressive arthropathy: An important form of osteodysplasia in the differential diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Molteno implantation for secondary glaucoma in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

To evaluate the outcome of Molteno implantation in secondary glaucoma associated with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Between January 1, 1986, and December 1, 1996, 27 eyes of 19 consecutive patients with secondary glaucoma due to juvenile rheumatoid arthritis received a Molteno implant. The diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis was made according to the American Rheumatism Association criteria. At the end of the follow-up (mean, 40 months; range, 6-116 months), the mean (+/-SD) postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) (14.4+/-4.3 mm Hg) was statistically significantly lower than the preoperative IOP (38.3+/-5.6 mm Hg) (P<.001). The Snellen visual acuity remained within 1 line of the preoperative level or improved in 23 (85%) of 27 eyes. A successful outcome (defined as a final IOP of > or =6 mm Hg and < or =22 mm Hg, with fewer than or an equal number of antiglaucoma medications as preoperatively) was achieved in 24 (89%) of 27 eyes. Life-table analysis success rates were 95% after 27 months and 90% after 52 months of follow-up. Postoperative complications included flat anterior chamber (3 eyes), tube block by iris or vitreous (3 eyes), cataract (3 eyes), cornea-tube touch (2 eyes), choroidal detachment (1 eye), corneal edema (1 eye), and corneal abrasion (1 eye). The Molteno implant is useful and well tolerated in controlling IOP in patients with glaucoma secondary to juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

若年性リウマチ（ＪＲＡ）が疑われた両膝関節炎の一例

A 10 year-old complained of spiking fever and bilateral knee arthritis associated with hydroarthrosis and limited flexion of the knees.On admission in May 1996, blood examination showed, WBC-6600/mm3, CRP-3.1mg/dl, ESR-27mm/hr, CH50-49U/ml and ASO-234-IU/ml.Negative Rheumatoid factor and no change in the knee and wrist X-rays caused difficulty in the diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or septic arthritis.Treatment with arthroscopic synovectomy of the knee reduced the idiopathic hydroarthrosis. The diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis was made according to the arthroscopic findings and pathology of the synovitis.After withdrawal of DMARD (Tiopronin 200mg/day) and NSAID (Diclofenac 50mg/day), the knees showed a significant functional improvement and inflammatory findings continuously disappeared.Knee arthroscopy is an easily available examination which gives important information on the diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Arthroscopic synovectomy was a valuable treatment for the highly active synovitis found in juvenile rheumatoid arthritic knees.

Pattern of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Teaching Hospital in Kuwait

Reports on juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) from developing countries are scarce due to lack of comprehensive epidemiologic surveys. We report our experience with this disease in Kuwait. This study involves 47 children diagnosed with JRA over a period of 3 years. All 47 children satisfied the American College of Rheumatology criteria for the diagnosis of JRA. The results revealed a prevalence of 0.36 cases per 1,000 children at risk, a rate compatible with international figures. Pauciarticular onset, the predominant subtype, accounted for 49% while polyarticular and systemic onset type accounted for 25.5% each. Iridocyclitis was diagnosed in 3 children (6.4%) with positive antinuclear antibody. Although the prevalence of JRA and its subtypes is not different from figures reported for other regions, iridocyclitis appears to be infrequent in the population of Kuwait.

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis—Madras experience

In a prospective study of 1,053 consecutive children who attended the Rheumatic Care Centre, Government General Hospital, Madras from 1991 to 1995, 331 children fulfilled the criteria proposed by the American Rheumatism Association as modified by Cassidy et al for the diagnosis of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. These children were thoroughly examined and investigated and classified into 3 onset types which was then sub-classified into early entry and late entry groups based on the duration of illness. Other arthritic conditions were excluded. There were 44 cases belonging to Systemic onset, 171 belonging to polyarticular onset and 116 belonging to oligoarticular onset type. In the systemic onset type 44/44 patients had fever, 40/44 had lymphadenopathy and 19/44 had skin rash; wrists and knees 31/44 were the most commonly involved joints; neck involvement was present in 13/44 of the cases; ANA was positive in 5/44 cases and anaemia was seen in 24/44 cases. In polyarticular onset type wrists 119/171, knees 143/171, hip joints 105/171 and ankles 113/171 were commonly involved; in the RF +ve subtype 3/23 had subcutaneous nodules and 7/23 were positive for ANA; in the Rf -ve subtype 59/148 were positive for ANA. In the oligoarticular subtype-1 ANA was positive in all cases but iridocyclitis was not seen in any case. In oligoarticular subtype-2 HLA B27 was positive in 13/26 cases while Sacroilitis was seen in 16/26 cases. In oligoarticular type-3 HLA B27 was negative.