What is a typical presentation for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis?

What is a typical presentation for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis?

• A. Weight loss and fever
• B. Chronic cough and respiratory distress
• C. Joint swelling and stiffness
• D. Skin rashes and allergy symptoms

Answer: (C)

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), also known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, primarily presents with joint-related symptoms. A typical presentation includes joint swelling and stiffness, which can affect one or multiple joints. The inflammation in the joints leads to pain and can also cause limitations in movement, particularly after periods of inactivity, such as overnight or after sitting for a while. In children with JRA, symptoms often manifest as morning stiffness and can improve as the day goes on, although activity may trigger pain or swelling. Joint involvement may also be accompanied by growth issues and can affect the child's overall development. Other options represent symptoms associated with different conditions or types of arthritis. For example, weight loss and fever could relate to systemic diseases or infections, chronic cough and respiratory distress are associated with respiratory conditions, while skin rashes and allergy symptoms pertain more to allergic or dermatological issues rather than the classic presentation of JRA. Thus, the presence of joint swelling and stiffness is the hallmark of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, making it the correct choice.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), also known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, primarily presents with joint-related symptoms. A typical presentation includes joint swelling and stiffness, which can affect one or multiple joints. The inflammation in the joints leads to pain and can also cause limitations in movement, particularly after periods of inactivity, such as overnight or after sitting for a while.

In children with JRA, symptoms often manifest as morning stiffness and can improve as the day goes on, although activity may trigger pain or swelling. Joint involvement may also be accompanied by growth issues and can affect the child's overall development.

Other options represent symptoms associated with different conditions or types of arthritis. For example, weight loss and fever could relate to systemic diseases or infections, chronic cough and respiratory distress are associated with respiratory conditions, while skin rashes and allergy symptoms pertain more to allergic or dermatological issues rather than the classic presentation of JRA. Thus, the presence of joint swelling and stiffness is the hallmark of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, making it the correct choice.