Arthritis Found Not Only In Elderly, But Also In Children

Pensacola, Florida
Thursday, April 24, 2008 @ 05:58 PM EDT
by: Cortney Owens (850) 505-4739 cowens@nemours.org

Local pediatric rheumatologist treats many kids with arthritis

Pensacola, FL - It may begin with a swollen knuckle, a spiking fever, or an unexplainable rash. But no matter what symptoms appear, hearing the word "arthritis" in a diagnosis for a child can be unexpected and confusing.

Brandon Dorion, MD, pediatric rheumatologist for Nemours Children’s Clinic in Pensacola is a rare find in Northwest Florida. As the only pediatric rheumatologist on the Florida panhandle, one of only three in the Nemours Health System (over 400 pediatric specialists) and only one of six in the state of Florida, Dr. Dorion sees approximately 250 kids with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). JRA is the most prevalent form of juvenile arthritis and affects approximately 50,000 children in the United States. “Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that is characterized by swelling, heat, and pain. Nearly 300,000 children in the United States have some sort of arthritis. Arthritis can be short-term - lasting for just a few weeks or months, then going away forever - or it can be chronic and last for months or years. About one third of young patients with arthritis see it continue into their adult years,” says Dr. Dorion.

What Causes Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis?
It's not known exactly what causes rheumatoid arthritis in children. Research indicates that it is an autoimmune disease. In autoimmune diseases, white blood cells lose the ability to tell the difference between the body's own healthy cells and harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. The immune system, which is supposed to protect the body from these harmful invaders, instead releases chemicals that can damage healthy tissues and cause inflammation and pain. To effectively manage and minimize the effects of arthritis, an early and accurate diagnosis is essential. By understanding the symptoms and characteristics of each type of JRA, one can help a child maintain an active, productive lifestyle.

Treating Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
In many cases, JRA may be treated with a combination of medication, physical therapy, and exercise. In specific situations, the child may require injection of corticosteroids into the joint or surgery. The goals of treatment are to relieve pain and inflammation, to slow down or prevent the destruction of joints, to restore use and function of the joints and to promote optimal growth, physical activity and social and emotional development in the child.

For more information on JRA:
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis on www.nemours.org The Arthritis Foundation

modified: Thursday, April 24, 2008 @ 06:01 PM EDT
created: Thursday, April 24, 2008 @ 05:58 PM EDT

About Nemours

Nemours, one of the nation’s largest pediatric health systems, is dedicated to achieving higher standards in children’s health. Nemours offers an integrated spectrum of clinical treatment coupled with research, advocacy, and educational health and prevention services extending to all families in the communities it serves. Starting with Alfred I. duPont’s bequest over seventy years ago, Nemours has grown into a multi-dimensional organization offering personalized clinical and preventive care focused on children.

Nemours owns and operates the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware and major children’s specialty clinics in Delaware (Wilmington), Florida (Jacksonville, Orlando and Pensacola), Pennsylvania (Philadelphia and Bryn Mawr) and New Jersey (Atlantic City and Voorhees). Having recently received preliminary approval from the State of Florida, Nemours will establish a new full-service children’s hospital as part of an integrated pediatric health campus in Orlando. KidsHealth.org, the world’s most visited pediatric health care Web site for parents, kids and teens, is a project of Nemours.

Nemours employs over 4,400 individuals, including 430 pediatric physicians, specialists and surgeons who cared for approximately a quarter of a million children in 2007. The organization’s goal is to align with parents, physicians, community leaders, children’s advocates and elected officials to ensure optimal wellness for every child. Additional information about Nemours can be found at www.nemours.org.