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Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis - Exams and Tests

Findings from a physical examination, including the pattern and nature of joint symptoms, are important keys to the diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). In most cases, routine lab results do not point to an obvious diagnosis of this disease. JIA is often diagnosed only after other possible causes of symptoms have been ruled out and the pain and stiffness have lasted for at least 6 weeks. The following tests are mainly done to see whether another medical condition is causing joint pain or whole-body (systemic) symptoms.

Routine examinations and tests include the following:

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The following tests are done if needed:

Early Detection

There are no standard screening tests that are used to identify children who may develop juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Early eye disease detection

Slit lamp eye examinations are necessary for all children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis to test for possible eye problems, such as uveitis. This test may be repeated often during the course of the condition because the inflammatory eye disease associated with JIA generally has no symptoms and can lead to a permanent decrease in vision or blindness.

Inflammatory eye disease risk is not related to how severe a child's other JIA symptoms are. In fact, children at greatest risk are girls who develop mild oligoarticular disease (oligoarthritis) during their early childhood years and have developed high levels of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs).

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: June 11, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
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