Long-term outcome in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is a chronic arthritis of childhood that continues in adulthood in about two-third children. In the past, it was associated with significant morbidity as reflected by physical disability, joint deformities, growth abnormalities, joint loss necessitating joint replacement at a young age along with decline in the psychosocial quality of life. In addition, most children took more time to complete education though they achieved their full potential in the end. In recent years, with better and early control of disease activity with the use of intra-articular steroids, methotrexate and biologics, the outcome has improved significantly with a hope that in future these children will have a near normal life.