Juvenile arthritis

Any form of arthritis occurring in children below the age of 16 years is called juvenile or childhood arthritis. It is a chronic auto immune disease, where the body attacks its own healthy cells. There are three main types of juvenile arthritis - juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), juvenile chronic arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). But juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of arthritis.

Symptoms of juvenile arthritis

Juvenile Arthritis - JA is mostly an autoimmune disorder. It can sometimes result from an auto inflammatory disorder.

Swelling, pain and stiffness in the joints.

Limited motion and loss of flexibility.

Damage to joint and cartilage.

Short stature due to deformed growth of bones.

Polyarthritis is involvement of multiple joints, usually five or more joints. Usually smaller joints of the hand but sometimes even larger joints like hip, neck, shoulder, jaw, etc are affected. Oligo articular arthritis is involvement of less than 4 joints and usually involves larger joints. Limitation of moment, pain and swelling are some of the symptoms seen, along with fever which is high and spiking often lasting for several weeks or months with pale red spots on the chest, thighs or other parts. When the joints get inflamed and stiff, growth is impaired or distorted. Eye inflammation is also noticed.

Treatment is important for juvenile arthritis, as proper leg exercises can help reduce the pain and discomfort. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, along with medication and physiotherapy is of utmost benefit. NSAIDs and Corticosteroids are prescribed. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) also provide relief from symptoms but take many weeks to slow the progression of the JA.

Celecoxib

Celecoxib (trade name: Celebrex) is a NSAID used to treat moderate to severe pain. Celecoxib is used for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile arthritis and menstrual pain. In addition, Celecoxib is also used in the treatment of hereditary polyps in the colon. Celecoxib is available in the form of capsules. Use as directed by doctor. Celecoxib should not be used under these circumstances:

• Allergy to Celecoxib
  
• Allergy to sulfa medications
  
• While breast-feeding
  
• Pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy
  
• Planning or had open heart surgery
  
• Have an intestinal ulcer or bleeding in the stomach or intestines
  
• Bleeding in the brain
  
• Asthma, hives or allergic-type reactions after taking any other NSAIDs
  
• High potassium levels
  
• Inflammatory bowel disease
  
• Impaired kidney function
  
• Impaired liver function or active liver disease.

Celecoxib during pregnancy

FDA has categorized Celecoxib in Category C. Pregnant women or women planning to conceive should inform doctor before using Celecoxib. If potential benefits outweigh potential risks, Celecoxib may be recommended for use during pregnancy.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat mild to moderate pain, and helps to relieve symptoms of arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or juvenile arthritis), such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. Ibuprofen is also used to treat fever and menstrual cramps. Ibuprofen works by decreasing the hormones that cause pain and inflammation in the body. Ibuprofen is available in the form of oral suspension (liquid), tablet and capsule and as a chewable tablet. It can be taken with or without food or as directed by the doctor.

DosageFor Pain management in Adults: 200 - 400 mg every 4 hours in a day if administered orally. 400 - 800 mg if administered intravenously over a period of 30 minutes every 6 hours.

Ibuprofen during pregnancy: FDA has categorized Ibuprofen in Category D. If taken during the last trimester, it may harm the fetus. In lactating mothers, there is no confirmation if Ibuprofen passes into breast milk or harms a nursing baby.

Side effects of Ibuprofen: Ibuprofen can cause some side effects, such as hives, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, headache, blurred vision, mild back pain, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating of stomach, abdominal pain, gas accumulation and change in color vision in the eye.