We have studied eleven patients of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. JRA is a diffuse systemic disease and the onset of the disease may be subtle. Often conspicuous evidence of the rheumatoid arthritis is lacking for months. Monoarticular and polyarticular arthritis occurred as the first manifestation and often they had a slight attack of fever.
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is the most useful test. Its elevation is taken to be evidence of active disease. The roentgenographic finding (regional alterations) is helpful for diagnosis.
The dangerous complication is rarely and the prognosis for life is good.
