Characteristics and differences between overseas and Japanese guidelines and guidance for juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Abstract

Differences in the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) can be seen in different countries and can be confirmed from the guidance and guidelines developed in each country. JIA treatment in Japan is based on a combination of the “Guide to the Initial Treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis 2015” and the “Guide to the Use of Biological Agents in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, 2020 Edition”. Each is a collection of evidence plus the opinions of specialized departments for the guidance. In the United States, guidelines were developed in 2019 and 2021, and systematic review (SR) was conducted on set Clinical Questions (CQs) and recommendations were published. This tutorial paper describes the characteristics and differences of each guideline from an objective standpoint. In Japan, a new guideline for the treatment of JIA is currently being developed by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare under the Research and Development of Intractable Disease Policy Project. Not only pediatric rheumatologists but also adult rheumatologists, ophthalmologists, and patient groups are participating in the development of these guidelines.