Skip to content

Healthwise

Browse Health Information

Search Health Topics

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a type of JIA in which a child experiences a very high fever and in some cases a rash, on a daily basis. Joint pain or swelling may appear a few weeks or months after the fevers begin.

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the least common yet potentially most serious type of JIA. Organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, or lymph nodes may eventually be affected. Episodes of whole-body (systemic) symptoms can last for weeks to years and can come and go during the first years of the disease. While some children have one course of this disease that lasts 2 to 4 years, others continue to have mild joint pain and flares of other symptoms. A few have ongoing destructive arthritis, often into adulthood, even with treatment.

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis is sometimes also called Still's disease.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

We care about your heart!

Get help today.