How is JIA diagnosed?
There is no specific blood test that can diagnose JIA, which is why the diagnosis is based primarily on history and physical exam. Children may complain of pain, limp, reluctance to move a limb or stiffness, but often children may have arthritis with joint swelling and minimal pain, thereby often delaying the diagnosis. There are some blood tests, such as an antinuclear antibody (ANA), rheumatoid factor (RF) or anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP), which may support the doctor’s suspicion for arthritis. Sometimes the doctor may request images, such as x-rays or an MRI, in order to further define the arthritis, or check to see if there is some other cause for the joint pain. What causes JIA? As suggested by the accepted terminology of “idiopathic” arthritis, there is no clear cause of JIA. Although there is often some minor trauma (e.g. fell off the swing) before the physician or parent notices the arthritis, this is not considered to be a causative factor. Genetic, hormonal, environ
