New recommendations for the assessment of disease activity, diagnosis and treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Abstract

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is an autoimmune disease which is not unique, but makes a group of similar diseases that have a different course, prognosis and outcome. This article sets out the latest guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology for treatment of different types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis based on various pathogenesis of the disease. We present a new approach to the assessment of disease activity which does not include only evaluation by the physician, but great importance is given to the perception of patients and their parents/guardians. Such an approach to the treatment of patients with chronic disease significantly improves the quality of cooperation between physicians and patients/parents and thus the quality of medical care, therapeutic effects of drugs and satisfaction with health condition. Through this publication we want to introduce readers to the latest diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines and assessment of the disease activity based on a large number of working groups; because of the global significance, they should be used in Croatian conditions.