Fever & Arthritis

This is Systemic Onset JIA.

• The diagnosis is by exclusion - infection, malignancy to be considered.
• The presentation of SOJIA can be indolent or acute. The arthritis may not be apparent at first but may follow 4-6 weeks after the onset of systemic symptoms. 
• Bone marrow may need to be considered to exclude malignancy (leukaemia or neuroblastoma). The peripheral blood film may not show blasts with acute leukaemia.
• It is important to exclude malignancy (leukaemia) before starting corticosteroids as the survival from leukaemia is much worse. It is important to consider a bone marrow if there are atypical features such as a low or normal platelet count (platelets are usually very high with SOJIA), a differential count marrow may need to be considered to exclude malignancy (leukaemia or neuroblastoma). The peripheral blood film may not show blasts with acute leukaemia or where the serum ferritin, is normal or only mildly raised (ferritin, as an acute phase reactant is usually very high in active SOJIA [usually >1000ng/L]).
• In this case the child was unwell, the ferritin was high and there was no apparent arthritis.

Repeat blood tests showed persistently raised acute phase reactants. She was treated with IV corticosteroids, daily over 3 days, improved rapidly and was discharged home on oral steroids to be reviewed after one week. She returned with more joint pain, recurrence of rash and fever. She had polyarthritis. 

She was given further course of IV corticosteroids over 3 days and started on subcutaneous methotrexate weekly and discharged on oral steroids to be reviewed for blood tests in 4 weeks.

The family attended weekly to meet the nurse specialist and taught how to administer methotrexate at home. At her 4 week review she was well but had ongoing arthritis, intermittent rash but no fever. She was intolerant of methotrexate, even with antiemetics. After discussion with her family she was started on tocilizumab (IV infusion on the day unit) every fortnight and was able to continue lower dose of subcutaneous methotrexate. After 3 months she was well, in remission and had stopped her steroids. She attends the day unit for infusions of tocilizumab. 

The photograph shows the typical rash of systemic JIA - this often appears at time of fever and can be easily missed!

The chart shows the typical fever chart - spikes in the evening but normal in between. 

Impact of diagnosis on the family

• Provide disease information to improve understanding; signpost to resources (e.g websites). 
• Discuss role of specialist team - how and who to contact for advice.
• Discuss how family will care for their child who may be unwell for a prolonged time. Family members may need to consider time off work to look after their child and see GP for a sick note if required. Specialist team may provide letter to employer if necessary.
• The child may require time off full-time school - educational needs should be considered and liaison with the school to discuss flexible timetable.

Explanation about disease process and management 

• Encourage attendance for appointments and explain why review is necessary.  Aim to rationalise appointments if possible to minimise disruption.
• Need for potent immunosuppression over prolonged time and risk of infection, possible side effects and need for long term surveillance (Registries for Biologics).
• Teach parents how to assess child if unwell - check child’s temperature and when to seek advice. 
• When taking corticosteroids ensure advice given regarding not stopping steroids without discussion with specialist team. Give advice regarding contact with chicken pox and shingles and management.
• Advice on vaccination schedules.

Communication 

• Contact the extended multidisciplinary team - specialists, primary care, school health.

• Liaise with school to improve understanding of condition, treatment and impact. “Do’s and Don’ts” for sport, school trips and activities. Input from physical therapists is important.

Symptom management 

• Tiredness and fatigue; advice about pacing & building up stamina. Family may need support establishing bed times, sleep hygiene & appropriate rest. 
• Regular pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDS) may help relieve joint pain but do not control the disease process.
• Side effects of corticosteroids. Explanation of the need to achieve disease control whilst minimising side effects. Many side effects are reversible; particular support is needed for;
• Weight gain - diet, exercise, consider dietician. 
• Methotrexate is often effective but can take several months to achieve disease control. 
• With SOJIA, many children require additional treatment with biologics as well as corticosteroids - the latter are tapered and stopped with good disease control from the use of methotrexate with or without biologics.
• NICE guidance is available to inform the use of biologics in JIA.