Before what age does juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (RA) typically onset?

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, now more commonly referred to as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), typically presents before the age of 16 years. This classification captures the age range in which the disease can be diagnosed, encompassing a variety of subtypes that may have different clinical features and prognoses. Recognizing that juvenile idiopathic arthritis can begin as early as infancy and continues to be considered for diagnosis up until the age of 16 is crucial for early identification and intervention.

The choice of 16 years aligns with the medical criteria for JIA and reflects the age when adolescents transition to adulthood where the diagnosis of arthritis would shift from juvenile classifications to adult forms of rheumatoid arthritis. Understanding this age cutoff can greatly impact treatment decisions and management strategies in order to preserve joint function and prevent complications associated with the disease.