What are the primary symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis?

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), also known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, is characterized by inflammation in the joints and can have systemic effects. The primary symptoms include joint stiffness and swelling, which often occur in the morning or after periods of rest, and may be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever and rash.

Fever and rash are particularly notable as they indicate the systemic involvement of the disease. JRA can manifest in various subtypes, some of which are associated with fever and characteristic rash, especially in the systemic form of the disease. This systemic aspect distinguishes JRA from other forms of arthritis that may primarily focus on joint symptoms without systemic signs.

Though joint stiffness and swelling are classic and significant symptoms of JRA, the presence of fever and rash highlights the inflammatory nature of the condition and the potential for wider systemic involvement, which is critical in diagnosing and managing the disease effectively.