Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis is classified into three types. The type is typically determined based on the symptoms displayed by the child during the first six month of illness. These classifications are based on the number of joints involved, the symptoms, and the presence or absence of certain antibodies

* Systemic onset type [SIS-tim-ik]: This type of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis is characterized by fever and a light skin rash. Occasionally, Systemic onset type affects the internal organs including the heart, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. Systemic accounts for 20 percent of all Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis cases. Symptoms include fever, rash, swelling, inflammation and pain in or around the joints.

* Pauciarticular onset disease [PAW-see-are-TICK-you-lar]: This type of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis is the most common form and affects about 50 percent of all children with arthritis. Pauciarticular onset disease typically affects the larger joints such as knees and elbows. It generally develops in girls under the age of eight. Symptoms include swelling, inflammation, and pain. Pauciarticular means that four or fewer joints are affected.

Of particular importance is the fact that Pauciarticular onset disease causes eye disease  in approximately 30 percent of children diagnosed with this type or JRA. Regular eye  exams by a qualified ophthalmologist are of the utmost importance.

* Polyarticular disease [PAUL-e-are-TICK-you-lar]: This type of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis develops in about 30 percent of all with JRA. Polyarticular tends to affect the small joints, such as those in the hands and feet. Oftentimes, Polyarticular will affect the same joint on both sides of the body. Symptoms of Polyarticular include swelling, inflammation or pain affecting five or more joints.

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