Living with Rheumatoid factor-negative juvenile idiopathic arthritis
A rare type of childhood arthritis that affects five or more joints and tests negative for rheumatoid factor.
Understanding Rheumatoid factor-negative juvenile idiopathic arthritis
It is called rheumatoid factor-negative because a specific antibody (rheumatoid factor IgM) is absent. GARD says the cause of this arthritis is unknown. It begins in childhood.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Joint pain (arthralgia)
- Joint swelling
- Joint stiffness
- Arthritis
- Swelling in the ankles
- Pain where tendons attach to bone (enthesitis)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists, eye disease specialists and lung and breathing specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists (rheumatologists); Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists); Lung and breathing specialists (pulmonologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Arthritis Foundation
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the cause of this type of arthritis is unknown. It does not list a gene or inheritance pattern.
Also known as: juvenile chronic arthritis, polyarticular seronegative; juvenile idiopathic arthritis, polyarthritis, rheumatoid factor negative; juvenile polyarthritis without rheumatoid factor; juvenile rheumatoid factor-negative polyarthritis; juvenile seronegative polyarthritis; polyarthritis without rheumatoid factor
Patient organizations
- Arthritis FoundationRheumatoid factor-negative juvenile idiopathic arthritis · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Rheumatoid factor-negative juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
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