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Oligoarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (Oligoarthritis)

Oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), also known as oligoarthritis, is the most common and often the mildest type of JIA. Oligoarticular JIA most commonly affects the knees, ankles, fingers, toes, wrists, elbows, and hips.

Oligoarticular JIA affects 4 or fewer joints during the first 6 months of the disease. Symptoms tend to be limited to joint swelling and pain but can also include uneven bone growth. This can lead to one leg being longer than the other. As it progresses, this type of JIA can develop into one of two conditions:

  • Persistent oligoarthritis, maintaining a mild level of disease, with 4 or fewer joints affected
  • Extended oligoarthritis, affecting 5 or more joints after the first 6 months of disease, with a course much like polyarticular JIA

Whole-body (systemic) symptoms (such as weakness, fatigue, and fever) are not common.

Children with oligoarticular JIA have a high risk of developing inflammatory eye disease, which can lead to blindness. Because eye damage can develop without causing symptoms, frequent eye exams are necessary.

Oligoarticular JIA was formerly known as pauciarticular JIA.

Last Revised: June 11, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: John Pope, MD - Pediatrics & Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology

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