epidemiology

Last reviewed 01/2018

epidemiology

JIA is the most common cause of chronic arthritis in childhood and a leading cause of short- and long-term disability   .

  • between 0.07-4.01 per 1000 children are thought to be affected worldwide (1,2)

Incidence of the disease is estimated to be between 1-22 in 100,000 and a disease prevalence of 7-150 in 100,000

  • a study from Turkey reported a prevalence of chronic arthritis in childhood of 64 in 100,000 while a study from Australia showed a prevalence as high as 400 in 100,000 (1)

Frequency of JIA subtypes varies according to geographical areas or ethnic groups:

  • oligoarthritis is the most common subtype in Western countries
  • polyarthritis predominates in Costa Rica, India, New Zealand, and South Africa
  • systemic arthritis is more common in Asia
  • enthesitis-related arthritis incidence is greater in India, Mexico, and Canada

Reference: