Systemic JIA (sJIA) / Still's Disease 

Around 1 in 10 children with JIA have a sub-type of JIA known as Systemic JIA or sJIA. 

Systemic JIA (sJIA) is also known as Still's Disease. Still's Disease was named after Sir George Frederic Still who first described a form of childhood arthritis associated with fever in the medical literature in 1896. 

It is distinct from other sub-types of JIA being considered autoinflammatory (rather than autoimmune) and 'systemic' in nature meaning that it can cause inflammation in other parts of the body and not just the joints including the heart, lungs and blood. 

In Systemic JIA / Still's Disease, sometimes joint inflammation may not be present at all initially. 

The diagnosis of sJIA / Still's Disease  is for life so once diagnosed with the condition it is important for a child or young person to be aware that they have this condition even if the symptoms aren't present as they grow up. This is because they could have a flare in the future and it is important for them to be able to let their doctors know that they have a diagnosis of sJIA / Still's Disease so that it can be promptly treated. 

Some children with sJIA develop a rare but potentially life-threatening condition know as Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS). 

In this webinar with Professor Paul Brogan, Paul gives an overview of sJIA/Still's Disease including the naming of the condition, signs and symptoms of the condition, an overview of treatment pathways, as well as what to look out for in the early signs of a flare and when to seek help. Paul is a Professor of Vasculitis at University College London in the Department of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, and an honorary consultant in paediatric rheumatology at Great Ormond Street Hospital.