World Young Rheumatic Diseases Day: Raising Awareness and Promoting Early Diagnosis

Types of Young Rheumatic Diseases that are Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Arthritis (AiArthritis) Diseases:

• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): An autoimmune disease causing chronic joint inflammation in children.

• Oligoarthritis (Persistent and Extended): A subtype of JIA affecting four or fewer joints, which can persist or extend to more joints over time.
• Polyarthritis: A subtype of JIA that involves five or more joints, often including both large and small joints.
• Systemic: A subtype of JIA affecting the entire body, causing fever, rash, and inflammation of internal organs.
• Undifferentiated: A subtype of JIA that doesn't fit into any specific category but still involves chronic arthritis.
• Enthesitis-Related Arthritis: A subtype of JIA that involves inflammation where tendons and ligaments attach to bones, often affecting the lower limbs and spine.
• Juvenile Axial Spondyloarthritis: A form of JIA that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing pain and stiffness.
• Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis: A subtype of JIA associated with both arthritis and psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches.

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): An autoimmune disease causing inflammation and damage to various organs, including the skin, joints, and kidneys.
• Still's Disease (also known as Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis or SJIA): A form of JIA causing systemic inflammation, fever, rash, and joint pain.
• Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA): A subtype of JIA characterized by systemic inflammation, fever, rash, and joint involvement.
• Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF): An inherited condition causing recurrent episodes of fever and inflammation, often starting in childhood.
• Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS): A group of rare genetic disorders causing recurrent episodes of inflammation.
• Familial Cold Autoinflammatory Syndrome (FCAS): A type of CAPS triggered by cold exposure, leading to episodes of fever and inflammation.
• Muckle-Wells Syndrome (MWS): A type of CAPS causing recurrent inflammation, hearing loss, and potential kidney damage.
• Neonatal-Onset Multisystem Inflammatory Disease (NOMID): A severe form of CAPS presenting in infancy with chronic inflammation affecting multiple organs.
• Hyper IgD Syndrome (HIDS): A genetic disorder causing recurrent episodes of fever and inflammation, often starting in infancy or early childhood.
• Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis/Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis (CNO/CRMO): A condition causing recurrent episodes of bone inflammation, often starting in childhood.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis

Early diagnosis of rheumatic diseases in children and young people is crucial for effective treatment and improved long-term outcomes. Rheumatic diseases, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), can cause significant pain, swelling, and stiffness in joints, leading to impaired physical function and quality of life. Early intervention can help manage symptoms, prevent joint damage, and enable children to lead a normal, active life.

Activities and Events on WORD Day

WORD Day is celebrated through various activities and events organized by local committees in different countries. These events include:

• Information Stalls: Setting up stalls in hospitals, schools, and public areas to provide information about rheumatic diseases and their management.
• Talks and Performances: Hosting talks and performances by patients, healthcare professionals, and educators to share their experiences and knowledge.
• Training Events: Conducting training sessions for healthcare professionals to improve their understanding of pediatric rheumatology and enhance their ability to diagnose and treat rheumatic diseases.
• Peer Education Workshops: Organizing workshops involving medical students and young people to promote awareness and education about rheumatic diseases.
• Social Media Campaigns: Running social media campaigns to reach a wider audience and spread the word about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

How You Can Get Involved

There are many ways to support WORD Day and help raise awareness about rheumatic diseases in children and young people:

• Share Your Story: Share your experiences and stories on social media using the hashtag #WORDDay to raise awareness and inspire others.
• Organize Events: Host events such as information stalls, talks, or workshops in your community to educate others about rheumatic diseases.
• Support Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that work to improve the lives of children and young people with rheumatic diseases.
• Advocate for Change: Advocate for better access to pediatric rheumatology services and support policies that promote early diagnosis and treatment.

World Young Rheumatic Diseases Day is a vital opportunity to raise awareness about rheumatic diseases in children and young people and promote early diagnosis and treatment. By coming together and supporting this cause, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by these conditions and help them lead healthier, happier lives.