Dublin conference: One out of every 1,000 children is affected by juvenile arthritis and doctors do not know what causes it, a conference in Dublin has been told.
However, although there is no cure for it, most children can lead active, independent lives provided they receive the correct treatment, exercise and diet. That is according to Dr Owen Hensey, a consultant paediatrician who runs a juvenile arthritis clinic at Temple's Street Children's University Hospital in Dublin.
Arthritis Ireland chief executive John Church said 4,500 children in Ireland were suffering from undiagnosed juvenile arthritis.
Currently, Ireland has no paediatric rheumatologist, the specialist qualified to treat children with arthritis. Although one has been approved, the post at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, Dublin, will not be taken up until April 2006.
Dr Hensey said a second paediatric rheumatologist was needed. "For our population here, based on international figures, we need two," he said. "The Children's University Hospital has applied for the appointment of a paediatric rheumatologist. The HSE are currently considering it."
At present, said Dr Hensey, diagnoses of juvenile arthritis came from paediatricians with an interest in the area. Peak onset times of juvenile arthritis are in one to three-year-olds and eight to 11-year-olds, Dr Hensey told the parents of children diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at a seminar in Dublin Zoo.
As there is no State-funded service, last year Arthritis Ireland established Jump Around, a support and information group for children with arthritis, their families and carers. The organisation held a family day at Dublin Zoo last Saturday.
A multidisciplinary approach was needed to treat arthritis in children, said Dr Hensey. As well as paediatric consultations, it is vital that children with arthritis also work with a physiotherapist, occupational therapist and psychologist, among others.
Patricia Smyth, clinical psychologist at Temple Street hospital, outlined to parents best practice on how to help their children, such as encouraging social activities rather than limiting them.
Judith O'Connell, physiotherapist at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, explained the importance of physiotherapy and exercise in helping children with arthritis develop properly.