Juvenile spondyloarthropathies and related arthritis

This article reviews recent publications related to the classification and treatment of juvenile spondyloarthropathies. We have included studies on adult onset spondyloarthropathies that are particularly relevant to childhood onset disease. Significant questions concerning classification of juvenile spondyloarthropathies remain unresolved. Diagnostic criteria that are both sensitive and specific for identifying undifferentiated spondyloarthropathies in adults have been developed, and while separate criteria have been proposed for juvenile onset disease, they remain to be validated. The most significant recent advances have occurred in the area of treatment. A small number of studies suggest that bisphosphonates such as pamidronate may be efficacious. Several studies using the TNF inhibitors infliximab and etanercept suggest that these agents hold great promise for ameliorating symptoms and improving function, while long-term effects on disease progression remain to be evaluated. (C) 2002 Lippincott Williams Wilkins, Inc.