Juvenile Enteropathic Arthritis

Juvenile enteropathic arthritis occurs in combination with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. It also can affect the spine and sacroiliac joints.

Signs and Symptoms

• Arthritis in large joints, such as the knees, hips, ankles and elbows, either concurrent to IBD or before IBD show up
• IBD, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• Eye inflammation
• Skin lesions, such as tender bumps on the shins (erythema nodosum) or large, painless leg ulcers (pyoderma gangrenosum)

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Bowel Problems
Your doctor will ask many questions about your child's stomach and bowel habits to determine if there are any symptoms of IBD. Sometimes, stomach aches or diarrhea due to side effects from medications can be difficult to differentiate from IBD. It may be necessary for your child to have special tests to evaluate his or her stomach. A pediatric gastroenterologist may be asked to help evaluate your child.

NOTE: Children with IBD might be more sensitive to some medications, making arthritis more difficult to treat. Make sure you discuss these issues with your doctor.