Hearing Loss in Systemic Onset Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (Sojia) -A Single Case Study

Abstract

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis is a common type of arthritis in children under the age of sixteen. Females are more affected than males with ratio of 2:1. Systemic onset Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SoJIA) is an immune driven inflammatory condition that develops in children. Although SoJIA can occur any time during childhood it usually starts before age five. Inflammation of internal organs and MAS (macrophage activation syndrome) is closely associated with SoJIA. Children with SoJIA have high levels of two powerful inflammatory protein (cytokines) called Interleukin -1 and Interleukin-6. The management of SoJIA follows up with NSAIDs, Corticosteroids, DMARDs and inflammatory cytokine blockade. The incudomalleolar and incudostapedial joint are synovial in nature and hence could be involved in inflammatory process. Immune complex mediated vasculitis and ototoxic side effects may cause a pathological inner ear. Thus individuals with SoJIA are at higher risk of hearing impairment.