Current Developments in the Use of Biomarkers for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Use of biomarkers in clinical practice has proved extremely valuable and is a rapidly expanding field. However, despite the huge potential of biomarkers, for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) there are currently no validated paediatric biomarkers available to help with setting up a more tailored approach on which drug choice could be based, to achieve remission early in the course of disease. Early remission reduces burden of disease, limits side effects from toxic and unnecessary medication, and, most importantly, enhances quality of life. Several studies have suggested promising biomarkers: these may be a protein, cellular component, mRNA, or genetic component, for example a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Here we describe recent developments in the use of biomarkers for JIA and their potential to assist in management of disease by predicting disease phenotype, severity, progression, and response to treatment, and determining when patients have reached stable remission and can safely discontinue treatment.