| Abstract: | SummaryThe author reviews many of the conditions which can cause acute arthritis in children and stresses the importance of differentiating between the various forms because of the difference in prognosis and, therefore, in management. In rheumatic fever, the heart is particularly at risk; in Still's disease, the joints; in systemic lupus erythematosus and Henoch-Schönlein purpura it is the kidney. It is equally important that infections of bacterial type should be recognised early so that treatment can be commenced immediately. It is also important to remember the many milder cases of arthritis associated with viral infections in which simple analgesics and reassurance are all that is necessary in treatment. |
