Terminology
The terminology used is evolving, and each term has some limitations.
According to some sources, JIA replaces the term juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Other sources still use the latter term.
JIA is sometimes referred to as juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA), a term that is not precise as JIA does not encompass all forms of chronic childhood arthritis.
A majority of cases is rheumatoid factor negative, which leads some to consider the "chronic" or "idiopathic" labels more appropriate. However, if a cause was determined, then "idiopathic" may no longer be appropriate (making JIA a diagnosis of exclusion), and if the course was self-limited, then "chronic" may no longer be appropriate.
Adding to the confusion, the term rheumatoid itself lacks a consistent, unambiguous definition.
MeSH uses "Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis" as the primary entry, and uses "chronic" and "idiopathic" in alternate entries.
Read more about this topic: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis