Juvenile Arthritis Research
on Brink of Critical Discoveries
One out of every 1,000 children under the age of 16 has juvenile arthritis (JA),
a chronic disease that severely impacts a child’s quality of life and may cause disability. While recent advances in research have resulted in improved treatments, there is no cure. For many, the physical pain and symptoms of arthritis interfere
with everyday activities and isolate them from their friends.
Leading a team of distinguished Canadian researchers, Dr. Alan Rosenberg is working to help these children and their families. He believes that a greater understanding of what causes juvenile arthritis could lead to dramatically better care. In some cases, it might even produce methods to prevent the occurrence of this disease.
“We’re on the verge of some groundbreaking findings,” Dr. Alan Rosenberg reports enthusiastically. “From our research, we expect to uncover how genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors influence the symptoms and outcomes of juvenile arthritis. That should enable us, together with patients and families, to improve care for children with arthritis.”
As the Director of Pediatric Research at the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Rosenberg is leading a National Research Initiative into juvenile arthritis. This project, funded by The Arthritis Society and its partners , brings together more than 50 collaborators from 12 medical centres. These scientists are examining whether genetics, lifestyle and physical environment can help predict juvenile-arthritis outcomes, such as the amount of joint damage and diminished quality of life.
The centrepiece of Dr. Rosenberg’s work is a study that looks at how arthritis develops in individuals. Its working hypothesis is that, in most cases, arthritis has its origins in the early phases of a person’s life. During these stages, there are many elements that may determine how a child’s juvenile arthritis progresses.
These include:
• level of nutrition;
• the amount of physical activity;
• the environment in which the child lives;
• social background; and
• exposure to things like smoke or sunlight.
Dr. Rosenberg explains, “If it turns out these lifestyle factors have an impact, we can address them to improve the future of a child with juvenile arthritis. A shift in a family’s daily routine or a modification to a child’s surroundings could serve as a vital supplement to medical treatment.”
“My ultimate hope is that we find a way of allowing children and their parents to play a more active role in managing arthritis,” he continues. “I believe the best possible outcome of this disease relies on additional factors like a healthy diet and regular exercise. Medication alone won’t provide the best care.”
Just as importantly, Dr. Rosenberg believes that learning more about what happens before arthritis appears might make it preventable for future generations. “The advantages of this work could extend beyond improving the health of those with existing cases of arthritis. The big payoff would be a way of identifying someone at risk of developing arthritis and a method of prevention.”
Provided by: The Arthritis Society
www.arthritis.ca
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
