Juvenile onset spondyloarthropathies

Refinement of criteria for classifying childhood rheumatic diseases has con tributed to earlier, more complete, and more precise diagnosis of children with spondyloarthropathies. Recent additions to the literature have contrib uted new international perspectives relating to the prevalence of juvenile spondyloarthropathies. Aspects of extra-articular features of juvenile spon dyloarthropathies, including ocular, cardiac, and pulmonary disease have be en considered in recent publications. The value of magnetic resonance imagi ng in identifying sacroiliitis in children and adolescents has been propose d, A study of cytokine profiles in chronic childhood arthritides could have both pathogenic and potential therapeutic implications. Factors influencin g the course and prognosis of juvenile spondyloarthropathies have been pres ented in recent literature contributions. (C) 1000 Lippincott Williams & Wi lkins, Inc.