Grant: Institute of Genetics Clinical Investigatorship Award

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) (joint disease) is a chronic rheumatic disease of childhood characterized by joint pains and destruction that can lead to a lifelong battle with this crippling disease. Although the outcomes of JIA have improved over the last decades, the disease is still associated with significant effects on the child's normal development and quality of life. The majority of children continue to require treatments that suppress the immune system many years after diagnosis. While suppression of the immune system can lead to favourable responses, it can also be attended by very serious complications such as overwhelming infections. This research focuses on identifying key genetic variations that predict treatment response and also the serious side effects. An international partnership of expert physicians and researchers in childhood arthritis was established. Children's disease course and treatment outcome will be carefully characterized. The child's genetic make-up will be determined from saliva samples and correlated with treatment response and side effects. The results of the study will enable physicians to optimise the treatment of childhood arthritis and avoid side effects by tailoring medications towards the individual's genetic make-up.