What are the statistics of having to use crutches or a wheelchair because of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis ?

Numbers are changing: No accurate statistics exist due to the dramatic improvement in outcomes of treatment in this condition. In the past, many children ended in a debilitated condition. Modern drugs such as the biological response modifiers (enbrel, humira, (adalimumab) etc.) have kept people out of wheelchairs and leading much better lives.

< 1% now : If a patient is being treated properly and has not already had permanent joint damage before being treated adequately, kids should never need crutches or a wheelchair. If they do, then parents should seek a second opinion from another board certified pediatric rheumatologist. Either the diagnosis is incorrect or they are being under-treated if they start needing a wheelchair or crutches after rx.

Unknown: No accurate statistics exist due to the dramatic improvement in outcomes of treatment in this condition. In the past, many children ended in a debilitated condition. Modern drugs such as the biological response modifiers (enbrel, humira, (adalimumab) etc.) have kept people out of wheelchairs and leading much better lives.