Recognition and management of macrophage activation syndrome in juvenile arthritis.
OBJECTIVE
Macrophage activation syndrome is a life-threatening complication seen predominantly in children with systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It accounts for a significant amount of the morbidity and mortality seen with systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis.


RESULTS
In this article, we will look at the new developments in the diagnosis, classification, pathogenesis and management of macrophage activation syndrome in systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients.


CONCLUSIONS
More work is needed to further elucidate the pathophysiology of macrophage activation syndrome in systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis. This would be the key to early diagnosis using more sensitive criteria and better management.
Kelly
Alison
A
Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol and Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Bath, UK.
Ramanan
Athimalaipet V
AV
D001171:Arthritis, Juvenile / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D051359:Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D008262:Macrophage Activation / Q000502:physiology*; D011379:Prognosis; D013577:Syndrome