Children with rheumatic diseases are increasingly better

The National Paediatric Rheumatologic Database (NPRD), coordinated by the DRFZ, observes between 13,000 and 14,000 children and adolescents with rheumatic diseases every year at about 60 institutions nationwide. Most of them have juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), the most common rheumatic disease in childhood and adolescence. The data from the past 15 years show that children with JIA are getting better physically under current therapy conditions. They are increasingly more likely to have an inactive disease and normal everyday function, making sporting activities more possible.