Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects children and adolescents and causes the immune system to attack the healthy cells and tissues in the joints. Symptoms of this condition include pain and inflammation, which can make moving the joints difficult.
JRA can affect the joints in the hands, knees, and feet, and the symptoms are often worse in the morning. Without proper management, juvenile arthritis can affect the healthy development of children and adolescents.
Despite being a chronic condition, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis treatment is possible through an individualized treatment plan. One of the common treatments used for this condition is RA infusion or IV therapy, which we will discuss below.
RA Infusions for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
RA infusion refers to the administration of medication directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) infusion for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or other autoimmune conditions. These infusions typically involve the use of biologic medications, which are genetically engineered proteins that target specific components of the immune system involved in inflammation.
RA infusion therapy aims to do the following:
- Suppress the immune system’s abnormal activity
- Reduce joint inflammation
- Alleviate symptoms such as pain and stiffness
- Prevent joint damage
Common RA infusion medications include Stelara (Ustekinumab), Infliximab (Remicade), and Renflexis (Infliximab-abda), among others, which are administered in a clinic or infusion center under the supervision of healthcare professionals.
Medications Used in RA Infusions
Below are some of the medications that can be used in IV therapy for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis treatment:
Stelara (Ustekinumab) Infusions
Stelara is a biologic medication that targets interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23), two proteins involved in the immune system’s inflammatory response. By blocking these proteins, Stelara helps reduce inflammation and suppresses the immune system’s abnormal activity in conditions like RA.
Infliximab (Remicade) Infusions
Infliximab is one of the first biologic medications approved for the treatment of RA and other autoimmune conditions. It belongs to a class of drugs known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, which work by blocking the action of TNF, a protein involved in inflammation.
Renflexis (Infliximab-abda) Infusions
Renflexis is a biosimilar to Infliximab, meaning it has a highly similar structure and function to the original drug but is produced by a different manufacturer. Like Infliximab, Renflexis is a TNF inhibitor used for the treatment of RA and other autoimmune conditions. It works by binding to TNF and preventing its inflammatory effects, thereby reducing joint inflammation and disease activity in RA.
The Role of RA Infusions in Juvenile Arthritis Treatment
Managing juvenile arthritis in children poses unique challenges and consideration for growth and development factors that can be negatively affected by the autoimmune disease.
#1 Provides Targeted Therapy
Infusion medications for JA, such as biologics, specifically target immune system components involved in inflammation, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or interleukins. This targeted approach allows for more precise control of the inflammatory response, reducing joint inflammation and preventing joint damage more effectively than traditional oral medications.
#2 Maintains Consistent Blood Levels
With infusions, the medication is delivered directly into the bloodstream, ensuring consistent and predictable blood levels of the drug. This helps maintain therapeutic efficacy throughout the treatment interval, providing more sustained relief from symptoms compared to oral medications, which may result in fluctuating blood levels and less consistent symptom control.
#3 Longer-Lasting Action
IV therapy medications often have a longer duration of action compared to oral medications, allowing for less frequent dosing and fewer administration sessions. For children with juvenile arthritis, this can mean fewer disruptions to their daily routine and improved adherence to treatment.
#4 Monitoring Opportunities
Infusion therapy sessions provide healthcare providers with opportunities to monitor the patient’s condition closely and assess how they respond to the treatment. This allows for timely adjustments and quick response to complications.
#5 Allows for Customization
Infusion therapy allows for flexibility in dosing and administration schedules, allowing healthcare providers to tailor treatment plans to the individual needs of each child with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This personalized approach ensures that patients receive the most effective and appropriate IV therapy for them.
While RA infusions can be effective in managing juvenile RA, they are not without risks. Make sure to trust a reputable medical provider for this treatment.
IV Therapy Treatment for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis in Atlanta, Georgia
The highly skilled team of medical professionals at GI Care Infusion specializes in providing IV infusion therapy for the management of chronic health conditions. We are proud to offer comprehensive treatment for children and adolescents diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. We have over 20 years of experience with infusion procedures.
Our goal is to help our patients live a happy and healthy life through IV infusion therapy. For any questions or to schedule an appointment with a provider, call our office today at (470) 785-4616 or use our online form.
