Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Treatment: The Stem Cell Revolution

It will not be an exaggerated statement to declare that more than 3 million children are suffering with one of the several forms of arthritis, only in developed countries. As a matter of fact, amongst many identified forms, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis is the most common form, that is bothering children below 16 years of age. It is generally referred as the spontaneous exhibition of arthritic pain without any known or unknown cause.

The Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, which triggers inflammation in synovial lining of affected joints. The exact antibodies that have been directed against the destruction of this synovial lining as a self are still a matter of debate, but the disorder has more obvious environmental linkups than genetic predisposition.

Some of the common signs and symptoms of JIA can be featured as:

·         Sudden observation of red, inflamed and painful joints

·         Stiff joints with limited movements

·         Limping gait that is more apparent in the morning

·         Persistent lower back pain

Some kinds of systemic symptoms, which can also affect other parts of body, hence should be noted are as:

·         Swollen lymph nodes identified as lymphoadenopathy

·         Malaise

·         Fever

·         Redness of joints

It has as well been investigated that symptoms are not only limited to joints but are as well spread to other vital organs, such as eyes, skin, etc. Hence, if anyone notices constant redness of the eye, changes in the visual acuity, skin rash, and inflamed joints; then it needs immediate medical attention.

Conventionally, systemic diseases like arthritis are commonly offered steroidal, anti-inflammatory medicines and physiotherapy or joint replacement therapy in more severe forms. However, before opting for any treatment, it should be noted that long term consumption of steroidal medicines are proven to be harmful, giving rise to other complications. On the other side, joint replacement therapy has all the more complications, associated with opportunistic infections, systemic immune reaction, organ rejection, etc.

As a result of technological advancements and scientific research, many new treatment modalities have come up like stem cells therapy, which have been endorsed by medical and science community as a potential, risk free alternative to costly conventional treatments.

Stem cells are the unique cells of our body and are highly acknowledged for their ability to differentiate into multiple cells types. These stem cells are present in adult body and are excited through signals. When in a diseased condition, the organ undergoes severe specific cellular loss; it sends signals for resident stem cells to undergo multiple targeted divisions. Thus, accordingly stem cells are identified to be the saviours in restoring the cellular function back.

Recently targeted delivery of stem cells cocktail, isolated from adipose tissue, more commonly identified as fat and their enrichment through patient’s own platelet rich plasma; has found to be exhibiting staggering recovery; in patients suffering with arthritis and other joint disorders.

Although each day brings in a new hope and new discoveries in the world of stem cells and regenerative medicine; currently, focused infusion of PRP enriched autologous stem cells is the most reasonable way to treat ailments, such as arthritis.