Treatment of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

New information on the treatment of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis emphasizes more aggressive control of arthritis, particularly the use of methotrexate, both in low- and higher-dose regimens. Information concerning drug toxicity, including that of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, second-line agents, and methotrexate, suggests that these drugs are well tolerated in children. A new corticosteroid, deflazacort, minimizes bone demineralization and growth retardation. Adjunctive measures, including erythropoietin, pain management techniques, conditioning programs, and nutrition, have demonstrated advantages in some children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.