Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: follow-up into adulthood - medical, sexual and social status.

Fifty-eight adults were studied an average of 14.5 years after the diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis had been made. The pattern of disease had been typical with respect to various categories, complications and course; HLA-B27 antigen was found at follow-up in 25% of those tested. Two thirds now had mild to moderate disease, good sexual adjustment and "normal" educational achievement, employment history and lifestyle. One third had severe disease, often with progressive disability; this did not prevent sexual activity but caused some limitations, and the need for sexual counseling is emphasized. Ongoing activity of the disease process rather than severity of disability seemed the chief factor preventing a normal lifestyle.