Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) affects 1 to 2 in every 1,000 children and causes painful joint inflammation that severely limits their daily lives. In addition to the physical impact of the disease, the social and psychological effects on the child and their family must not be overlooked.
Current treatments are intensive: injections, immunosuppressive medication, and rigorous physical therapy. Moreover, it remains difficult to predict when the disease will flare up or which therapy will work best for each child. Due to the various forms of juvenile arthritis, a better understanding of the biological differences is crucial for improved diagnosis and optimal treatment.
Through a network of Antwerp hospitals (UZA and ZAS), and in collaboration with UZBrussel and UZGent, we collect joint fluid from children and adults with arthritis. Our research aims to unravel the biological processes behind the disease through advanced analysis of this joint fluid. We combine cellular research with AI and bioinformatics to better understand how inflammation arises, what role infections play, and how juvenile arthritis can be distinguished from similar conditions such as Lyme disease.
With this knowledge, we aim to refine diagnosis and personalize treatment — so that children can regain their freedom and quality of life.