Oligoarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Epidemiological, Clinical, Therapeutic and Outcome Profile of a Tunisian Cohort

Background Oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (oJIA) is the most frequent JIA subtype and is associated with a risk of chronic anterior uveitis and early disease extension. Data from North Africa remain limited. Methods We conducted a retrospective descriptive study including children diagnosed with oJIA and followed in a tertiary pediatric rheumatology center over 23 years. Results Eighty-two children were included. ANA positivity was observed in 71% of patients. Uveitis occurred in 24% and was strongly associated with ANA positivity. Disease extension occurred in 21% of cases, exclusively within the first two years. Methotrexate was required in 63% of patients and biologic therapy was administered to 8 patients. Conclusions The first two years represent a critical window for disease monitoring. Ocular involvement remains a major determinant of morbidity.