Update of evidence- and consensus-based guidelines for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) by the German Society of Pediatric and Juvenile Rheumatic Diseases (GKJR): New perspectives on interdisciplinary care

Background: New therapeutic strategies for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) have evolved within the past ten years, and as a result, an update of the 2011 recommendations of the German management guidelines was initiated.Methods: A systemic literature review was performed, overarching principles were proposed and pre-selected via an online survey followed by two multidisciplinary consensus conferences. Pharmacological and non -pharmacological treatments were discussed, statements were proposed and ultimately agreed upon by nomi-nal group technique (NGT).Results: 12 overarching therapeutic principles, as well as 9 recommendations on pharmacological and 5 on non -pharmacological treatments for JIA were agreed upon.Conclusion: This report summarizes the recent update of the interdisciplinary, consensus-based German guide-lines on the management of JIA. The multi-and interdisciplinary participation of all caregivers was central for this patient-focused update. With these guidelines, physicians can choose an evidence-based approach, which allows better tailored treatment in this vulnerable cohort of children and adolescents.