Objective: To determine the population incidence of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) in Quebec.
Methods: We obtained data from Quebec's physician claims database. Incident cases were defined as having a visit for JRA in 2000, no visit in the previous 3 years, a confirmed diagnosis by an arthritis specialist, or having >/= 2 visits to any physician for JRA, >/= 2 months apart but within 2 years.
Results: Cumulative incidence of JRA was 17.8/100,000. Mean age at diagnosis was 9.8 +/- 4.6 years, 68% were female and more persons were diagnosed in winter. Subjects had a median of 10 medical visits over the first year.
Conclusion: Our population based incidence estimate was similar to others. Children and adolescents with JRA are heavy users of medical care. Additional study of environmental or climate- related triggers may be warranted.