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Environmental Factors in Pediatric Systemic Autoimmune Diseases

Lisa G. Rider, MD, & Frederick W. Miller, MD, PhD  |  Issue: March 2017  |  

Key Points

  • A role for environmental factors in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and other pediatric systemic autoimmune diseases is emerging.
  • Early life infections and antimicrobial use are risk factors for JIA.
  • Premature or post-term birth, fewer siblings in the family, air pollution, infection and ultraviolet light may be risk factors for JIA and other pediatric systemic autoimmune diseases, but further studies are needed.

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