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paediatrics rheumatology

CHAQ — Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire

Adaptation of HAQ for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (Singh 1994). 30 items across 8 domains; rates difficulty in past week (0 = without difficulty, 3 = unable). The disability index is the mean of the highest score per domain (0–3). This calculator returns the sum (0–24) — divide by 8 for disability index.

Score interpretation

Mild disability (CHAQ-DI <0.25) 0–2

→ Disease likely well-controlled. Continue current DMARD; review at 6 months.

Moderate disability (CHAQ-DI 0.25–1.0) 3–8

→ Optimise DMARD; consider biologic step-up per BSPAR. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, school adaptations.

Severe disability (CHAQ-DI 1.0–2.0) 9–16

→ Specialist paediatric rheumatology review. Switch biologic class (TNFα → IL-6 → JAKi). Multidisciplinary rehabilitation. Educational support and EHCP if school attendance affected.

Very severe disability (CHAQ-DI >2.0) 17–24

→ Inpatient rehabilitation; consider IV pulse methylprednisolone, intra-articular steroid injections, surgical synovectomy or joint replacement in adolescents. Psychology input for chronic illness adjustment.

Interpretation bands for the CHAQ. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

References

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.