Kindgren E, et al. - In a large birth cohort from the general population, an association of exposure to antibiotics early in life was observed with an increased risk for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). A dose dependent relationship was noted between the two. Results thereby support implementation of further, more restrictive, antibiotic policies during the first years of life.

• Data on infections and antibiotic exposure during pregnancy and childhood were retrieved in ABIS (All Babies in Southeast Sweden), a population-based prospective birth cohort of 17,055 children.

• There were 102 individuals with JIA.

• Children exposed to antibiotics during the first 8 years of life were noted to be at 78% higher risks of developing JIA compared with those not exposed.

• No significant association appeared between occurrence of infection during fetal life or childhood and the risk of developing JIA.