We care for children with conditions such as:

• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
• Childhood-onset Lupus (SLE)
• Vasculitis
• Autoinflammatory diseases (recurrent fevers, unexplained inflammation)
• Myositis
• Scleroderma
• Uveitis related to rheumatologic diseases
• Bone and connective tissue disorders

You should consider a referral if your child has:

• Joint pain or swelling lasting more than 2–3 weeks
• Morning stiffness or difficulty walking
• Recurrent or unexplained fevers
• Persistent rashes, mouth ulcers, or fatigue
• Unexplained inflammation in blood tests
• Suspected autoimmune or immune-related disease

Early evaluation helps prevent complications and long-term damage.

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatologic disease in children. It causes joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement, often worse in the morning. Some children may also have eye inflammation (uveitis).

How do we treat JIA?

Treatment aims to control inflammation, relieve pain, and protect joints. This may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Disease-modifying medicines (DMARDs)
• Biologic therapies when needed
• Physical activity and physiotherapy

Many children with JIA achieve remission with timely treatment.

Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness and characteristic skin rashes. Children may have difficulty climbing stairs, getting up from the floor, or lifting objects.

How do we treat JDM?

Treatment focuses on reducing muscle inflammation and preventing complications:

• Corticosteroids (used carefully)
• Immunosuppressive and steroid-sparing medicines
• Biologic therapy in selected cases
• Physiotherapy and skin care

Early treatment leads to excellent recovery in most children.

Childhood-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, and other organs. Symptoms may include fatigue, joint pain, rashes, mouth ulcers, or unexplained fevers.

How do we treat childhood-onset SLE?

Treatment is individualized based on organ involvement and disease severity and may include:

• Anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating medicines
• Corticosteroids (used cautiously)
• Immunosuppressive or biologic therapies
• Regular monitoring of organs

With expert care, most children with SLE can lead active and fulfilling lives.

Not always.
Some children go into long-term remission, while others may need ongoing follow-up. With modern treatments, many children live normal, active lives with good disease control.

No.
Rheumatologic diseases do not spread from person to person. They are related to how the immune system functions, not to infections.

The cause is usually a combination of:

• Genetic tendency
• Immune system imbalance
• Environmental triggers

These diseases are not caused by parenting style, diet, or minor infections.

Diagnosis is based on:

• Detailed medical history and physical examination
• Blood tests to assess inflammation and immune markers
• Imaging such as ultrasound or MRI when needed
• Careful monitoring over time

There is no single test, and diagnosis often requires expert clinical judgment.

Treatment duration depends on the condition and disease activity.

Some children need medications for a limited period, while others require longer-term therapy to keep inflammation under control. Treatment is reviewed regularly and adjusted as needed.

Steroids can be very effective and sometimes lifesaving in severe rheumatologic diseases.

We focus on:

• Using the lowest effective dose
• Careful tapering
• Steroid-sparing medications whenever possible
• Protecting growth, bones, and overall health

Biologic medicines are targeted therapies that act on specific parts of the immune system. They are widely used across the world and have significantly improved outcomes for children with rheumatologic diseases. Regular monitoring ensures safety.

Poorly controlled inflammation affects growth more than most treatments.

With good disease control and close follow-up, most children grow and develop normally.

Yes, in most cases.

Children with rheumatologic diseases are encouraged to:

• Attend school regularly
• Participate in physical activities suited to their condition
• Maintain social and emotional wellbeing

Activity plans are individualized.

Yes, but vaccination schedules may need individual planning, especially for children on immunosuppressive medications. We guide families to ensure maximum protection with safety.

There is no specific diet that cures rheumatologic diseases.

However:

• A healthy, balanced diet supports overall wellbeing
• Supplements may be advised when needed
• Extreme or unproven diets are discouraged

Always discuss dietary changes with your doctor.

Follow-up depends on disease activity and treatment. Regular visits help:

• Monitor disease control
• Adjust medications
• Detect side effects early

As the disease stabilizes, visits may become less frequent.

Some children eventually transition to adult care, while others achieve long-lasting remission. The goal is always healthy independence and long-term wellbeing.

With early diagnosis and modern therapies:

• Most children lead full, productive lives
• Severe disability is now uncommon
• Long-term outcomes are far better than in the past

Early, expert care makes a significant difference.