Paediatric rheumatology & Immunology is a speciality branch of Paediatrics that deals with diseases of the immune system which may affect the joints, skin, eyes and/or any other organ system in the body.
Due to genetic or environmental factors or both, the immune system in a child may either not function optimally (immunodeficiency) or may go into overdrive and attack the child’s own tissues and organs (auto-immunity). These children may present with fever, rashes, joint pains, joint swelling, and symptoms due to inflammation in the eyes, kidneys, liver, brain, heart or lungs.
Children with Primary Immunodeficiencies (PID) may give a history of repeated infections and not growing well or present as seriously ill children to the ICU. Whereas conditions like Kawasaki disease are acute and have excellent outcomes if diagnosed and treated in time, many others such as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (a type of arthritis that starts in childhood) or Systemic lupus erythematosus (an auto-immune disease) maybe chronic (long-standing).
Some of the symptoms and signs in a child that mandate referral to a Paediatric Rheumatologist are listed below:
- Prolonged fever or repeated fevers
- New onset or recurrent skin rash
- Joint pains and/or joint swelling or deformities
- Limb pains, limping or change in gait
- Muscle weakness or decrease in activities
- High blood pressure in a child (Hypertension)
- Inflammation in eyes (uveitis)
- Any condition that may cause multi-system involvement and serious illness (more than one organ system is affected)
- Repeated infections needing hospitalisation
- Abnormalities in blood tests indicating inflammation etc
They need early diagnosis and prompt treatment by a multi-disciplinary team of doctors including Paediatric Rheumatologist & Immunologist, Intensive care specialists, Cardiologist, Neurologist, Ophthalmologist, Physiotherapist etc. The Paediatric rheumatologist usually plays the role of the anchorperson who coordinates with all other specialists, plans the treatment and continues to follow up with the child. With the right medications and regular follow-up, it is indeed possible to achieve good disease control, prevent joint deformities and other complications even in chronic diseases and ensure that the child has as normal a quality of life as his peers.
Treatment options are individualised and include Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), oral and injectable steroids, joint injections (intra-articular steroids), Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), Biologics, Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) infusion and even Bone marrow or Haematopoietic stem cell transplant for PIDs.
This is a relatively new speciality of Paediatrics but recent advances in diagnosis and treatment of these conditions have led to vastly improved outcomes, ensuring patient, parent and physician satisfaction.
FAQs
Want to find out more about the treatment? The answer to your questions can be found below.
What does a Paediatric Rheumatologist & Immunologist do?
A paediatric rheumatologist and immunologist specialises in diagnosing and managing autoimmune and inflammatory illnesses in children, including juvenile arthritis and lupus. They treat illnesses when the immune system attacks the body's own tissues, leading to discomfort, oedema, and maybe even organ damage.
What questions should you ask a Paediatric Rheumatologist & Immunologist?
Inquire about the prognosis, available treatments, possible adverse effects, anticipated results, and long-term care strategies. Find out about the frequency of check-ups, the importance of exercise and diet, and any lifestyle adjustments required to complement therapy.
What are the most common types of conditions that Paediatric rheumatologists & immunologists treat?
In addition to lupus, dermatomyositis, scleroderma, vasculitis, and periodic fever syndromes, paediatric rheumatologists and immunologists in Whitefield at Aster Bangalore frequently treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis. These conditions—which entail immune system dysregulation and persistent inflammation—require specialised care to control symptoms and avoid consequences.
When should I consider seeing a Paediatric Rheumatologist & Immunologist?
If your kid is experiencing repeated fevers, unexplained rashes, stiffness, swelling, or other signs of inflammatory or autoimmune disease, consider taking them to visit a paediatric rheumatologist and immunologist in Whitefield at Aster Bangalore. Prompt referrals aid in prompt diagnosis and treatment, averting chronic issues.
What is the role of a Paediatric Rheumatologist & Immunologist in a patient's treatment journey?
To enhance the child's quality of life, paediatric rheumatologists and immunologists are responsible for diagnosing the ailment, creating and implementing treatment programmes, controlling symptoms, and offering long-term care. They collaborate closely with other medical professionals to guarantee thorough and well-coordinated care.
How does a Paediatric Rheumatologist & Immunologist decide on a treatment plan?
A paediatric rheumatologist and immunologist in Whitefield at Aster Bangalore determines a treatment plan based on the child's individual diagnosis, symptoms, and general health. This plan includes a comprehensive clinical assessment, laboratory analyses, imaging examinations, and, occasionally, genetic testing.
What advancements or technologies are utilised by Paediatric rheumatologists & Immunologists?
Paediatric rheumatologist & immunologists use proteomics—targeting certain immune system components—and sophisticated imaging methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography, which enable accurate diagnosis—are examples of advancements. Testing for biomarkers and genetic variations also helps forecast a disease's course and customise treatment regimens.
What documents to carry on my first visit to a Paediatric Rheumatologist & Immunologist?
A thorough medical history, blood test results, imaging reports, a list of your current medicines, and past medical documents should all be included. To give a thorough account, make a record of the symptoms, inquiries, and pertinent family medical history.
How should I prepare for my first visit to Paediatric Rheumatologist & Immunologist?
Record the onset, duration, and any trends of your child's symptoms to ensure you are ready. Enumerate all prescribed drugs and past medical interventions. Make sure you have all the relevant medical data and bring questions on the prognosis, available treatments, and the recommended course of therapy.
