Rheumatology

The Division of Rheumatology provides comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for children and adolescents with arthritis and a wide range of related disorders, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, vasculitic disorders, scleroderma, acute or chronic limp, joint swelling, unexplained joint and muscle symptoms, and Lyme disease.

Highly trained and experienced physicians and nurse practitioners with a special interest in rheumatic diseases work closely with the Infectious Diseases, Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Services, Ophthalmology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Hematology/Oncology, Nephrology, and Behavioral Health Divisions and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery to provide optimal care. The Rheumatology team makes every effort to involve patients, their families, and the primary care physician in the management of their condition.

Services Available:

• Evaluation, treatment, and management of pediatric rheumatic disorders
• Family counseling
• Patient education
• Nuclear imaging tests
• Computed tomography (CT)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Arthroscopy
• Support from Immunology, Infectious Diseases, Ophthalmology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Hematology/Oncology, Nephrology, and Behavioral Health Divisions and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery

Typical Diagnoses/Problems:

• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA)
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Lyme disease
• Scleroderma
• Benign hypermobility syndrome
• Spondyloarthropathies
• Dermatomyositis
• Henoch Schoenlein purpura (HSP)
• Rheumatic fever
• Vasculitis
• Sarcoidosis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Kawasaki syndrome
• Acute or chronic limp
• Joint swelling
• Reactive arthritis following bacterial, viral, or fungal infection
• Reflex neurovascular dystrophy
• Pain amplification syndromes
• Fever of unknown origin
• Arthritis/joint pain associated with cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, orthopedic disorders, neoplastic disorders, immune deficiencies, and genetic disorders

Additional Resources:

The Rheumatology Division provides patients and families with a variety of educational literature, instruction, and counseling, and refers patients and families to outside information sources such as:

• Arthritis Foundation
  National Office
  1330 West Peachtree Street
  Atlanta, GA 30309
  (404) 872-7100
  (800) 283-7800
  http://www.arthritis.org