Paediatric rheumatology--a global perspective

Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2006 Apr;20(2):201-21. doi: 10.1016/j.berh.2005.11.007.

Abstract

This chapter aims to give a global perspective to paediatric rheumatology. The main points covered are the incidence, recognition of paediatric autoimmune diseases, and ethnic/geographic distribution. The most prevalent disease is juvenile idiopathic arthritis; robust data are still required for childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, and scleroderma. Mimicking or overlapping infections are a major challenge in developing countries, and immunization policies in our patients in these areas need specific attention. The delivery of paediatric rheumatology care is also overviewed. Discrepancies in health-care resources and priorities are found in developing countries. Although most anti-rheumatic treatments are available worldwide, they are prohibitively expensive in many countries. For more traditional anti-rheumatic drugs there is still an ongoing need for good core outcome data across the world to ensure valid comparisons. Parent/patient education has been implemented worldwide in paediatric rheumatology through the power of the Internet. Physician and undergraduate training goals must be met to facilitate competent musculoskeletal assessment, a proper understanding of age-dependent variations, diagnosis, referral to specialists, and improved standards of care.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis, Juvenile / diagnosis*
  • Arthritis, Juvenile / epidemiology
  • Arthritis, Juvenile / therapy*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Education, Medical, Graduate
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Global Health*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Physical Examination / methods
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology
  • Rheumatology / education
  • Rheumatology / standards*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents