Health inequities in the rheumatic diseases of childhood

Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2022 Sep 1;34(5):262-266. doi: 10.1097/BOR.0000000000000893. Epub 2022 Jul 5.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To describe differences in disease manifestations and outcomes in pediatric rheumatic diseases as they occur in non-European-descended populations in North America.

Recent findings: Differences in disease prevalence, clinical phenotypes, disease course, and outcomes have been described across the spectrum of pediatric-onset rheumatic diseases. Although these differences are commonly explained by differences in genetic risk or access to tertiary healthcare facilities, our emerging understanding of the immunobiology of historical/ongoing trauma suggest a more complex explanation for these observed differences.

Summary: Health inequities as observed in pediatric rheumatic diseases are likely to emerge from a complex interplay between social and biological factors. The important contribution of historical and repetitive trauma deserves further exploration.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Disease Progression
  • Health Inequities*
  • Humans
  • North America / epidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • Rheumatic Diseases* / epidemiology
  • Rheumatic Diseases* / etiology