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What Is Pediatric Rheumatology?

Pediatric rheumatology is the diagnosis and treatment of children with rheumatic diseases. Pediatric rheumatologists attend medical school, but also receive a substantial amount of further training related specifically the childhood rheumatology. Children with rheumatic diseases typically fair better when treated by a pediatric rheumatologist.

  1. Function

    • Pediatric rheumatologists specialize in treating children with rheumatic diseases, such as arthritis, autoimmune diseases, spondylitis, lupus, antiphospholid syndrome, Sjogren's disease, dermatomyositis, vasculitis, sarcoidosis, scleroderma, lyme disease, osteomyelitis, fibromyalgia, mixed connective tissue disease and osteoporosis. A pediatric rheumatologist may also be able to help with symptoms, such as anemia, rashes, recurrent fevers, weakness, fatigue, anorexia and growing pains.

    Time Frame

    • A pediatric rheumatologist must complete a medical degree along with two to three additional years of training in order to become board-certified pediatric rheumatologist. Specialized training focuses on the identification and treatment of rheumatic diseases in children.

    Significance

    • According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 300,000 children in the U.S. suffer from some type of rheumatic disease. In severe cases, these diseases can be life-threatening. Specialized care from a pediatric rheumatologist provides the best possible outcome for these children. Unfortunately, a shortage of pediatric rheumatologists exists in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 13 states do not have a single pediatric rheumatologist in their state.

    Considerations

    • When possible, caregivers should take children with diagnosed rheumatic diseases or symptoms of a rheumatic disease to see a pediatric rheumatologist. However, when a pediatric rheumatologist cannot be located, an adult rheumatologist can be consulted.

    Location

    • To find a pediatric rheumatologist, caregivers can visit the American College of Rheumatology website. Go to the directory and then the Geographic Membership Directory. Once on the search page, choose your state and then click the filter box that says "Pediatric." If no pediatric rheumatologists exist in the specified state, search in neighboring states as well.

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