Paediatric Rheumatology
Paediatric Rheumatology - Ensuring Arthritis Care in children
Paediatric Rheumatology service at LNH is a medical specialty clinic for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions affecting children. It aims at diagnosing and treating several rheumatologic challenges, including Juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children and other complex conditions. With the latest technology, our skilled team of professionals provide comprehensive solutions and arthritis care for children needing help.
Common Symptoms of Rheumatic Diseases in Children
- Persistent joint pain, swelling, or stiffness
- Limping or difficulty using limbs
- Fatigue
- Fever without infection
- Skin rashes
- Muscle weakness
- Eye inflammation
- Growth delays
Our Diagnostic Procedures
- Detailed medical history and physical examination
- Blood tests (e.g., ANA, ESR, CRP)
- Imaging (X-rays, Ultrasound, MRI)
- Biopsy or genetic testing
Conditions Paediatric Rheumatologists Treat
- Septic Arthritis in children
- Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE)
- Juvenile Dermatomyositis
- Periodic Fever Syndromes (e.g., PFAPA, FMF)
- Scleroderma
- Uveitis (when related to rheumatic disease)
- Vitamin D insufficiency/Rickets
- Septic Arthritis in children's prognosis
Juvenile Arthritis & Related Disorders
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis / Juvenile Spondyloarthritis
- Arthritis with IBD
- Reactive Arthritis / Post-infectious arthropathy
Systemic Autoimmune Disorders
- Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD)
- Sjogren’s Syndrome
- Antiphospholipid Syndrome
- Sarcoidosis
- Behcet’s Disease
- Relapsing Polychondritis
- Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS)
Vasculitis Disorders
- Takayasu’s Arteritis
- Henoch-Schönlein Purpura
- Kawasaki Disease
- Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Wegener’s)
- Microscopic Polyangiitis
- Churg-Strauss (Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis)
- Polyarteritis Nodosa
- CNS Vasculitis
Treatment for Rheumatologic Conditions and Arthritis Care
- Medications (NSAIDs, steroids, DMARDs, biologics)
- Physical and Occupational Therapy (OT)
- Regular monitoring of growth, development, and disease activity
- Support from Psychology, Ophthalmology, and other specialties, if needed
- Lifestyle adjustments, such as healthy snacks for arthritis in children
Although some rheumatic conditions are chronic, but proper arthritis care helps children lead active and fulfilling lives, such as participating in physical activities. Some children may need additional support depending on their conditions.
Specialized Arthritis Care for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
JIA is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes persistent joint inflammation in children under 16 years of age. Common symptoms are joint swelling, pain, and stiffness. Our experts diagnose JIA through clinical evaluation, medical history, physical examination, and specific blood tests. Additionally, imaging techniques like X-rays or MRIs are also used to rule out other conditions.
Education and Training
Liaquat National Hospital has the honor to be the first and only training program accredited with the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan for fellowship in Rheumatology in Sindh Province. Regular classes are held for Medical Residents, House Officers and Rheumatology Fellows. We also arrange workshops and public awareness programs and CME programs on different rheumatic diseases throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paediatric Rheumatologist assesses the risks and benefits of any medication before recommending any medicine or treatment.
Yes, with early diagnosis and with complete arthritis care, many children with JIA can lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
The frequency of follow-up visits may vary from monthly to every few months, depending on the severity of the disease and treatment plan.
This means that your child may need a change in treatment. Especially in cases of fever, new joint swelling, or eye symptoms. Please contact your Paediatric Rheumatologist immediately.
Arthritis care for JIA includes a combination of medications, physical therapy and regular exercise. Sometimes, surgery also helps reduce symptoms and prevent joint damage.
Some children can recover early, while some might need long-term treatment to manage their symptoms.
Consult a Pediatric Rheumatologist for assessment and early management. JIA is not curable at the moment. However, arthritis care can control symptoms for a better quality of life.
No, despite the fact that both are joint inflammatory conditions, JIA specifically occurs in children and is different from adult arthritis.
You can help your child with painkillers or relaxing therapies as per the consultant’s advice. It’s important to reassure your child that this discomfort is temporary and part of the healing process.
JIA can appear at any age in children under 16 years of age, with some children showing symptoms as early as 1 to 2 years old.
Our Expert Doctor
Contact Information
For appointment and details, please call us on the given numbers between 8 am to 8 pm from Monday to Saturday:
OPD Office: 021-34413010, 021-34413011, 021-34413012, 021-34413036 and 021-34412576
Rheumatology OPD: 021-34413047
WhatsApp Chatbot: 021-111-456-456 or download our mobile app LNH Care.
