Pediatric Rheumatology

Our department deals with rheumatological diseases of childhood. Rheumatic diseases in childhood can be evaluated in two main groups:

Genetic diseases: The largest group of genetic diseases is autoinflammatory diseases. The most well-known of these and the most common in our country is familial Mediterranean fever.

Acquired diseases: There is information that genetic characteristics are effective in these diseases as well as environmental effects. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common acquired disease in childhood. This disease is also defined as the third most common chronic disease in childhood.

What is Pediatric Rheumatology?

Pediatric Rheumatology is a branch of medicine that covers the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases seen in children under the age of 16. These diseases usually occur as a result of the malfunctioning of the immune system and can affect the joints, muscles, skin and internal organs.

What diseases are treated in the Pediatric Rheumatology Department?

The Pediatric Rheumatology department deals with the diagnosis and treatment of various rheumatic and immune system diseases seen in children. These diseases usually affect the joints, muscles, connective tissue and sometimes internal organs. The main diseases treated in the pediatric rheumatology department are:

• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): The most common chronic rheumatic disease in children. It causes joint inflammation and swelling, pain and stiffness in the joint. There are several subtypes, each requiring different treatment methods.
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): A systemic disease in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. Skin rashes, joint pain, kidney problems and other organ involvement may occur.
• Vasculitis: This disease, characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels, can cause damage to any organ where the vessels are located. There are several types and the treatment method varies depending on the type of disease.
• Dermatomyositis: This disease, which manifests itself with muscle weakness and skin rashes, is another important rheumatic disease seen in children. Muscle inflammation and skin lesions are its most prominent features.
• Scleroderma: A disease characterized by hardening and thickening of the skin and sometimes internal organs. It can have localized or systemic forms and treatment methods vary according to these forms.
• Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP): A type of vasculitis characterized by inflammation of small blood vessels. Skin rashes, joint pain, abdominal pain and kidney involvement are usually seen.
• Reactive Arthritis: It is a joint inflammation that usually occurs after an infection. It develops due to infection and manifests itself with symptoms such as joint pain, swelling and fever.
• Kawasaki Disease: It is a disease characterized by inflammation of medium-sized arteries. It is usually seen in children under the age of 5 and presents with symptoms such as high fever, skin rashes, and swollen lymph nodes.

The treatment of these diseases is planned individually by pediatric rheumatologists. Treatment plans usually include medication, physical therapy, and surgical interventions when necessary. In addition, nutrition, psychological support, and regular follow-up are important in disease management. If you see signs of a rheumatic disease in your child, consulting a pediatric rheumatologist is vital for early diagnosis and effective treatment.

What Does a Pediatric Rheumatologist Do?

Pediatric rheumatologists diagnose and treat rheumatic diseases in children. During this process, they examine patients' medical history, perform physical examinations, and request the necessary laboratory tests to make the correct diagnosis. Specialists plan drug therapy, physical therapy, and surgical interventions when necessary for the management of the disease.

How Do I Know If My Child Has Rheumatic Disease?

Recognizing the signs that suggest your child may have a rheumatic disease is important for early diagnosis and treatment. Rheumatic diseases can present in children in a variety of ways, and some of the symptoms include:

• Long-lasting joint pain and swelling: If your child has long-lasting pain and swelling in their joints, this could be a sign of rheumatic disease. Swelling and pain are common, especially in large joints such as knees, elbows, wrists and ankles.
• Morning Stiffness: If your child feels limited movement or stiffness in their joints when they wake up in the morning, this is a typical symptom of rheumatic diseases. Morning stiffness can usually last a few hours and improve later in the day.
• Fever of Unknown Origin: Recurrent or persistent high fever may be a sign of rheumatic diseases. Especially fevers that occur without other fever symptoms are a situation that should be paid attention to.
• Skin Rashes: Rheumatic diseases can cause rashes on the skin. These rashes usually appear in joint areas or other parts of the body and can be a symptom of the disease.
• Muscle Weakness and Fatigue: If your child has general muscle weakness and constant tiredness, this may be a sign of rheumatic disease. Children may feel extremely tired even when doing their normal activities.
• Limited Movement: If your child has difficulty performing certain movements or avoids certain movements, this may indicate joint or muscle problems. This may be a symptom of rheumatic diseases.

If your child has one or more of the symptoms listed above, it is important to see a pediatric rheumatologist. Early diagnosis can make a big difference in the treatment process and significantly improve your child's quality of life. A specialist doctor will perform the necessary tests, make a correct diagnosis, and determine the appropriate treatment methods.

How Does a Pediatric Rheumatologist Examine My Child?

The pediatric rheumatologist begins by taking a detailed medical history of your child. Then, he or she performs a physical exam and examines your child's joints, muscles, and other areas of concern. If necessary, he or she may order blood tests, X-rays, or imaging studies such as MRIs. Based on the results of these tests, he or she will create the most appropriate treatment plan and provide information to the family.

Pediatric Rheumatology is a field that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases that significantly affect the quality of life of children. Early diagnosis and correct treatment are critical for children to live a healthy life. If you notice symptoms in your child, do not hesitate to consult a pediatric rheumatologist.