Services Offered

Children with arthritis, lupus, or other rheumatic diseases are often difficult to diagnose and treat. They also may suffer from a wide range of troubling symptoms, including pain, growth problems, and disability, such as a limited ability to walk, write, and even learn. Our multidisciplinary team consists of pediatric rheumatology doctors, nurses, nutritionists, physical therapists, social workers, psychologists, and other specialists. We work together to collaborate on a long-term treatment plan customized for your child. We educate your child and family about the disease and treatment, and provide the support you need to manage your child's complex condition. We also work as advocates to recommend and obtain special services from your child's school to optimize his or her educational experience.

Medical Therapies

Doctors are using a number of new approaches to treat more complicated diseases, such as cytotoxic drugs for severe lupus nephritis and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Corticosteroids and new medications for the treatment of arthritis, called biologic agents, also can provide relief from troublesome symptoms. Such medicines can dramatically slow the progress of these diseases and help control a child's symptoms.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Customized physical therapy and rehabilitation are an important part of treatment for many patients. Our physical therapists work with your child to improve strength and endurance through range-of-motion exercises, pool therapy, and the use of low-impact exercise equipment. Our occupational therapists increase hand and fine motor skills by providing an exercise program, employing splinting techniques, and working with your child on activities such as writing, dressing, and other areas to increase your child's independence. In addition, your child is guided in a home exercise program to maximize his or her benefit from therapy.

Surgery

A variety of innovative procedures are available, including total joint replacements for young people with irreversible joint changes. Other procedures include joint injections with corticosteroids, soft tissue releases to improve joint range, and other techniques to improve joint mechanics and function.

Support for Children with Lupus

Our adolescent Lupus Support Group meets monthly at La Rabida Hospital. Led by a young adult with lupus, this forum provides the opportunity for young patients with lupus to meet others with similar challenges. Activities include an annual summer picnic and winter holiday party, participation in arthritis camp (often as counselors-in-training), and involvement in the Illinois Lupus Foundation annual fund-raising walk.

Convenient Locations

Extensive services are available for inpatients at the Comer Children's Hospital. Outpatient services are provided primarily at La Rabida Children's Hospital. Our pediatric rheumatology physicians also see patients in Glenview, IL, and Merrillville, IN.