The Link Between Pediatric and Adult Rheumatology Care

The number of pediatric rheumatologists is small, with only about 300 in the U.S. currently. Because of this, many adult rheumatologists are accepting pediatric patients in their practice. This causes a notable differences in degree of aggressive treatment and prescribing patterns, according to a report by Healio Rheumatology.  

Bridging the treatment gap between pediatric, adult #rheumatology care https://t.co/4EqhjX0Rmy #Pediatrics pic.twitter.com/FaXx8jSfBX

— Healio Rheumatology (@HealioRheum) August 22, 2018

Another issue is that many pediatric rheumatology diseases are not common. According to the report, juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common and is estimated to affect about 300,00 children in the U.S. Lupus, on the other hand, affects about 30,000, where dermatomyositis around 3,000, systemic vasculitis around 300, and chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis – only 100. The report said that according to the FDA criteria, among these rheumatic diseases, only JIA would not qualify for a rare or orphan disease status. 

Dr. Karen Onel @HSpecialSurgery discusses the differences between adult and pediatric #rheumatologists when treating children with #rheumatic diseases https://t.co/v8sYuBB6sW pic.twitter.com/3SrQHynk7H

— Healio Rheumatology (@HealioRheum) August 23, 2018

Because of the rarity of pediatric rheumatology diseases, children who are treated by adult rheumatologists who do not specialize in pediatrics may not receive the same level of appropriate care as those treated by pediatric rheumatologists.  

Check out an article on the British Society of Rheumatology’s updated anti-TNF agent guidelines. 

SOURCE: Healio Rheumatology