Pediatric rheumatologist - These are doctors specially trained to diagnose and treat autoimmune conditions in children that affect multiple organ systems such as muscles, joints, and connective tissues.
Autoimmune disease - Autoimmunity arises when the immune system — which protects against disease and infection — mistakenly thinks the body’s own tissues and organs are foreign. The body then forms antibodies to fight itself. The cause is largely unknown but both genetic and environmental triggers are known to play a role.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, JIA (previously known as Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, JRA). An umbrella term used to describe the many inflammatory conditions that can develop in children ages 16 and younger. It is characterized by arthritis that may present with morning stiffness and joint swelling.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - An autoimmune disease characterized by an overactive immune system that attacks healthy cells and tissues, damaging joints, skin, blood vessels and other organs.
Kawasaki disease - A form of vasculitis that can affect the lining of the mouth, skin, lymph nodes. It is characterized by high fevers lasting for at least five days. It is typically seen in children younger than five years of age. It is critical for these children to receive treatment immediately to avoid major complications such as damage to blood vessels in the heart.