What is a Pediatric Rheumatologist?

​By: Timothy Hahn, MD, FAAP​​

A pediatric rheumatologist is a doctor who has specialized training to diagnose and treat autoimmune conditions that affect children.

Some of the most common reasons your child may be referred to a pediatric rheumatologist are joint swelling and stiffness, persistent unexplained fevers, rashes, weakness, and chronic inflammation.

What kind of training do pediatric rheumatologists have?

Pediatric rheumatologists are medical doctors who have had

• At least 4 years of medical school

• Three additional years of general pediatric residency training

• Three years of fellowship training focusing on child and adolescent conditions and illnesses that affect the joints, muscles, bones, or other connective tissues throughout the body

• Board certification by the American Board of Pediatrics in pediatrics and pediatric rheumatology

What conditions do pediatric rheumatologists treat?

A pediatric rheumatologist works with a pediatrician or family physician to evaluate and treat a variety of disorders, including:

• Acute joint inflammation (arthritis)

• Chronic arthritis including juvenile idiopathic arthritis

• Lupus and related conditions including Sjogren syndrome, scleroderma, and mixed connective tissue disease

• Dermatomyositis and other forms of muscle inflammation

• Vasculitis, which involves inflammation of the blood vessels. This includes Kawasaki disease, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, and Behcets disease

• Autoinflammatory syndromes including PFAPA (Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, Adenitis) and other periodic fever syndromes

• Chronic uveitis (eye inflammation)

What should I expect when I see a pediatric rheumatologist?

During your first visit your pediatric rheumatologist will get a thorough history of your child's symptoms, along with your family history. The doctor also will review recent labs and images, and perform a complete physical exam. In some situations, a diagnosis cannot be made at the first appointment and will require several follow up visits. In addition to the history and exam, a pediatric rheumatologist may recommend some of the following tests during the evaluation:

• Imaging studies (X-ray, MRI, Ultrasound)

• Laboratory studies (including blood and urine tests)

• Respiratory function tests

• Skin or muscle biopsy

• Nerve conduction studies, which test electrical activity in nerves

• Joint aspiration, which removes fluid from around joints such as the knee

Pediatric rheumatologists may work with other subspecialists (such as pediatric ophthalmologists, orthopedists, dermatologists, or nephrologists), or rehabilitation professionals (such as physical, occupational, or expressive therapists), as well as social workers, psychologists, nutritionists, and orthotists.

Where can I find a pediatric rheumatologist?

Pediatric rheumatologists practice in a variety of medical settings including children's hospitals, university medical centers, and large community hospitals.

Pediatric rheumatologists care for the unique needs of children

Children are not just small adults. Their bodies are growing and have unique medical needs. They usually express their concerns differently than adults. They cannot always answer medical questions and are not always able to be patient and cooperative. Pediatric rheumatologists know how to examine a child and understand how to gain the child's confidence and cooperation to the best of the child's developmental abilities.

If your pediatrician suggests that your child see a pediatric rheumatologist, you can be assured that your child will receive the best possible care.

To find a pediatrician or pediatric specialist in your area, click here.