Pediatric Rheumatology

SAN DIEGO — The recent approvals of belimumab, golimumab, tofacitinib, secukinumab and ustekinumab in children with rheumatic diseases, all within the past 4 years, have changed the landscape in pediatric rheumatology, noted a speaker here.

The overwhelming majority of rheumatology practices have no formal policy for transitioning pediatric patients to adult care, according to a presenter at the 2023 AWIR annual conference.

Leonard Calabrese, DO, chief medical editor of Healio Rheumatology, offered a breakdown of the June issue, which is led by a cover story on pediatric rheumatology workforce shortage concerns.

The field of pediatric rheumatology is at a crossroads.

Approximately 30% of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis develop temporomandibular joint involvement before transitioning to adult care, according to data published in Arthritis & Rheumatology.

Just 62.8% of available pediatric rheumatology program slots were filled for the 2023 appointment year as part of the National Residents Matching Program, according to the American College of Rheumatology.

Peer-reviewed papers on pediatric antiphospholipid syndrome do not appear very often.

Children with chronic pain or rheumatic disease who experience adverse childhood events may be at a greater risk for worse symptoms and “functional disability,” according to data published in Pediatric Rheumatology.

Growth impairment was reported in 23.6% of children with systemic lupus erythematosus, with corticosteroid duration and exposure prior to late puberty identified as key risk factors, according to data published in Pediatric Rheumatology.

According to data released by the National Resident Matching Program, less than 70% of pediatric rheumatology fellowship programs were filled for the 2022 appointment year.