The Division of Rheumatology at Children's Memorial Hospital provides
state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment for children who have problems
involving their musculoskeletal system. In addition to providing family
education, identifying support services and coordinating with home health to
facilitate treatment, members of the division are engaged in research that has
fostered new approaches to both diagnosis and treatment.
Division members are leaders in specific areas of pediatric rheumatic
disease, and together they serve as a national and international resource. Some
of the joint and muscle diseases that are autoimmune in nature are juvenile
rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM)
and systemic lupus erythematosus. Autoimmune diseases are those in which the
body mistakes good cells for foreign and attacks them.
The rheumatology division is well known for its significant research and
academic contributions. In fact, children throughout the nation and elsewhere
are referred to our division for evaluation and care. In addition to the special
programs for JDM and Lupus, there are also facilities for the care of children
with a variety of other pediatric rheumatic disorders.
Dr. Marisa Klein-Gitelman oversees the care of children with systemic lupus,
Dr. Lauren Pachman is internationally recongnized for her research and care of
children with JDM, Dr. Michael Miller has a special interest in juvenile
rheumatoid arthritis, and Dr. Charles Sisung has expertize in rehabilitation of
children with rheumatic diseases and pain syndroms. Within the team of
clinicians, at least one member is board certified in each of the following
subspecialties: pediatric dermatology, immunology/allergy, pediatric
rheumatology and pediatric physiatry.
Depending on the child's symptoms, the following care specialists are
available:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Nurse practitioners
- Social workers
- Laboratory technicians for the testing of vascular
disease