Pediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology: A Rapidly Developing Field

Dear Colleagues,

The area of pediatric and adolescent rheumatology is on the move. Pediatric rheumatology is closely linked to the field of immunology and the rheumatic diseases often referred to loosely as “autoimmune” conditions. It also includes autoinflammatory monogenic diseases and autoinflammatory multifactorial diseases with complex inheritance. In addition, pediatric rheumatology has important links to other clinical specialties including orthopedics, ophthalmology, rehabilitation medicine, nephrology, gastroenterology, cardiology, infectious disease, and dermatology. It is notable for its close working relationships with allied health professions including physical and occupational therapy, nursing, social services, and psychology.

Dramatic advances in our understanding of the nature of inflammation and the possibility of specifically regulating the aberrant immune inflammatory response are revolutionizing the treatment of rheumatic diseases of childhood. Our better understanding of the genetics of rheumatic diseases is pointing the way to therapeutic targeting at an even more fundamental level: the gene. Recognition of the autoinflammatory diseases and their genetic basis illuminates a heretofore obscure and confusing group of childhood disorders.

The present Special Issue aims to deepen and broaden the specificity of predictors across pediatric and adolescent rheumatology. We also highlight the need to ensure that research is integral to transitional care pathways.

Dr. Takako Miyamae
Guest Editor

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