Critical care of the pediatric patient with rheumatic disease

Andrew I. Shulman, Marilynn Punaro

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of review: Extensive systemic illness and treatment with immunosuppressive agents often require patients with rheumatic diseases to be monitored or managed in the pediatric intensive care unit. Additionally, severe disease-specific manifestations of childhood rheumatic disorders present pediatric rheumatologists and critical care physicians with diagnostic and treatment challenges. Although mortality from rheumatic disease in children is rare, the most severe diseases, such as pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus and juvenile dermatomyositis, remain life-threatening. Recent findings: Advances in therapy have reduced the incidence of severe complications of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and have expanded treatment options. However, patients with active underlying rheumatic disease and secondary infection who are being treated with immunosuppressive agents are most at risk for poor outcomes. Summary: Here we discuss the complications of childhood rheumatic conditions that necessitate critical intervention. We discuss how improved understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of disease pathogenesis holds the promise of more targeted therapy without the adverse effects of global immunosuppression.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)263-268
Number of pages6
JournalCurrent opinion in pediatrics
Volume23
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2011

Keywords

  • complications of pediatric rheumatic disease
  • critical care
  • intensive care unit
  • pediatric rheumatology

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Critical care of the pediatric patient with rheumatic disease'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this