Multi-disciplinary care in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

Juvenile onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body including skin, joints and organs and can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Multi-disciplinary care of children and young people with JSLE is essential, in close partnership with schools. Aggressive treatment prescribed and monitored by a specialist team (usually a paediatric rheumatology team) is key to treating this difficult and life-threatening condition. There may be times when a child needs to be reviewed by other specialist teams including nephrology, neurology, haematology and cardiology. The school nurse is one of the key partners in supporting these children and families in the school environment.