Advances in pediatric rheumatology paving the way to better care

Advances in pediatric rheumatologic disease have paved the way to better outcomes for children. Anchoring an improved standard of care is the patient care team, including the primary care physician, pediatric rheumatologist and associated rheumatology health care personnel, and patient and family. Improved medications have expanded the treatment arsenal to include disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and biologic agents. The medical regimen can be bolstered with a program of healthy diet and exercise that focuses on such low-impact activities as swimming, stretching, and bicycling. The patient and family can work together to ensure that the child complies with the prescribed treatment and also takes care to get adequate, restful sleep; manage stress; and protect bone. (J Musculoskel Med. 2008;25:505-512)