The rheumatology division of Advocate Hope Children's Hospital provides multi-system evaluations, diagnosis and treatment services for children with arthritis problems. These include dermatomyositis, scleroderma, chronic pain syndromes, sarwid, mixed connective tissue disease, vasculitis, rheumatic fever and Henoch Schoenlein Purpura.

Treatments are tailored to the individual patient and include medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy and psychosocial support, as well as evaluation and monitoring of the effects on growth caused by the condition or medications. The pediatric rheumatologist coordinates services with pediatric orthopedists and pediatric ophthalmologists to address problems caused by arthritis or medication use and facilitates multi-specialty evaluations, as needed.

Our board-certified pediatric rheumatologists are also involved in research in such areas as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and lupus (SLE), and have been nationally recognized for their accomplishments. Common referrals include joint pain, joint swelling, positive ANA, other abnormal lab tests - elevated sed. rate, lyme test, a limping child, severe Diffuse pain syndromes and fever of unknown origin.