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Adult outcomes of childhood-onset rheumatic diseases

Nature Reviews Rheumatology volume 7, pages 290–295 (2011)Cite this article

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Abstract

A number of studies published over the past 10 years have examined the long-term health, functional and quality of life outcomes of adults with childhood-onset rheumatic diseases such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, juvenile dermatomyositis and localized scleroderma. As increasing numbers of patients with these conditions survive into adulthood, understanding the adult outcomes of these pediatric conditions has become ever-more important. Identifying modifiable risk factors for poor outcomes is vital to improving care for these patients. In addition, as these conditions and their treatments can affect cardiovascular health, bone health and fertility, particular attention needs to be paid to these outcomes. Preparing patients and their families for a successful transition from pediatric to adult rheumatology care is an important first-step in the long-term management strategy for this expanding patient population.

Key Points

  • Understanding the long-term morbidity and mortality of childhood-onset rheumatic diseases is critical to improving outcomes

  • Existing studies have demonstrated that patients with childhood-onset rheumatic diseases are at increased risk of early morbidity and disability

  • It is essential that pediatric patients with a chronic rheumatic disease have a seamless transition from pediatric to adult rheumatology care

  • Prospective, longitudinal studies are needed to better characterize the outcomes of childhood-onset rheumatic diseases

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Acknowledgements

Dr. Hersh's research on the adult outcomes of childhood-onset rheumatic disease is generously supported by the American College of Rheumatology Research and Education Foundation Rheumatology Investigator Award. C. P. Vega, University of California, Irvine, CA, is the author of and is solely responsible for the content of the learning objectives, questions and answers of the Medscape, LLC-accredited continuing medical education activity associated with this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, 84108, UT, USA

    Aimee Hersh

  2. Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, 533 Parnassus Avenue, Box 0107, San Francisco, 94143, CA, USA

    Emily von Scheven

  3. Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 3333 California Street, Laurel Heights 270, Box 0920, San Francisco, 94143, CA, USA

    Ed Yelin

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A. Hersh researched data for and wrote the article. All authors made substantial contributions to discussion of the content and to review/editing of the manuscript before submission.

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Correspondence to Aimee Hersh.

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The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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Hersh, A., von Scheven, E. & Yelin, E. Adult outcomes of childhood-onset rheumatic diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol 7, 290–295 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrrheum.2011.38

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