Rheumatology

Who we are

The Department of Rheumatology at Boston Children's Hospital cares for children and adolescents with a broad range of rheumatologic and inflammatory diseases-conditions involving joints, soft tissues and connective tissues. Our team can provide your child with state-of-the-art diagnosis, treatment and clinical management. And, when appropriate, we work with specialists at other hospitals to ensure that your child receives comprehensive and coordinated care through adulthood.

Home to one of the largest and most experienced rheumatology programs in the United States, our staff cares for more than 3,000 children in our outpatient clinic each year. More than 600 children are treated on an inpatient (hospitalized) basis each year.

Download our program fact sheet for key highlights.

Our patients

Children from throughout the United States and around the world are referred to Children's for expert consultation and second opinions concerning difficult or complex inflammatory conditions. In fact, Children's Rheumatology Program is a national referral center for Kawasaki disease, and is an internationally recognized center for the evaluation of unique or undiagnosed conditions.

Did you know?

When people hear "arthritis," older people immediately come to mind. But juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), an autoimmune disease, affects one out of every 500 children, making it among the most prevalent chronic childhood disease in the countrys. JRA's cause is not fully understood- children may be genetically susceptible or develop inflammation in their joints when they are exposed to certain infections or environmental triggers. Twenty percent of children outgrow JRA, but most will have to be followed by a specialist indefinitely.

Did you know?

Rheumatology Department, Childrens Hospital Boston At Children's Dermatology-Rheumatology Center, we provide one-stop care for children who need consultations for both cutaneous and rheumatologic conditions. Several arthritis-related diseases require treatment from both dermatologists and rheumatologists. This partnership allows our physicians to easily share information, leading to a better understanding of these diseases- and allows more efficient and ultimately better care for your child.

discover: Rheumatology

Collaborative center

To raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis of arthritis, our departments have teamed up to form Children's new Dermatology-Rheumatology Center.