title: Experience with a juvenile rheumatology clinic.
abstract: A dedicated monthly clinic for children with rheumatic diseases was established in order to cater for the increasing number of referrals to a rheumatology department for assessment and management. The clinic was staffed by a consultant rheumatologist, registrar, nurse, physiotherapist and occupational therapist. Seventy-four children, 44 girls and 30 boys, were assessed during the first 32 months. The mean age at referral was 10 years (range 2-15). Thirty-three had juvenile chronic arthritis. Other disease categories included dermatomyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus and reactive arthritis. Twenty-eight children were referred by general practitioners and 26 by paediatricians. Hospital admission was required by 24. These observations suggest the need in Ireland for a coordinated service for children with rheumatic diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Yanni
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bresnihan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001171:Arthritis, Juvenile / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D009819:Office Visits; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D012017:Referral and Consultation