New Center Shines Spotlight on Chronic Illness in Children

With improvements in the treatment of previously fatal diseases, more children are surviving into adulthood with chronic health conditions––an estimated 5 million children and adolescents in the United States alone. These young people face a lifetime of disease, and many develop new problems as a result of long-term exposure to their underlying condition or to medications used in treatment. These secondary problems can include abnormalities in growth, premature osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, malignancies, and emotional and social problems.

To address these issues, Rheumatology Division Chief Emily von Scheven, MD, is leading the creation of a new Child and Adolescent Chronic Illness Center, which will work across disciplines and departments. The goal is to develop innovative approaches to care that address the unique challenges faced by children growing up with chronic illness. The center will also conduct research to inform best practices for management challenges that are shared by a range of chronic illnesses, including diabetes, epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, autoimmune diseases, congenital heart disease or cancer. Read more