Pediatric rheumatic diseases, also known as juvenile arthritis, are autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that affect nearly 300,000 children in the United States. They include conditions such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, juvenile dermatomyositis, juvenile lupus, and juvenile scleroderma. Symptoms can include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and fatigue. Diagnosis involves physical exams, medical history, and tests like ANA titers and RF tests. Treatment aims to relieve inflammation and control symptoms, with goals of improving comfort, managing pain, and maintaining mobility. Education of patients and families is important for effective self-management.
WHAT ARE PEDIATRIC
RHEUMATICDISEASES?
Pediatric rheumatic diseases, also called
juvenile arthritis, is an umbrella term
used to describe the many autoimmune
and inflammatory conditions that can
develop in children ages 16 and younger.
Pediatric rheumatic diseases affect
nearly 300,000 children in the United
States. That’s more than juvenile
diabetes and cystic fibrosis combined.
3.
Although they sharemany common
telltale symptoms, like pain, joint
swelling, redness and warmth, they are
distinct and each have their own
special concerns and symptoms. Some
pediatric rheumatic diseases affect the
musculoskeletal system, but joint
symptoms may be a minor or
nonexistent component. Pediatric
rheumatic diseases can involve the
eyes, skin, muscles and
gastrointestinal tract as well.
4.
THE TYPES OFPEDIATRIC
RHEUMATIC DISEASES
INCLUDE:
1. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) - Considered the
most common form of arthritis (JIA), includes six subtypes:
oligoarthritis, polyarthritis, systemic, enthesitis-related,
juvenile psoriatic arthritis or undifferentiated.
2. Juvenile Dermatomyositis - An inflammatory disease,
juvenile dermatomyositis causes muscle weakness and a
skin rash on the eyelids and knuckles.
5.
3. Juvenile Lupus- Lupus is a disease of the
immune system. The most common form is systemic
lupus erythematosus, or SLE. Lupus can affect the
joints, skin, kidneys, blood and other areas of the
body.
4. Juvenile Scleroderma - Scleroderma, which
literally means “hard skin,” describes a group of
conditions that causes the skin to tighten and harden.
5. Kawasaki Disease - This disease causes blood-
vessel inflammation that can lead to heart
complications.
6.
6. Mixed connectivetissue disease - This disease
may include features of arthritis, lupus
dermatomyositis and scleroderma, and is
associated with very high levels of a particular
antinuclear antibody (anti-RNP).
7. Fibromyalgia - This chronic pain syndrome is an
arthritis-related condition. It can cause stiffness and
aching, along with fatigue, disrupted sleep and other
symptoms. More common in girls, fibromyalgia is
seldom diagnosed before puberty.
No known causehas been pinpointed for
most forms of pediatric rheumatic diseases,
nor is there evidence to suggest that toxins,
foods or allergies cause children to develop
any of the diseases. Some research points
toward a genetic predisposition, which
means the combination of genes a child
receives from his or her parents may cause
the onset of a pediatric rheumatic disease
when triggered by other factors.
PEDIATRIC RHEUMATIC
DISEASE CAUSES:
14.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS:
Eachof the different pediatric rheumatic diseases have their own
set of signs and symptoms. But in general, symptoms may include:
• joint pain
• swelling in one or more joints
• joint stiffness that lasts for at least 1 hour in the early morning
• chronic pain or tenderness in the joint(s)
• warmth and redness in the joint area
• limited movement in the affected joint(s)
• erythema
• fatigue
• persistent fevers
15.
DIAGNOSIS:
The most importantstep in properly treating
any of the pediatric rheumatic diseases is
getting an accurate diagnosis. The
diagnostic process can be long and detailed.
There is no single blood test that confirms
any of the diseases. In children, the key to
diagnosis is a careful physical examination,
along with a thorough medical history. Any
specific tests a doctor may order will depend
upon the type of rheumatic disease
suspected.
16.
ASSESSMENT &
DIAGNOSTIC:
Antinuclear antibody(ANA) titer: Screening test for
rheumatic disorders, elevated in 25%–30% of RA
patients. Follow-up tests are needed for the specific
rheumatic disorders, e.g., anti-RNP is used for
differential diagnosis of systemic rheumatic disease.
Rheumatoid factor (RF) / Rose-Waaler test: Positive
in more than 80% of cases.
CBC: Usually reveals moderate anemia. WBC is
elevated when inflammatory processes are present.
Radionuclide scans: Identify inflamed synovium.
17.
X-rays of involvedjoints: Reveals soft-tissue
swelling, erosion of joints, and osteoporosis of
adjacent bone (early changes) progressing to bone-
cyst formation, narrowing of joint space, and
subluxation. Concurrent osteoarthritic changes may be
noted.
Direct arthroscopy: Visualization of area reveals
bone irregularities/degeneration of joint.
Synovial/fluid aspirate: May reveal volume greater
than normal; opaque, cloudy, yellow appearance
(inflammatory response, bleeding, degenerative waste
products); elevated levels of WBCs and leukocytes;
decreased viscosity and complement (C3 and C4).
Synovial membrane biopsy: Reveals inflammatory
changes and development of pannus (inflamed
synovial granulation tissue).
18.
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT:
Rest andexercise. There should be a balance of
rest and exercise planned for a patient with RD.
Referral to community agencies such as the
Arthritis Foundation could help the patient and the
family gain more support.
Therapy. A formal program with occupational and
physical therapy is prescribed to educate the
patient and the family about the principles of joint
protection, pacing activities, work simplification,
range of motion, and muscle-strengthening
exercises.
Nutrition. Food selection should include the daily
requirements from the basic food groups, with
emphasis on foods high in vitamins, protein, and
iron for tissue building and repair.
19.
NURSING MANAGEMENT:
Nursing Assessment
Theassessment of a patient with RA can
contribute to its diagnosis.
History and Physical Exam
The history and physical examination address
manifestations such as bilateral and symmetric
stiffness, tenderness, swelling, and temperature
changes in the joints.
Extra-articular changes
The patient is also assessed for extra-articular
changes and these include weight loss, sensory
changes, lymph node enlargement, and fatigue.
20.
Nursing Diagnosis
Bases onthe assessment data, the major nursing diagnoses
appropriate for the patient are:
Acute and chronic pain related to inflammation and
increased disease activity, tissue damage, fatigue, or
lowered tolerance level.
Fatigue related to increased disease activity, pain,
inadequate sleep/rest, deconditioning, inadequate nutrition,
and emotional stress/depression
Impaired physical mobility related to decreased range of
motion, muscle weakness, pain on movement, limited
endurance, lack or improper use of ambulatory devices.
Self-care deficit related to contractures, fatigue, or loss of
motion.
Disturbed body image related to physical and
psychological changes and dependency imposed by chronic
illness.
Ineffective coping related to actual or perceived lifestyle or
role changes.
21.
Nursing Care Planning& Goals
(6 Rheumatic Diseases Nursing Care Plans)
The major goals for a patient with RD are:
1. Improvement in comfort level.
2. Incorporation of pain management techniques into
daily life.
3. Incorporation of strategies necessary to modify
fatigue as part of the daily activities.
4. Attain and maintain optimal functional mobility.
5. Adapt to physical and psychological changes
imposed by the rheumatic disease.
6. Use of effective coping behaviors for dealing with
actual or perceived limitations and role changes.
22.
Teaching Points
o Focuspatient teaching on the disease, possible
changes related to it, the prescribed therapeutic
regimen, side effects of medications, strategies to
maintain independence and function, and safety
in the home.
o Encourage patient and family to verbalize their
concerns and ask questions.
o Address pain, fatigue, and depression before
initiating a teaching program, because they can
interfere with patient’s ability to learn.
o Instruct patient about basic disease
management and necessary adaptations in
lifestyle.
23.
Continuing Care
Refer forhome care as warranted (e.g., frail
patient with significantly limited function).
Assess the home environment and its adequacy
for patient safety and management of the
disorder.
Identify any barriers to compliance, and make
appropriate referrals.
For patients at risk for impaired skin integrity,
monitor skin status and also instruct, provide, or
supervise the patient and family in preventive
skin care measures.
24.
Assess patient’s needfor assistance in the
home, and supervise home health aides.
Make referrals to physical and
occupational therapists as problems are
identified and limitations increase.
Alert patient and family to support services
such as Meals on Wheels and local
Arthritis Foundation chapters.
Assess the patient’s physical and
psychological status, adequacy of
symptom management, and adherence to
the management plan.
Emphasize the importance of follow up
appointments to the patient and family.
25.
TREATMENT:
Unfortunately, there isno cure for
the pediatric rheumatic diseases,
although with early diagnosis and
aggressive treatment, remission is
possible. The goal of treatment is to
relieve inflammation, control pain
and improve the child’s quality of
life, and possibly achieve remission.
Most treatment plans involve a
combination of medication, physical
activity, eye care and healthy eating.
26.
SELF CARE /FAMILY
MANAGEMENT:
Self management/Family management for
a child with a rheumatic disease involves
teaching the child and his family the
importance of how to follow the treatment
prescribed by doctors and other
healthcare providers. Self care also
involves helping the child address the
emotional and social effects of the
disease. Self management encompasses
the choices made each day to live well
and stay healthy and happy.
27.
THAT WOULD BEALL…
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PAPER FOR THE 10-ITEM
QUIZ
28.
QUIZ:1. PEDIATRIC RHEUMATICDISEASES IS ALSO KNOWN AS?
2. – 3. GIVE AT LEAST 2 TYPES OF PEDIATRIC RHEUMATIC DISEASES.
4. – 6. GIVE AT LEAST 3 SYMPTOMS OF PEDIATRIC RHEUMATIC DISEASES.
7. GIVE 1 DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE.
8. – 9. GIVE AT LEAST 2 MAJOR GOALS FOR A PEDIATRIC PATIENT WITH
RHEUMATIC DISEASES.
10. GIVE 1 TEACHING POINT.
30.
ANSWER KEY:1. JuvenileArthritis
2. – 3. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA); Juvenile Dermatomyositis; Juvenile Lupus; Juvenile Scleroderma; Kawasaki
Disease; Mixed connective tissue disease; Fibromyalgia
4. – 6. Joint pain; Swelling in one or more joints; Joint stiffness that lasts for at least 1 hour in the early morning; Chronic
pain or tenderness in the joint(s); Warmth and redness in the joint area; Limited movement in the affected joint(s); Erythema;
Fatigue; Persistent fevers
7. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer; Rheumatoid factor (RF) / Rose-Waaler test; CBC; Radionuclide scans; X-rays of involved
joints; Direct arthroscopy; Synovial/fluid aspirate; Synovial membrane biopsy
8. – 9. Improvement in comfort level; Incorporation of pain management techniques into daily life; Incorporation of strategies
necessary to modify fatigue as part of the daily activities; Attain and maintain optimal functional mobility; Adapt to physical
and psychological changes imposed by the rheumatic disease; Use of effective coping behaviors for dealing with actual or
perceived limitations and role changes
10. Focus patient teaching on the disease, possible changes related to it, the prescribed therapeutic regimen, side effects of
medications, strategies to maintain independence and function, and safety in the home; Encourage patient and family to
verbalize their concerns and ask questions; Address pain, fatigue, and depression before initiating a teaching program,
because they can interfere with patient’s ability to learn; Instruct patient about basic disease management and necessary
adaptations in lifestyle.