Caring for Children with Lupus
What is the Lupus Center?
Lupus is a complex autoimmune, rheumatic disease with symptoms that can range from mild to severe, affect any part of the body and seriously challenge lupus patients and their families.
The health care team at the Lupus Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center understands lupus and deals with it daily. We offer treatment and help in managing symptoms while leading research efforts to find better treatments and improve the lives of our patients.
What age group is served by the Lupus Center services?
Lupus is most likely to develop in people between the ages of 12 and 44, but could also occur at much younger and older ages. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent organ damage later in life. While Cincinnati Children's is a pediatric hospital, we continue to treat lupus patients as they become young adults. We have a transition program to help older patients find age-appropriate care in their communities.
Lupus Center Team
Diagnosing and treating lupus requires a team effort. Our care team includes:
- Several rheumatologists (physicians specializing in rheumatic diseases such as arthritis, lupus and other inflammatory diseases)
- A pediatric nephrologist (a physician specializing in kidney diseases)
- Nurses
- An advanced nurse practitioner
- A social worker
- A nutritionist
- An occupational therapist
- A physical therapist
- Clinical researchers
The Lupus Center care team works with our patients and their family to develop personalized treatment plans based on the patient's age, sex, overall health, lifestyle, symptoms and how those symptoms change over time.
Team members also help patients follow their treatment plans, maintain their overall quality of life and prevent a flare of symptoms.
The Lupus Center care team is determined to provide comprehensive care for all lupus patients.
Other Lupus Center Services
The Lupus Team health care professionals set aside Monday afternoons to see patients with lupus and related diseases at the Lupus Clinic. The clinic is located within Cincinnati Children's Rheumatology Clinic at Cincinnati Children's Main Campus.
In addition, educational sessions, social support and activities are offered quarterly for patients and their families.
