Rheumatic diseases are characterised by inflammation and loss of function of one or more connecting or supporting structures of the body. These diseases especially affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Common signs and symptoms are pain, swelling, and stiffness. Some rheumatic diseases also can involve internal organs. There are more than 100 rheumatic diseases. Some are described as connective tissue diseases because they affect the supporting framework of the body and its internal organs. Others are known as autoimmune diseases because they occur when the immune system, which normally protects the body from infection and disease, harms the body’s own healthy tissues (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases). Systemic rheumatic diseases often affect women during childbearing years, leading to concerns over medication use if pregnant. This book is a concise guide to the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases in pregnant women and in children. Divided into two main sections, the first examines the treatment of women with different types of rheumatic disease. Section two discusses paediatric rheumatology. Key points Concise guide to diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases in pregnant women and in children Emphasis on use of anti-rheumatic drugs in pregnancy and lactation Clinical cases and vignettes in paediatric rheumatology section assist learning Includes nearly 300 images, illustrations and tables

This Open Access book presents practical approaches to managing patients affected by various rheumatological diseases, allowing readers to gain a better understanding of the various clinical expressions and problems experienced by these patients. Discussing rheumatology from an organ systems perspective, it highlights the importance ofdetailed musculoskeletal examinations when treating patients affected by rheumatological diseases. The book first explores the latest diagnostic approaches and offers key tips for accurate musculoskeletal examinations before addressing the various treatment modalities, with a particular focus on the most common joints involved in rheumatoid arthritis: the wrists and the metacarpophalangeal joints (2nd and 3rd). Featuring easy-to-understand flow diagrams and explaining the common medical problems associated with rheumatic disease, such as shortness of breath and anemia, it is not only a valuable resource to rheumatologists, but will also appeal to medical students, junior residents, and primary healthcare physicians.

Rheumatic and autoimmune diseases are often present in women during the childbearing years and as such, correct management of pregnancy throughout its course is of significance to all those affected. Previously women with systemic rheumatic diseases were counselled against pregnancy as the majority of medications carried potential or perceived teratogenic risk. But in recent years new therapies have emerged that have advanced treatment. Patients have experienced significant improvements in physical function, quality of life, and reduced damage accrual. As a result, an expanded cadre of health care providers now need to be able to manage pregnancy in women with underlying rheumatic disease, both in acute or chronic settings. Practical Management of the Pregnant Patient with Rheumatic Disease is a quick-access guide of the most up-to-date understanding of the interplay between pregnancy and rheumatic diseases and principles of management before, during and after pregnancy assisting in decision making regarding treatment of women with autoimmune diseases. This collection of 70 cases covers pregnancy counseling, the management of disease flares, thromboembolic disease, the management of patients with end organ disease, advice on medications, obstetric complications, infections and the management of rare diseases in women with rheumatic diseases before and during pregnancy and post-partum. The handbook provides concise recommendations for all providers who may encounter women of child-bearing age including rheumatologists, gynaecologists, paediatricians, primary care providers and health professionals dealing with pre-conceptional and pregnant women with rheumatic diseases.

This book on rheumatology in children is intended to be a handy tool for all professionals interested in this field. It is divided into five sections: General considerations, arthritic problems, connective tissue diseases, systemic vasculitides and finally a section that covers miscellaneous issues such as Immunodeficiencies, bone heath and uveitis. The book has an easy format with each chapter having one or more clinicalvignettes at the start of the chapter. In addition each chapter outlines the learning objectives and key take home messages. At the end of each section a collection of cases to highlight important issues in the clinic are included. The colorful charts, pictures and tables make reading this book an easy task. The authors are leading experts in their fields working at best practices centers globally to provide the reader with state-of-the-art information.

'This volume comes at an important time in the development of the discipline, and reflects the knowledge gained by the authors through decades of hands-on experience of treating children and adolescents with the entire spectrum of rheumatic diseases. It emphasizes the integration of the expertise of all health care providers in an interactive team' - Ross Petty in the Foreword. This highly practical handbook is easy to read and refer to on a daily basis. The wide-ranging style encourages a multidisciplinary, team-based approach to provide continuity of care, and the handy binding and layout is designed to aid quick access of core information. Featuring over 230 full-colour images and reproducible resources for patients and carers, this guide is a vital resource for Allied Health Professionals, especially those working with children.

Rheumatic (or systemic autoimmune) diseases disproportionately affect young women: the female-to-male ratio for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus during the reproductive years is approximately 9:1. In the mid- to late-twentieth century, women with rheumatic disease diagnoses were often advised to avoid pregnancy due to fear of disease exacerbation and adverse outcome. In more recent years, many women with rheumatic disease have deferred childbearing until a later age due to active disease or unsafe therapies. However, with advances in rheumatology therapies, obstetric monitoring, and reproductive medicine technologies, increasing numbers of women with rheumatic diseases are pursuing pregnancy. As a result, obstetricians and rheumatologists need to be aware of the current state of knowledge and the recommendations for management of pregnancy in these patients. Contraception and Pregnancy in Patients with Rheumatic Disease explains the basics of contraception, fertility treatment, and pregnancy in rheumatic disease patients and serves as a guide and reference tool for both rheumatologists and OB/GYNs. Most general rheumatologists and OB/GYNs have limited experience in caring for rheumatic disease patients during pregnancy, and many do not have ready access to expert colleagues in this area. This book summarizes the current state of knowledge and presents a general approach for assessment of the rheumatic disease patient considering pregnancy, hormonal contraception or infertility treatment.

With consultation of Dr. Bonita Stanton, Consulting Editor, Drs. Li and Higgins have secured experts in the field to provide clinical reviews on the latest updates in diagnosing and treating children with rheumatologic disease. The issue contains articles on the following topics: Approach to the Child with Joint Pain; What goes wrong that Leads to Rheumatic Disease; Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis; Spondyloarthropathies; Systemic Arthritis; Systemic Lupus Erythematosus; Sjogren’s and Mixed CTD in Children and Adolescents; Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies in Children; Juvenile Scleroderma; Chronic Non-Infectious Osteomyelitis and Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis; Non-Inflammatory Musculoskeletal Pain in Children or Pediatric Pain Syndromes; Complications of Immunosuppressive and Biologic Response Modifier Therapy; General Health Concerns and Fitness for the Child with Rheumatic Disease; Transition of Rheumatic Disease Care: Pediatric to Adult Care; and Advocacy for Children with Rheumatic Diseases. Readers will be able to utilize the information in the issue to improve outcomes in patients with rheumatologic disease.