Rheumatology​​​​​



Paediatric Rheumatology is a specialized field of medicine that treats children from the newborn period through to 18-year-old teenagers who suffer from pain in the muscles, bones, joints (i.e. the musculoskeletal system) and autoimmune disorders, the majority of which cause inflammation.

In the Paediatric Rheumatology Service at Aga Khan University Medical College, East Africa, our expert team of healthcare providers offer comprehensive diagnoses, treatments and participate in nationwide and global research pertaining to the discipline. We have an experienced team of paediatric specialists that provides gentle, compassionate, and integrative care to meet the unique needs of our young patients.

What diseases do we treat at the Paediatric Rheumatology Service?

In the past, “rheumatism” was a term that encompassed a wide variety of inflammatory conditions of the musculoskeletal system. At Aga Khan University Medical College, East Africa, the Paediatric Rheumatology team provides precise diagnoses and treatments that are custom-tailored for each child and their specific condition.

We treat the following disorders:

  • Chronic childhood arthritis – Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)

  • Recurrent fever syndromes – Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF)

  • Rheumatic fever – Acute rheumatic fever

  • Rare auto-inflammatory diseases such as TRAPS, CRMO and more

  • Childhood lupus

  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome – APS

  • Vasculitis of various types (e.g., Henoch-Schonlein Purpura, HSP)

  • Scleroderma

  • Behcet’s disease

  • Fibromyalgia and other pain syndromes

  • Kidney disease as a result of rheumatic conditions, such as lupus or vasculitis

  • Non-inflammatory mechanical conditions such as hypermobility

What treatment options do we offer?

Each type of paediatric rheumatic disease requires its own specialized treatment. The primary therapies that we provide at our Paediatric Rheumatology Service include:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) - these medications, including ibuprofen and aspirin, to reduce inflammation and pain.

  • Steroids - this is usually the first line of defense for many inflammatory disorders, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, myositis, and vasculitis. These drugs, such as prednisone, contain hormones to treat rheumatic diseases and can be administered orally or as an injection.

  • Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic medications (DMARDs) - these medications aim to change the progression of the particular disease, either by slowing its development and effects and/or by resolving abnormalities in the immune system associated with the disease.

  • Biologics - advanced drugs designed using knowledge in genetics and immunology to reduce and stop the body’s inflammatory response.

  • Physical therapy and Occupational Therapy - these individualized exercises can enhance or maintain mobility, and they are a key part of our holistic treatment program. Physiotherapy also helps to promote a positive patient attitude.​

With deep consideration for your child’s overall well-being, the team at our Paediatric Rheumatology Service applies a multidisciplinary approach to each personalized treatment programme. We understand that rheumatic diseases can affect all aspects of your child’s life – physical, psychological, intellectual, and social. We offer patients and their families a variety of support services all under one roof at Aga Khan University Medical College, East Africa. Our goal is to help children develop normally and enjoy life to its fullest.