Why choose Geisinger for pediatric rheumatology?
When your child's immune system causes inflammation that leads to swollen joints, persistent rashes or unexplained fevers, you need answers. At Geisinger Janet Weis Children's Hospital, your child's pediatric rheumatologist and care team identifies the underlying autoimmune or inflammatory condition and builds a personalized action plan. By partnering with other pediatric specialists, your child's care team offers a seamless care experience.
Whether your child has juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), lupus or another inflammatory condition, our advanced diagnostics and personalized therapies can protect their long-term mobility and health. From the latest biologic therapies to guidance on everyday changes, we focus on minimizing flare-ups so your child can spend less time in the clinic and more time on the playground.
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FAQs
What is a pediatric rheumatologist?
When should I take my child to see a pediatric rheumatologist?
A pediatrician or family doctor may refer your child to a pediatric rheumatologist if they suspect an autoimmune or inflammatory condition. Common reasons for referral include:
- Joint swelling that lasts longer than 6 weeks, especially with morning stiffness or limping
- Rashes that suggest autoimmune disease (e.g. a rash across the cheeks and bridge of the nose that spares the folds beside the nose, purple eyelid discoloration or scaly red patches on knuckles)
- Unexplained muscle weakness, especially in the upper arms or thighs
- Recurring eye redness or inflammation (uveitis)
- Recurring mouth sores, hair loss or sensitivity to sunlight
- Signs of internal inflammation, such as fluid around the heart (pericarditis) or lungs (pleuritis)
- Abnormal blood work showing signs of inflammation or autoimmune activity (e.g. anemia, low platelets (thrombocytopenia), low white blood cells (leukopenia) or a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test)
- Prolonged or recurring fevers alongside joint, skin or organ symptoms that don't have an infectious cause
- Recurring, predictable episodes of fever in young children that may point to a periodic fever syndrome
If you notice any of these signs, talk to your child’s doctor to see if a rheumatology referral is right for your child.
How will a doctor diagnose my child’s rheumatology condition?
Your child’s rheumatologist will start with a thorough health history and gentle physical exam. To get a clear picture of your child’s health, we may use:
Blood tests
Your child’s specialist may order labs to look for indications of inflammation or autoimmune activity. These include:
- Labs to check blood counts, liver and kidney function, inflammatory markers and urine.
- Autoantibody testing: These tests are ordered based on your child’s detailed history and exam. They don’t diagnose a condition on their own but can help support it. Examples can include the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test or specific autoantibodies.
Other diagnostic tools
If blood work doesn't provide a full picture, we may use:
- Genetics: A referral to genetics may be considered to evaluate autoinflammatory disorders.
- Imaging: X-rays, MRIs or ultrasounds to look for joint damage or inflammation
- Minimally invasive tests: Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) to test joint fluid for infection, or urine tests to check for protein levels that may indicate kidney involvement
- Biopsies: Small skin or muscle samples may be taken to confirm diagnoses for certain conditions.
Pediatric rheumatology at Geisinger
No matter what condition your child has, our team is dedicated to helping them manage it — so they can get back to being a kid. We offer:
- Personalized, compassionate care: Your child is more than a patient. They’re a growing person with a busy life ahead of them. We set goals together — whether that’s getting back to gym class or simply waking up without stiffness.
- Care right in your neighborhood: With Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital in Danville and pediatric offices throughout northeast and central Pennsylvania, specialized care is always within reach.
- Research-driven treatments made for kids: Your child has access to the newest evidence-based treatments and clinical trials, making sure they receive the most advanced care available today.
- Total family support: We treat your family like our own. From helping you coordinate school accommodations to connecting you with community resources, we provide the guidance and advocacy your family needs at every step.