Other Pediatric Rheumatology Conditions

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by a specific bacteria that spends part of its cycle inside certain species of ticks; when these ticks feed on children or adults, Lyme disease may result. Symptoms of early disease occur within days to weeks of the tick bite and typically resemble the flu. If the disease is not recognized or remains untreated, children commonly progress to "late disease," often several months later. This can involve the heart, nervous system, and very commonly the joints – in fact, up to 70% of untreated patients develop Lyme arthritis, which can affect any joint.

 For more information on Lyme Disease, please see the following article:
"Lyme Disease" in Pediatric Connection Newsletter – Summer 2009

Raynaud's Phenomenon

Raynaud's phenomenon is a disorder of the blood vessels in the skin characterized by a three-phase color change in the finger when exposed to cold.  In some patients, Raynaud's occurs in conjunction with another underlying rheumatic disease, and are said to have Raynaud's syndrome.  This syndrome is accompanied by a number of rheumatic diseases, including, but not limited to, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and scleroderma.

For more information on Raynaud's Phenomenon and Raynaud's Syndrome, please see the following article:
"Raynaud's Phenomenon" in Pediatric Connection Newsletter – Winter / Spring 2009