Medications:
For mild to moderate
disease, painkillers, chloroquine and small doses of steroid may
be sufficient. Those with serious involvement of the kidneys,
nervous system, hematological system or cardiovascular system
need appropriate aggressive therapy. This often includes high
doses of steroids along with drugs like cyclophosphamide.
Regular tests:
It is important to realize
that since the disease is chronic, regular tests may be needed
to monitor both the disease and the drug side effects. Urine examination
should be done on monthly basis to detect early renal involvement.
CBC & ESR can be done on 2-3 monthly basis.
Special problems:
Physical growth:
Both the disease and the drugs like steroids can lead to stunted
growth. This fact should be kept in mind and regular checks of
the child's height and comparison with the average normal for
that particular age must be made. Every effort must be made to
keep the steroid dose at a minimum. Calcium and Vitamin D supplements
are to be taken with steroid therapy.
Absence from
school:As the disease
is often characterized by remission and exacerbations, the child
may lose days in school. The parents and the treating rheumatologist
should make it a point to inform and counsel the teachers regarding
this aspect of the disease.
Emotional problems:
A child afflicted by a chronic disease often has complex emotional
problems. These may need the assessment by an expert in child
psychology.
Back
Page 2 of 2
View Page
1 2
Last updated on 07-09-2002
