Rheumatic disease in childhood.

The autoimmune diseases, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, are two of the more common acquired chronic diseases of childhood. In this article we will describe features of the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders. Particular emphasis is placed on the complications and how to anticipate them. The management of these diseases must include an appreciation of how chronic illness can affect family function and school relationships. With early attention to these nonmedicinal details, the majority of children can progress through childhood and adolescence with few physical or emotional handicaps.