Pediatric Arthritis and Rheumatology

Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health has been designated by the Scleroderma Foundation as a Scleroderma Center of Excellence since 2014. This designation reflects our commitment to caring for children with scleroderma, a condition that causes the skin and internal organs to harden.

Our team also leads and participates in multi-center and international research studies to advance the understanding and treatment of both localized scleroderma and systemic sclerosis.

We are active leaders in CARRA, a pediatric rheumatology research network with over 140 sites across the U.S. and Canada. Through this work, we contribute to studies that improve care and outcomes for children with conditions such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), lupus, and other rheumatic diseases.

This involvement also gives our patients access to clinical trials and innovative treatments. Our physicians lead CARRA research committees focused on pain, medical education, autoinflammatory diseases, Kawasaki Disease, scleroderma, and chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis.

As members of PR-COIN, we collaborate with patients, families, clinicians, and researchers across the U.S. to improve outcomes for children with arthritis and other rheumatic conditions.

Through this network, we track patient outcomes and refine treatment strategies, ensuring that care is both evidence-based and responsive to children’s needs.

Nearly 300,000 children in the U.S. live with some form of arthritis. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) can appear as early as 6 months of age, causing chronic pain, swelling, stiffness, and limiting a child’s ability to move and enjoy daily activities.

Research shows that early diagnosis and treatment, ideally within two months, significantly improves outcomes and may prevent long-term damage or disability.

Our team also includes nationally recognized specialists in Systemic JIA, a severe form of the condition that can cause fever, organ inflammation, and potentially life-threatening complications.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common form of arthritis in children. It is an autoimmune condition, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy tissues, causing inflammation in the joints.

JIA can lead to symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While the exact cause is unknown, early diagnosis and treatment are important to help manage symptoms, protect joint function, and support a child’s healthy growth and development.

The signs of arthritis in children can be different from adults and may be overlooked at first. Parents should watch for:

• Persistent joint pain, swelling, or stiffness
• Morning stiffness that improves throughout the day
• Limping or difficulty using an arm or leg
• Unexplained fevers, rashes, or fatigue
• Reduced participation in physical activities

If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, a pediatric rheumatologist can perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Diagnosis begins with a thorough medical history and physical exam by a pediatric rheumatologist. Your child’s doctor may also order blood tests, X-rays, or imaging studies to look for inflammation, joint damage, or other markers of autoimmune disease. Because many rheumatologic conditions share similar symptoms, it is important to have a specialist involved in the diagnostic process to ensure an accurate diagnosis and individualized care plan.

Treatment for pediatric arthritis is focused on reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and preserving joint function. Depending on the type and severity of the condition, care may include:

• Medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs or biologic therapies
• Physical and occupational therapy to maintain mobility and strength
• Lifestyle modifications, including exercise and healthy nutrition
• In some cases, surgical interventions for severe joint damage

With the right treatment plan, most children can manage their symptoms effectively and lead active, healthy lives.

Our active leadership in designing and leading research studies and in key pediatric rheumatology research networks, such as CARRA, means that your child benefits from the latest advancements in knowledge and treatment. By being at the forefront of research, we can offer access to new therapies and clinical trials that may not be available elsewhere, and ensure that your child receives the most up-to-date and effective care.

Our pediatric rheumatology program offers care synced between three campuses, integrating  Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center, K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, and JFK University Medical Center. This connection provides access to a wide range of pediatric subspecialists and a comprehensive, multispecialty approach to care, ensuring that all of your child’s health care needs are met under one roof.

We are proud to have one of the largest and most decorated pediatric rheumatology teams in the region. Our physicians are recognized leaders in their field, with numerous awards and accolades from national and international organizations. We are very active in teaching and training our medical students and residents. We're also home to the only Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship Program in New Jersey, training the next generation of leaders in the field. Our program is the first in New Jersey with a specialist trained in both adult and pediatric rheumatology, so that we can provide expert care to our transitioning patients.