Frequently Asked Questions About Conditions

If the arthritis is under good control, we should not expect too much joint pain. There might be other causes for the pain that we need to look into.

For children with few joints involved, we think about 50 percent of the time the arthritis can go into remission. For children with many joints involved, that number falls to 25 percent. If the rheumatoid factor blood test is positive, then often the arthritis persists.

We try to avoid putting any limitations on the kids. If their arthritis is under good control, then they can do anything. If they are having joint pain and swelling, than it is probably a good idea to stick with non-weight-bearing activities (swimming, biking) until the arthritis is better controlled.

Any temperature of 101 or higher should be evaluated by the primary doctor. We also like to receive updates on the status of your child.

If a patient is taking medicine that lowers the immune system, than we would like him or her to avoid "live" vaccines. These would include varicella (chickenpox) and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella).

Not mandatory.

We recommend that any child taking medications for a lowered immune system should get both seasonal flu vaccine and H1N1 vaccine.

Yes.

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