Paediatric Rheumatology

Our team comprises paediatricians specialising in rheumatology and a speciality nurse focused on holistic patient care. The goal is to maintain the functionality and independence of children and adolescents with rheumatologic conditions and musculoskeletal problems by controlling disease activity, with a keen focus on their growth, development, and overall well-being.

Head of Division

• Dr Elizabeth Tham Huiwen

Senior Consultant

• Adj Associate Professor Elizabeth Ang

Consultant

• Dr Pauline Chan

Visiting Consultant

• Dr Ooi Pei Ling

Specialty Nurse

• Nurse Clinician Wendy Lim

Rheumatology specialises in conditions affecting the joints, muscles, bones or tendons, often involving autoimmune or inflammatory disorders.  Rheumatologic conditions affect not just the musculoskeletal system, since inflammation can affect any organ in the body.

As a referral centre serving Southeast Asia and beyond, we offer a complete range of services for evaluating and treating children with paediatric rheumatic diseases. These include, but are not limited to:

• Arthritis including Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), Post-Infectious or Reactive Arthritis, or arthritis secondary to other conditions
• Connective tissue diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE, also known as "lupus") or Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
• Inflammatory myopathies such as Juvenile Dermatomyositis, polymyositis
• Systemic vasculitides such as
• Kawasaki's Disease
• Henoch Schönlein Purpura (now known as IgA vasculitis), Polyarteritis Nodosa, Takayasu's Arteritis
• Morphea and Scleroderma
• Inflammatory disorders of the eye (uveitis, orbital inflammatory syndrome), brain (CNS Vascultiis), liver or blood etc.
• Prolonged or recurrent fevers
• Periodic fevers and autoinflammatory syndromes
• Hypermobility syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Unexplained chronic musculoskeletal pain, weakness, poor appetite, fatigue, loss of function or skills
• Unexplained symptoms of rash, anaemia or weight loss
• Other rare and undiagnosed rheumatologic or chronic pain conditions

Our programme offers diverse treatment options for these conditions, which can be painful and sometimes debilitating.

At the first appointment, a paediatric rheumatologist will conduct a comprehensive review of the child’s medical condition, including history-taking, physical examination and a discussion the diagnosis and therapy. Blood tests and scans may be performed as required.

Treatment options include anti-inflammatory medications, immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive medicines, biologic therapy and intra-articular joint injections. Emphasising holistic care, we empower our patients through disease education and encourage maintaining joint mobility and muscle strength through physiotherapy and occupational therapy.