Pediatric Autoimmune Connective Tissue Diseases: An Update on Disease Characteristics, Associations, and Management

Abstract

There are several different autoimmune connective tissue diseases that may occur during childhood, each with variable clinical presentations. Gaining familiarity with these disorders and their systemic associations is important, because early therapy may help prevent potentially serious and permanent sequelae. In this review, we discuss the various juvenile autoimmune connective tissue diseases, highlight their clinical manifestations and potential complications, and provide an update on treatment options. In addition, we underline the differences between juvenile and adult-onset autoimmune connective tissue diseases. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York.