The Systemic Lupus/Vasculitis Program is for children with combined rheumatologic and kidney diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus – more simply known as lupus. The program is jointly staffed by physicians in the Divisions of Pediatric Nephrology (kidney) and Pediatric Rheumatology at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. We use an interdisciplinary approach to evaluate and treat, comprehensively and compassionately, all children with these combined diseases offering them access to the latest treatments and clinical trials.
Although the majority of the children seen in this program have lupus, we also specialize in other diseases that cause blood vessel inflammation including:
- Wegener's granulomatosis – an uncommon disorder in which inflammation affects several different tissues in the body
- Polyarteritis nodosa – inflamed blood vessels that may be related to infection with Hepatitis B virus
- Henoch-Schoenlein purpura – blood vessel inflammation that causes bleeding in the capillaries of the skin, kidneys and other organs, also known as HSP
We also co-manage side effects of treatments for other diseases, including children with primary rheumatologic diseases who develop high blood pressure.
The Interdisciplinary Systemic Inflammation Clinic
Patients from the Systemic Lupus/Vasculitis Program are seen in our Interdisciplinary Systemic Inflammation Clinic, which allows patients to see providers from both rheumatologic and kidney specialties at one clinic visit. The team of specialists collect a thorough patient history, perform a physical examination, and order blood and urine tests. At the end of the visit, the team — which also includes a dedicated nurse, a dietician and a social worker – presents a unified, individualized plan to the family that often includes a variety of medications as well as lifestyle changes that can help you and your child to manage their disease.
The University of Michigan lupus research group is dedicated to learning more about what causes lupus, how flares can be reduced or prevented, how to predict disease progression and activity, and how to prevent permanent organ damage. By learning more about the development of and risk factors for lupus it may be a step towards finding new prevention and treatment strategies. Clinical trials are available for eligible patients, including investigational drug therapies.
Schedule an appointment by calling us at 734-764-2224.