TC Kiddie Rheum

12/10/2024

October 12 is World Arthritis Day!

10/05/2024

May 10 is World Lupus Day!

01/05/2023

May 10 is World Lupus Day! Join us for a lay forum on May 14, 2023 at 9AM to 12NN via Zoom. Please scan the QR code to register. Together, let us make LUPUS visible!

20/01/2023

I recently saw a boy who had darkening of the skin on the arms and legs, as well as, these round-shaped rash on the hands (as shown in the picture) which started to appear 1 year ago. The mother also observed that the boy was not as active as before and prefers to spend his time sitting or lying down on the bed.

All of these signs and symptoms are typical of patients with Juvenile Dermatomyositis. This disease condition involves inflammation of the skin and the muscles leading to skin rashes and muscle weakness. If you know of someone who may have the same signs and symptoms, don't hesitate to see a pediatric rheumatologist. Call or text us to set an appointment.

Image lifted from: www.ped-rheum.biomedcentral.com

13/01/2023

Here's a friendly reminder to us all in this rainy weather. Let's stay dry and safe!

PUBLIC ADVISORY ON POTENTIAL SPIKE OF W.I.L.D. DISEASES
AMIDST EXTENSIVE RAINS AND FLOODING

January 13, 2023

As the torrential rain caused by the low-pressure area (LPA) and northeast monsoon is expected to persist and continue to cause flooding in multiple areas across the region, the Department of Health Eastern Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-EVCHD) is warning the public against the increased health risks that arise during this season.

Among the health risks anticipated is an increase in the transmission of W.I.L.D. diseases (Water-borne diseases, Influenza, Leptospirosis, and Dengue) caused by a variety of bacterial, viral, and parasitic organisms. Chief among these is leptospirosis, commonly contracted by wading in flood-water contaminated with animal urine—particularly from rats. The rainy season also poses an increased risk in the transmission of vector-based diseases such as dengue and malaria. The influenza or the common flu, albeit a year-round disease, is also anticipated to peak during this period.

To mitigate the increasing number of cases of W.I.L.D. diseases in the region (based on the 2022 epidemiology & surveillance reports), preventive measures are a priority appeal of the Department of Health to ensure the health and safety of the most vulnerable population—pregnant women, children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems—who are more likely to develop complications if infected.

For that matter, the DOH EVCHD is advising the public to be more stringent in observing the following preventive measures within their premises during these times:

1. Make sure drinking water is from a safe source. When in doubt, boil water for 2 minutes or longer, or chlorinate drinking water to make it safe;
2. Food should be well-cooked. Leftovers should be covered and kept away from household pests;
3. Always wash your hands before and after eating, and after using the toilet. Keep yourself dry and warm, and maintain personal hygiene;
4. Ensure proper waste disposal. Keep the premises clean and clear out areas that can be inhabited by rats/pests. Make use of rat traps and rodenticides;
5. Avoid contact with or playing in flood-water, especially if wounded. If contact with flood-water is unavoidable, make use of rain boots. Wash feet immediately with clean water and soap after contact with flood-water;
6. Consult a doctor at once if you, or any household member, have any sign or symptom of infection to prevent the spread of infection in the evacuation area.

Likewise, the Local Government Units (LGUs) are advised to utilize anti-W.I.L.D. diseases equipment and other medical supplies (including insecticides, larvicides, insecticide-treated screens, dengue NSI rapid diagnostic tests, antigen and antibody tests, oral rehydration salt, paracetamol, and prophylactic antibiotics) and to continue to closely coordinate with the Department of Health Eastern Visayas Center for Health Development for assistance and guidance in their health emergency response activities.

For information and guidance.

06/01/2023

Uveitis refers to the inflammation of the middle layer of the eye wall. Some manifestations include eye redness, eye pain, and blurring of vision. But other times, the patient may not have no symptoms at all! The problem is, if left untreated, uveitis can cause blindness.

It is often associated with rheumatologic conditions such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). That is why, for patients with these conditions, regular eye check-up is important to monitor for any signs of uveitis and prevent loss of vision. Contact your rheumatologist &/or ophthalmologist to know more.

Image credit to: American Optometric Association

19/12/2022

If you see this rash on your child's legs and he/ she likewise complains of abdominal pain or joint pain, your child may have Henoch-Schonlein Purpura. The rash may not be so good to look at, but what is more worrisome is the kidney and intestinal inflammation that comes with the disease. Contact your friendly pediatric rheumatologist to get the proper advise and treatment for your child's condition. Send us a message!

Photo credit to: The Primary Care Dermatology Society

09/12/2022

Bundle up! Cold weather is here! We might not have winter here in the Philippines, but it gets pretty cold in December. For some people, they enjoy cuddle weather. But for patients suffering from Raynaud's phenomenon, the cold can bring this painful experience of having your blood vessels in your fingers constrict and spasm hindering proper blood flow. Raynaud's is characterized by 3 color changes - first white, then blue, then red. It is common among patients with autoimmune diseases such as lupus and scleroderma. If you know of anybody who has this condition, you can help them find relief and get the proper treatment! Contact us.

Video Credit to: The Doctors

Raynaud’s syndrome cases some areas of your body, usually your fingers and toes, to feel numb and cold in response to cold temperatures or stress. Could it h...

25/11/2022

This is Symy! She's no ordinary 10-year old girl. She is a very talented artist. In fact, the painting that I'm holding was done by Symy herself! What a gift!

However, her painting sessions would sometimes be interrupted by her disease and her treatment. You see, Symy has SLE. And lupus has already affected her kidney. She needs monthly infusion of her medication to control her disease.

If you would like to help Symy and boost her spirit to fight her disease, you can fund for her treatment costs by buying one of her drawings or paintings. You can send us a PM here or call/ text our clinic at 09064220672 so we can give you her contact details.

Thank you for your help and support! Let's all be inspired by this young artist with a brave heart! 💜

[Photo posted with permission]

11/11/2022

TS is like any normal 14 year old boy who is active and likes to play basketball. He initially complained of occasional low back pain noted in the mornings upon waking up. However, the pain eventually got worse which rendered him unable to get up from his bed. Spinal MRI showed early signs of inflammation of his spine. He was then diagnosed with spondylitis. Fortunately for him, he got his diagnosis early. His low back pain decreased immediately after starting treatment. More importantly, he was able to resume his usual activities, especially playing his favorite sport.

Watch this video to know more about ankylosing spondylitis. If you know of somebody who may have similar symptoms, don't hesitate to have him/ her seen by a rheumatologist. Call/ text us.

Video credit to: FreeMedicalEducation

Ankylosing Spondylitis affects the spine and large joints that causes bone spurs to develop or the growing of extra bones between vertebrae (spine bone). Ove...