Research
The Rheumatology Division at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) is a national leader in children’s rheumatologic care and research. Our research focuses on novel therapies for children with chronic arthritis and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. We also concentrate on atherosclerosis prevention in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus and nonpharmacologic treatment of pain in childhood rheumatologic conditions. Our groundbreaking studies have helped to create new therapies that are revolutionizing the treatment of children and adolescents suffering from rheumatologic diseases and disorders.
We are currently focused on research to:
Develop a National Registry to Track Outcomes of Pediatric Rheumatologic Diseases
We have the largest registry in the world for pediatric rheumatic diseases, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, childhood systemic lupus erythematosus and juvenile dermatomyositis. This registry has led to greater understanding of predictors of good and poor outcomes in these diseases and has consequently helped healthcare workers to better tailor treatments for individual patients. It has also enabled the collection of long-term safety surveillance data in patients on biologic therapies to better understand the risks of these therapies, such as infections.
Develop Novel Therapeutics
Clinical trials using novel agents in systemic lupus erythematosus and juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children have broadened the pharmacologic armamentarium to treat these diseases in patients who do not respond well enough to or who cannot tolerate treatment with conventional therapies.
Study the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Juvenile Dermatomyositis
CHAM investigators spearheaded the first study of children with juvenile dermatomyositis to look for early evidence of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) before cardiovascular events occur. This will enable the use of preventive measures in children and adolescents who are at higher risk for heart attacks and stroke.