Pediatric Lupus Clinic

The University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital provides services and opportunities to help children, adolescents and teens with systemic lupus erythematosus (also known as SLE, or just “lupus").

Our Circle of Support

Our team of pediatric rheumatologists work closely with other pediatric specialists to help you manage your child's illness, along with the support of a community of other patients and parents.

Pediatric Lupus Clinic circle of support diagram

What to Expect

Symptoms of lupus can vary widely from person to person and may include any combination of:

  • Achy, stiff or painful joints
  • Fevers
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Skin rash
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Sensitivity to sunlight
  • Hair loss
  • Mouth or nose sores
  • Pale or purple fingers or toes from cold or stress
  • Changes in urine
  • Blood clots
  • Seizures or other neurological changes

Additionally, blood work can show anemia, low white blood cell or platelets, positive antibodies, blood or protein in urine, or elevated inflammatory markers. 

It is important to know that everyone person with lupus does not have all of these symptoms.

Unfortunately, there is no one test to diagnose lupus.

Diagnosis is often difficult, because lupus affects each person differently. With symptoms that can vary so broadly — and because lupus is rare in children — confirming a diagnosis can take time.

Steps to diagnose lupus include:

  • Answering questions about your child’s health and medical history
  • A physical exam performed by your child’s doctor
  • Blood testing
  • Urine testing

Our experts develop personalized treatment plans based on a thorough assessment of each child’s individual needs.

Treatment starts with medication that helps to suppress the immune system and decrease inflammation.

Your child’s treatment plan may also include:

At Comer Children's our comprehensive approach to lupus care offers many benefits for children and their families, including:

  • Help with managing complicated medication schedules
  • Counseling on lifestyle changes like nutrition, rest and exercise
  • Advice on communicating with school, teachers and peers
  • Opportunities to participate in research

Your child will have a 90-minute visit every three months in the clinic, but may see their rheumatologist or other doctors more often than that.

Your child's appointment will be located on the fourth floor of Comer Children’s Hospital in Hyde Park.

The clinic covers the cost of your parking or public transportation, as well as a snack.



On the first visit, you and your child will meet with a nurse educator who can help your family better understand and manage your child's disease.

We offer opportunities for you to meet with other children and parents who have lupus. These include social activities, both in-person and virtual, and educational sessions.

View of the Center for Care and Discovery from Washington Park

Refer a Patient

Contact us to coordinate patient admissions, transfers and consultations, in addition to securely transferring patient medical records.

Refer a Patient

Request an Appointment

The information you provide will enable us to assist you as efficiently as possible. A representative will contact you within one to two business days to help you schedule an appointment.

To speak to someone directly, please call 1-773-702-6169. If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

 

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Pediatric Rheumatology