In the Deutschlandfunk health magazine \u2018Sprechstunde\u2019 entitled \u2018Rheumatoid arthritis: When the immune system attacks the joints\u2019, Dr Florian Milatz from the research working group of Prof. Dr Kirsten Minden (German Rheumatology Research Center, a Leibniz Institute, spoke about the particular challenges involved in the transition of adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) to adult care. In order to improve this transition in the long term, he emphasised the importance of early preparation of young people, individual support and stronger networking between paediatric and internal rheumatology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rheumatologic disorders do not only affect adults – children and adolescents can also develop the disease. Many of them continue to require specialised rheumatological care in young adulthood. Florian Milatz addressed the particular challenges involved in the transition from adolescents with JIA to adult medicine. According to current studies, this transition is often not smooth: medical care is often interrupted, which has a negative impact on the course of the disease and quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Florian Milatz mentioned a lack of specialised specialists in adult rheumatology, a lack of nationwide transition structures and insufficient information about the need for further specialised care as some of the causes. Many young patients assume that they do not need any further treatment if they are symptom-free. This is aggravated by the limited availability of specialist medical services and uncertainty about what to expect in subsequent care. As a result, many feel left alone in this phase – and the transition fails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The InfoTrans study conducted at the DRFZ clearly shows the challenges that young patients with rheumatic diseases face during the transition to adult care. According to Florian Milatz, these gaps in care can only be closed if young people are prepared at an early stage, given individual support and paediatric and adult rheumatology are more closely networked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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