Early Diagnosis, Complex Vascular Involvement, and Personalized Management in Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases

Background Pediatric rheumatic diseases encompass a broad spectrum of chronic inflammatory conditions that affect children and adolescents, posing significant challenges to early diagnosis, disease management, and long-term outcomes. Among these conditions, vascular involvement represents a particularly complex and potentially devastating aspect, with manifestations ranging from large-vessel vasculitis (such as Takayasu arteritis) to small-vessel vasculitis (such as ANCA-associated vasculitis) and vasculopathic complications in systemic autoimmune diseases like childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). Despite recent advances in pediatric rheumatology, the early recognition of vascular involvement, accurate risk stratification, and development of personalized treatment strategies remain critical unmet needs.Goal and ScopeThis Research Topic aims to address the pressing challenges surrounding early diagnosis, complex vascular involvement, and personalized management in pediatric rheumatic diseases, bridging the gap between emerging scientific knowledge and clinical application.We welcome submissions on improved diagnostic criteria and classification systems for pediatric vasculitis, alongside novel biomarkers (genetic, serological, cellular) and advanced imaging modalities (MRI, PET-CT, ultrasound) for the early detection and monitoring of vascular inflammation. Contributions addressing the genetics and immunopathogenesis of vasculitis and vasculopathy in children are equally encouraged.A central focus of this collection is complex vascular involvement across the spectrum of pediatric rheumatic disease, including large-vessel vasculitis (Takayasu arteritis, polyarteritis nodosa), small-vessel vasculitis (ANCA-associated vasculitis, IgA vasculitis/Henoch-Schönlein purpura), vasculopathy in systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases, and vascular complications such as pulmonary hypertension and thrombosis.On the therapeutic side, we invite work on personalized management strategies, including targeted biologic agents (TNF inhibitors, rituximab, tocilizumab), JAK inhibitors, and other novel immunomodulators; individualized treatment algorithms based on disease phenotype, genetic profile, and organ involvement; approaches to treatment-resistant and refractory vasculitis; and strategies to minimize corticosteroid exposure while optimizing long-term safety.Finally, this Research Topic welcomes studies on patient-centered outcomes, including quality of life, neurocognitive and psychosocial burden, transition from pediatric to adult care, and long-term adherence and follow-up strategies for children and adolescents with complex rheumatic conditions.This Research Topic welcomes contributions from clinicians, researchers, and allied health professionals worldwide, with the aim of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing the field of pediatric rheumatology toward earlier diagnosis, more effective management of vascular complications, and truly personalized care for children with rheumatic diseases.Article types accepted: Original Research, Systematic Review, Review, Mini Review, Clinical Trial, Brief Research Report, Case Report, Study Protocol, Methods, Perspective, Hypothesis and Theory, General Commentary, Editorial Topic editors: JIA ZHU, Hongxia Tang, Jianghong Deng Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85879/early-diagnosis-complex-vascular-involvement-and-personalized-management-in-pediatric-rheumatic-diseases