Abstract

Pediatric rheumatic diseases (PRDs) comprise a diverse group of inflammatory disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system and connective tissues, with multifactorial etiologies involving genetic and environmental factors. Climate change driven by rising greenhouse gas emissions and global warming, has profound implications for PRDs through increased air pollution, extreme weather events, and ultraviolet radiation exposure. Children with chronic rheumatic disorders, particularly those with systemic involvement, are especially vulnerable to these environmental stressors. This review explores the association between climate change and PRDs, with a focus on juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), immunoglobulin A vasculitis, Kawasaki disease, and familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).

Understanding the interplay between climate change and PRDs is crucial for developing adaptive strategies for disease management and public health interventions. Future research should focus on mitigating environmental risks and identifying protective measures to improve the outcomes of pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases.

Keywords: Air pollution, Climate change, Rheumatic diseases

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1.
Yaman Artunç N, Yalçın SS. Climate change and pediatric rheumatic diseases: a growing concern. Turk J Pediatr Dis [Internet]. 2025 Jul. 28 [cited 2025 Aug. 23];19(4):209-17. Available from: https://turkjpediatrdis.org/article/view/1111