[Chronic illness in adolescence: ten pertinent questions]

Among adolescents with chronic illness or disability, some are survivors of a severe disease in childhood, some have a long-standing yet less severe condition and some have been ill since adolescence only. Owing to the considerable progress of pediatrics, the number of these adolescents and young adults has been regularly increasing. For all, the major question is that of their future and for many, that of the transition from pediatric to adult medical care. This work of follow-up and guidance requires, beyond a strong medical knowledge of each condition, a good understanding of the specific global needs at that age as well as of the multiple and reciprocal impacts between chronic illness and the progression of adolescence. In order to increase pediatricians' awareness and skills in that field, the authors propose a clinical guide composed of ten relevant questions to be addressed when dealing with any chronically ill or disabled adolescent.