[Therapy and prevention in children with inflammatory rheumatic diseases]

Since 1981, annual four-week holidays have been arranged for children with juvenile rheumatic arthritis, during which the children are cared for by a team of pediatricians, orthopedists, ergotherapists, physiotherapists and assistants trained in psychology. With systematic splint therapy, physiotherapy, and by enhancing drug awareness during these therapeutic holidays significant improvements in joint mobility and subjective wellbeing were achieved. Of the 103 children treated (209 places were available), the majority spent several holidays, with a resulting improvement in joint mobility lasting several years. Through systematic training, adaptation to splints, and physiotherapy acceptance was also enhanced, with a preventive effect for the rest of the year. The success of these measures has encouraged the authors to continue the project.