About
This conference will present an inter-professional, integrated approach to the assessment and management of pediatric patients with complex medical needs. In the US, approximately 1 in 25 children are considered “medically complex,” challenged with multiple, chronic, severe health conditions and requiring substantial medical and psychosocial support. The number of children with complex medical needs is expected to double in the next decade. This symposium will focus on these commonly overlooked, under-diagnosed, multifaceted medical conditions that can have a multi-system impact on patients, such as connective tissue disorders (including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), chronic pain syndromes, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), dysautonomia, and mast cell activation disorder. This conference will educate medical professionals who encounter a child or young adult with complex multisystemic medical findings. Earlier diagnosis and treatment of this patient population is essential in providing appropriate medical management, improvement of quality of life, and providing education and support to patients and their families.
At the conclusion of this event, participants will be able to…
- Diagnose the symptoms for some of the more common connective tissue disorders including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), hypermobility type, and refer accordingly to appropriate sub-specialty.
- Diagnose the symptoms for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and how to assess for this in the outpatient medical setting and refer to cardiology.
- Recognize features of mast cell activation disorder, and understand how this relates to certain forms of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and refer accordingly.
- Describe current therapy and treatment options for chronic pain and connective tissue conditions in children and adolescents.
- Consider the signs and symptoms of possible underlying connective tissue disorders, and resources and referrals available.
- Follow suggested treatment plans for chronic pain in children and adolescents.
