PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGY IN THE UNITED-KINGDOM - DATA FROM THE BRITISH-PEDIATRIC-RHEUMATOLOGY-GROUP NATIONAL DIAGNOSTIC REGISTER

Objective. To establish a computerized national diagnostic register fo r pediatric rheumatology in the UK; to describe the demography and dia gnostic classification of children referred to pediatric rheumatology clinics; to estimate the current incidence of juvenile arthritis (JA) in the UK. Methods. A diagnostic register was established in 1989: 23 centers have contributed data on all new cases seen since they joined the register; 18 centers have also contributed data on all current att enders. For 2 centers with well defined catchment areas, the incidence of JA was estimated. Results. A total of 4948 cases were registered, of whom 2962 (60%) were female. 1991 (40%) had a diagnosis of JA. The 2nd largest category was mechanical/orthopedic problems (24%), Pauciar ticular juvenile chronic arthritis was the most common subtype of JA. Seropositive RA was rare. Tertiary referral centers saw proportionatel y more JA and district general hospitals saw proportionately more mech anical problems. The annual incidence rate for JA from 2 centers was 1 0/100,000, and for all rheumatic disorders was 32-42/100,000 children under age 16. Conclusion. The relative proportion of patient diagnoses varies between centers, Nevertheless, the incidence of hospital refer red JA seems very uniform.