Vasculitis, Arthritis, and Kawasaki Disease are potential dangers

• Early detection and treatment are critical
• Delayed care can turn fatal
• Insights by globally renowned expert Prof. Surjit Singh
• Pediatric Rheumatology Symposium held at KIMS Hospitals

Typically, the immune system protects the body by fighting off external bacteria and infections. However, when the immune response becomes overactive, it starts attacking the body’s own tissues, mistaking them for enemies. This can lead to serious conditions like vasculitis, arthritis, and Kawasaki disease. Alarmingly, even children are susceptible to these autoimmune disorders,” said Prof. Surjit Singh, world-renowned Pediatric Rheumatologist and Immunologist, and former Director of PGIMER, Chandigarh.

Speaking at a symposium on Pediatric Rheumatology held on Sunday at KIMS Cuddles Hospital, Prof. Singh emphasized, “If children frequently suffer from fever, rashes, persistent cold, and cough, parents must not take these lightly. Immediate consultation with an immunologist is crucial. If left untreated, such conditions can even become life-threatening.”

Prof. Singh, who has treated over 1,000 children with Kawasaki disease—a potentially fatal condition that causes inflammation in the heart’s blood vessels, especially in children under the age of five—was the keynote speaker at the event.

The symposium was inaugurated by Dr. B Bhaskar Rao, CMD of KIMS Hospitals, along with Dr. Babu S Madarkar, Chief Neonatologist & Clinical Director; Dr. Abarna Thangaraj, Consultant, Pediatric Immunology and Rheumatology; and Dr. Parag Shankarrao Dekate, Clinical Director, Pediatrics Department.

Over 400 doctors from both Telugu-speaking states attended the session, which focused on various pediatric issues—especially complications arising from either heightened or weakened immunity. Experts delivered detailed presentations on recognizing early signs and initiating timely treatment.

Dr. Veeravalli Sarath Chandramouli, Clinical Director, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology at KIMS Hospitals, said: “These autoimmune conditions can affect children from as early as one year of age up to around 15 years. Unfortunately, initial symptoms appear quite normal—fever, rashes, cough, and cold—which are often treated symptomatically. But misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can result in severe complications. That’s why pediatricians and general physicians must raise their awareness about these diseases. If a child presents such symptoms repeatedly, they should be referred immediately to pediatric clinical immunologists or rheumatologists.”

He further noted, “Proper evaluation allows early identification and specific treatment. Some cases may require weeks of immunosuppressant therapy or other long-term medications tailored to each condition.”

Organized by KIMS Cuddles Hospital in association with the Pediatric Academy of Telangana State (PATS), Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) Twin Cities Branch, and Little Ones Cure Foundation, the symposium featured active participation from senior consultants including Dr. Aparna C (Senior Consultant Neonatologist and Pediatrician), Dr. K.V. Anil Kumar, Dr. Gummadi Anjani, Dr. Abarna Thangaraj, Dr. Jasti Sreerakha, Dr. Sambit Sahu, and Dr. P. Rakesh Kumar, among others.