Transition from pediatric to adult rheumatological care

Childhood onset rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases often continue into adulthood. These diseases are associated with a high risk of permanent disability and impairment in the quality of life of people affected. Adolescence and young adulthood represent a particular risk phase for an unfavorable long-term outcome. During this challenging and future health-determining phase at least one in three patients stops seeking regular specialized healthcare and the health status of these people deteriorates after having left pediatric care. The key principles of transitional care have been defined, are generally accepted and are presented in this article. There is emerging evidence of the effectiveness of transitional care programs. The implementation of a structured transition into the routine care of adolescents and young adults with rheumatic diseases is necessary.