The spectrum of paediatric rheumatic diseases in two tertiary centres in Cape Town, South Africa

Introduction Access to paediatric rheumatology services in sub-Saharan Africa is currently very limited with major challenges such as lack of trained personnel, diagnostic and therapeutic resources. Knowledge of the spectrum and incidence of paediatric rheumatologic diseases is important to aid in the advocacy for making paediatric rheumatology more visible and to improve access to the services in areas such as sub-Saharan Africa where the greatest unmet needs exist. However, data on the occurrence and incidence of paediatric rheumatologic diseases in Africa is scant. Single centre registry studies studies may help bridge this gap and guide planning interventions to address the diagnostic, therapeutic and human resource needs.