Transitional care management in patients with auto-inflammatory diseases: experience of cooperation of a paediatric and adult centre

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Auto-inflammatory Diseases (AIDs) are a group of diseases with a strong genetic component, inducing an inappropriate activation of innate immunity. The patients with pediatric onset will face the transitional care (TC) from a pediatrician to an adult care setting, during the critical phase of the adolescence. That implies a risk of failure and drop out, due to the different approach of pediatrician compared to the adult doctor. To describe the model of TC for AIDs from a paediatric to adult centre of two hospitals in Rome, and to pointing out the different steps emerged from specific experiences. Methods In November 2020, a Board of paediatricians and internists discussed their experience to identify “hot topics” for a successful management of TC. Results The Board agreed on the optimal time for the transition (12–18 years). Specific elements to be considered are the reached level of emotional and intellectual maturity, and the clinical stability of the disease. Conclusions The TC of patients with chronic AIDs, requires a strong cooperation to define the adequate follow-up, and to guarantee the compliance to the treatment. This model allows us to investigate AIDs complex cases, requiring a long period of observations.