[THE IMPORTANCE OF TRANSITION IN RHEUMATOLOGY]

Rheumatic diseases are among the most common chronic diseases of childhood. Between 30 and 70% of pediatric rheumatology patients reach adulthood with some disease activity, functional limitations, or psychosocial problems. Transition is the purposeful, planned move of chronic pediatric patients from pediatric to adult care. It is a process in which adolescents with chronic conditions prepare for independent care for their health and life in general. Th e establishment of transitional services will ensure better disease control, limit long-term complications, work loss, and unnecessary health care costs, and increase quality of life.