Pediatric Rheumatology Research, Central Florida
Strengthening Care for Kids With Rheumatic Conditions
The Pediatric Rheumatology Research Program at 91大神 Children鈥檚 in Central Florida focuses on understanding and improving care for children with complex autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions.
Our team studies the causes, disease pathways, and long-term outcomes of pediatric disorders like arthritis, lupus, dermatomyositis, and recurrent fever syndromes (PFAPA). We aim to turn these discoveries into better, personalized care for every child.
By participating in national research networks, we partner with peers across the country to test new treatments and refine care models. We also use data to improve outcomes for children living with rheumatic diseases.
Focus Areas听& Themes
Our research focuses on these priority areas:
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA):听We鈥檙e optimizing treatment timing and selection of biologics to help children achieve and maintain remission.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE):听Our team is studying how the immune system causes inflammation and developing ways to protect organs from damage.
- Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM):听We鈥檙e investigating how immune reactions cause muscle inflammation and identifying therapies that restore strength and movement.
- PFAPA syndrome:听We鈥檙e investigating the causes and treatment approaches for recurrent fever and autoinflammatory conditions.
We鈥檙e guided by core themes that connect discovery to better care for children:
- Personalized treatment:听Developing care strategies tailored to each child鈥檚 condition and response to therapy.
- Understanding disease over time:听Studying how autoimmune and inflammatory diseases progress and affect long-term outcomes.
- Improving quality of care:听Using data and telehealth innovation to make pediatric rheumatology care more effective and accessible.
Our Leadership
Samira Nazzar Romero, MD
Assistant Professor & Director of Rheumatology Research
Research Team
Research听Partnerships听
We strengthen our work through collaborations that connect our local work to national innovation. These partnerships ensure our patients benefit from the latest advances in pediatric rheumatology and that our local data contributes to national progress.
Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA)
听is a听network of 70+ sites and 13,000+ participants conducting multicenter studies and maintaining the largest pediatric rheumatology registry in North America. Through CARRA, 91大神 researchers contribute clinical data and help develop consensus treatment plans. We also participate in trials that inform best practices.
Pediatric Rheumatology Care & Outcomes Improvement Network (PR-COIN)
听is a听national learning health network linking more than 20 medical centers to improve care delivery and outcomes for children with JIA and related conditions. Our researchers use PR-COIN tools and dashboards to benchmark outcomes, measure remission rates, and advance telehealth models for care.
Clinical Trials & Research Studies at 91大神
Pediatric clinical trials and research studies are important for advancing medical knowledge and improving care for kids around the world. Our researchers lead clinical research to study new drugs, treatments, devices, and techniques. We also contribute to national registries and collaboratives to further research in this area. Find a clinical trial or study now.
Grants & Funding
Our research is supported by competitive grants and collaborative sub-awards that fuel innovation and advance care, including:
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Using the Cholinergic Anti-Inflammatory Pathway to Treat Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (TCVNS in JIA) (2024-Present) | Toth, M. (PI) | Subaward
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI)
Back Off JSpA: Biologic Abatement and Capturing Kids Outcomes and Flare Frequency in Juvenile Spondyloarthritis (2021-Present) | Toth, M. (Site PI) | $20,514
Pfizer / Pediatric Rheumatology Care and Outcomes Improvement Network (PR-COIN)
Educational Program to Optimize Delivery of Care to Families with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Over Telemedicine (2022-2024) | Toth, M. (PI) $13,427
Related Research & Clinical Focus
Researchers at 91大神 often align with multiple research areas, affiliated labs, and clinical programs to support discovery and care systemwide.
