Pos1443-Pare Unraveling Pediatric Rheumatology in Latin America: A Comprehensive Analysis Through in-Depth Interviews and Literature Review

Background: Pediatric Rheumatology in Latin America is crucial for diagnosing and treating juvenile rheumatic diseases. Despite this, the history of this specialty in the region needs to be more documented. This study addresses this gap by exploring regional contributions, challenges, and opportunities. Objectives: 1.Trace the history through interviews and literature analysis. 2.Collect information from experts to advance the specialty. 3.Provide a historical resource for better understanding and future research. 4.Identify opportunities for progress and influence public policies. Methods: -Bibliographic analysis. -Selection of experts with PANLAR endorsement. -In-depth interviews to gather local perspectives. -Analysis and contextualization of data. Results: This project presents an analysis based on interviews and a literature review across countries like as Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil, alongside documentary reviews in Chile and Brazil. Pediatric rheumatology care in these countries dates back to the 1970s, evolving through collaboration between pediatricians and adult rheumatologists. However, challenges persist, leading to situations where adult rheumatologists handle pediatric care due to a shortage of specialists. Despite resource shortages and lack of recognition, dedicated professionals in Latin America persist in their commitment, impacting the region's care quality. The lack of comprehensive data on pediatric rheumatology patients poses significant research challenges. Differences between public and private healthcare systems contribute to delays and hindered access, with Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil ensuring access to high-cost medication, particularly highlighted by Uruguay's solidarity funding system. Conclusion: This research illuminates the past and establishes a crucial foundation for future policies and advances in pediatric rheumatic disease care in Latin America. Continued efforts are essential to raise awareness, and ensure equity in access to treatments, medications, and mental health care. Providing support to healthcare professionals for ongoing education is of utmost importance, facilitating the formation of more specialists in pediatric rheumatology. REFERENCES: 1 Borgia RE, De Cunto CL, Terreri MT, Guerini LL, Espada G. Transition From Pediatric to Adult Rheumatology Care: An Exploratory Study From Latin America. *J Clin Rheumatol*. 2024 Jan 10. doi: 10.1097. 2 Kozu KT, Casella CB, Strabelli CAA, Aikawa NE, Campos LMA, Elias AM, Miguel EC, Polanczyk GV, Silva CA. Mental Health Impact in Latin American Pediatric Rheumatologists During the COVID-19 Pandemic. *J Clin Rheumatol*. 2022 Mar 1;28(2):e506-e510. doi: 10.1097/RHU.0000000000001871. 3 Concha S, Hernández-Ojeda A, Contreras O, Mendez C, Talesnik E, Borzutzky A. Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis in children: a multicenter case series. *Rheumatol Int*. 2020 Jan;40(1):115-120. doi: 10.1007/s00296-019-04400-x. 4 Schinzel V, da Silva SGL, Terreri MT, Len CA. Prevalence of juvenile idiopathic arthritis in schoolchildren from the city of São Paulo, the largest city in Latin America. *Adv Rheumatol*. 2019 Jul 25;59(1):32. doi: 10.1186/s42358-019-0078-4. 5 MARTA, Miranda. "Brief History of Chilean Pediatric Rheumatology." *Rev. Chil. Reumatol.*, 2015. 6 De Inocencio J, Antón López J. "Pediatric Rheumatology. Brief history and current situation of the specialty in Spain." *Acta Reumatológica.* 2014;1(2):1. doi: 10.3823/1307. 7 Garcia Mac Gregor E. "Brief History of Rheumatology." *Venezuelan Society of Rheumatology.* Astro Data SA; 2010. 8 Iglesias Gammara A, Toro Gutierrez Carlo, Salas Siado Jorge. "50 years of history" COLOMBIAN ASSOCIATION OF RHEUMATOLOGY; 2017. 9 Knupp DS. *History of Pediatric Rheumatology.* Planmark, 2020. ISBN 978-65-87763-02-6. 10 "¿Qué es el Fondo Nacional de Recursos?" Fondo Nacional de Recursos.* cited 2023 May 31. Acknowledgements: We deeply appreciate the valuable time and contributions of the following interviewees: Dr. Graciela Espada, Dr. Carmen de Cunto, Dr. Rosario Jurado, Dr. Yurilis Fuentes Silva, Dr. Ana Nava, Dr. Jhoanna Hernandez, Dr. Blanca Bica, Dr. Vanessa Jirón, Dr. Zoilo Morel, Dr. Richard Loor. A special thanks to Dr. Miguel Albanese, who has been an exceptional mentor, providing invaluable support throughout this journey. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to graduate Rosario Pino for her valuable contributions. Disclosure of Interests: None declared.