Lupus Integrated Nephritis Clinic (LINC)
![teen smiling with lobby in the backgroound](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_150_3x2_1100x733_1x/public/2024-05/Photo-RHEUM-AAteen-2624X1720-v01.jpg?itok=4Sypo66i)
Children with lupus nephritis, a multisystem autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the kidneys, require specialized care and treatment. At Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), these children and teens are cared for in the Lupus Integrated Nephritis Clinic (LINC).
Our clinic was designed to improve the quality of care for patients and their families by integrating treatment across multiple specialty areas into one patient visit. Combined clinics like LINC minimize the number of clinic visits a child and family must schedule throughout the year and increase communication across specialists.
Our integrated program offers children and teens comprehensive treatment, compassionate care, cutting-edge research and renewed hope.
How we serve you
Our clinic combines the clinical, social and emotional needs of patients into one visit. Patients meet with specialists to discuss current challenges – such as medications, school and managing treatment – and receive advice when the time comes to transition to adult providers.
Conditions we treat
LINC offers a "one-stop shop” for children and young adults with lupus or mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) affecting their kidneys. The clinic provides access to care, treatment and access to psychologists and social workers.
-
Lupus - Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD)
![Mother kissing cheek of daughter in hospital gown](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_150_3x2_160x107_1x/public/2024-03/Photo-Default-WhyChoose-Mother-Kissing-Daughter-Scrubs-Patient-Michaela-2624x1720-v01.jpg?itok=UjXMP-df)
Why choose us for lupus nephritis care
Experts in the Lupus Integrated Nephritis Clinic continue to explore innovative ways to best support children with lupus and related kidney dysfunction. Our goal is to deliver personalized care in a safe and effective way.
![two physiciands discussing treatment in a hallway](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_150_3x2_160x107_1x/public/2024-05/Photo-RHEUM-physiciansDiscussing-2624X1720-v01.jpg?itok=XX0ckjkL)
Meet your team
Every person on your child's LINC team has the same goal: to give your child the best possible care. We provide medical care, emotional counseling and much more.
![Exterior of Beurger Specialty Care building](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_150_3x2_160x107_1x/public/2024-05/Photo-Default-BuildingBeurgerSC-2624x1720-v01_0.jpg?itok=8gqfVW6B)
Our location
The LINC clinic is located in the Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care, on the Raymond G. Perelman Campus.
![Lab technician working with smaples under protective hood](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100_160x160_1x/public/2024-05/Photo-RHEUM-LabTechMaleHood-2624X1720-v01.jpg?itok=M8r0Cto8)
Our research
Clinicians and researchers at CHOP continue to investigate new therapies for lupus and related diseases. We will soon be recruiting patients for ongoing lupus clinical studies, both at CHOP and nationally.
![Father and son smiling together looking at a laptop computer.](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_150_3x2_160x107_1x/public/2024-03/Photo-Default-PatientResources-Father-Son-Laptop-2624x1720-v01.jpg?itok=yK4m4ZfQ)
LINC resources
We have created resources to help you find answers to your questions about lupus nephritis and feel confident with the care you are providing your child.
Your donation changes lives
A gift of any size helps us make lifesaving breakthroughs for children everywhere.
![Mother smiling hugging her daughter](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_150_3x2_160x107_1x/public/2024-05/Photo-RHEUM-MotherDaughter-2624X1720-v01.jpg?itok=Ih-vV1xl)