Dr. Ravali Pratima Cirigini
MBBS, MD (Pediatrics), Fellowship in Pediatric Rheumatology
Consultant Pediatric Rheumatologist at Ankura Hospital for Women & Children, LB Nagar. Dr. Ravali cares for children with joint pain and swelling, lupus, Kawasaki disease, juvenile dermatomyositis, hyperinflammation and immune disorders, and helps families feel confident about long-term treatment.
What does a pediatric rheumatologist do?
A pediatric rheumatologist is a children's doctor with additional training in conditions where the immune system causes inflammation, in the joints, skin, muscles, blood vessels or internal organs. Many of these conditions are long-term, but with early diagnosis, the right treatment and regular follow-up, many children are able to go to school, play and grow well.
Being referred to a specialist can feel worrying. It usually means your child's doctor wants a focused opinion, and that is a positive step.
Your child's doctor may suggest a referral for
- Joint swelling, pain, stiffness or a limp that lasts more than a few weeks
- Fever that keeps returning or has no clear cause
- A rash together with joint pain, tiredness or fever
- Kawasaki disease, or follow-up after it
- Muscle weakness with a skin rash
- Infections that are unusually frequent, severe or hard to treat
- Abnormal blood tests, such as a positive ANA, that need interpretation
Specialist care, explained clearly
From the first consultation to long-term follow-up, each step is explained to you and, in words they understand, to your child.
Childhood Arthritis, Lupus & Autoimmune Conditions
Assessment and long-term care of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, childhood lupus (SLE), juvenile dermatomyositis and Kawasaki disease.
Hyperinflammation & Immune Disorders
Evaluation of children with hyperinflammation syndromes (MAS/HLH), including those triggered by infections such as dengue, and of suspected inborn errors of immunity.
Biological Therapies
Experience in planning, administering and monitoring biological medicines such as infliximab, adalimumab and rituximab when standard treatment is not enough.
Intra-articular Steroid Injections
Steroid injections directly into an inflamed joint, which can settle swelling and stiffness in children with arthritis.
Vaccination Planning for Immunocompromised Children
Planning safe and timely vaccinations for children with immunodeficiency or those on medicines that affect the immune system.
Basic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Basic musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound, a painless, radiation-free scan that helps look at joints and surrounding tissues.
Multidisciplinary care
Many children with rheumatic and immune conditions need more than one specialist. During her fellowship, Dr. Ravali worked closely with Pediatric Nephrology, Haematology and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for complex cases, coordinating care so that families have one clear plan.
Understanding your child's condition
Calm, plain-language guides for parents: common signs, how the condition is diagnosed, how it is treated, and answers to frequent questions.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
Long-term arthritis that starts in childhood, causing joint swelling, stiffness or a limp. Treatment aims to protect the joints and keep children active.
Read the guide →Childhood Lupus (SLE)
An autoimmune condition that can affect the skin, joints, kidneys and blood. Regular treatment and follow-up help keep it under control.
Read the guide →Kawasaki Disease
A condition of young children with prolonged fever and inflamed blood vessels. Early treatment lowers the risk to the heart.
Read the guide →Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM)
Inflammation of the muscles and skin causing a typical rash and muscle weakness, which usually improves with treatment.
Read the guide →Hyperinflammation Syndromes (MAS / HLH)
An overactive immune response, sometimes triggered by infections such as dengue or by rheumatic conditions, that needs prompt hospital care.
Read the guide →Primary Immunodeficiency (Inborn Errors of Immunity)
Conditions present from birth in which part of the immune system does not work properly, leading to frequent, severe or unusual infections.
Read the guide →Written by Dr. Ravali for families
Practical, reassuring advice on everyday life with a long-term condition, from hospital visits to school and emotional wellbeing.
All parent guidesHelping Children Cope with Long-Term Treatment: A Guide for Parents
Tips for parents on helping a child cope with long-term treatment for conditions such as JIA, lupus or immunodeficiency, from routines to hospital visits.
Read the guide →Trained at one of Eastern India's largest pediatric referral centres
- Two-year Fellowship in Pediatric Rheumatology at the Institute of Child Health, Kolkata, recognised by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics and the Pediatric Rheumatology Society of India
- Outpatient care for about 200 children a month and inpatient care in a 10-bed Pediatric Rheumatology department
- Experience with biological therapies, joint injections and vaccination of immunodeficient children
- Publications in Indian Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases in Clinical Practice, and contributing author to Piyush Gupta's MCQ book in Paediatrics
Use of Infliximab in Infantile Kawasaki Disease: Experiences over 8 Years.
Indian Pediatrics, 2026 Jan;63(1):40–42
View the publication (DOI) →Referred to Dr. Ravali?
Book a consultation at Ankura Hospital for Women & Children, LB Nagar. Please bring your child's previous reports, prescriptions and vaccination card.