Autoimmune rheumatic diseases are conditions caused by an excessive and misdirected response of the immune system against the body itself, recognizing its own components as “foreign,” without an identifiable cause. They constitute a group of diseases with significant heterogeneity in terms of epidemiology and clinical manifestations. Their prevalence is estimated at 5–8% in the general population.
At Metropolitan General, a dedicated Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases Clinic operates, covering the following conditions:
- Connective tissue diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitides, scleroderma, etc.)
- Rheumatoid arthritis (adult and juvenile)
- Spondyloarthritides (ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, etc.)
- Gout
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoarthritis (knee, hip, hand, foot, etc.)
- Fibromyalgia
- Paget’s disease (cervical syndrome, low back pain, and other musculoskeletal disorders)
The diagnostic approach is confirmed either with blood and urine tests in the fully equipped hematology and immunology laboratory of Metropolitan General, or with imaging examinations such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography scans, ultrasound examinations and other methods.
The therapeutic arsenal of the rheumatologist is rich. It consists of pharmaceutical preparations taken orally as well as of the so-called “biological agents” which have radically changed the therapeutic management of autoimmune diseases. In the Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases Clinic of Metropolitan General, all modern biological therapies are applied. The Clinic also has extensive experience and specialization in rheumatic diseases that coexist with pregnancy.
It should be noted that the key to the best therapeutic approach is the timely diagnosis of early disease (disease that exists for less than 1–2 years).
There is the possibility of hospitalization and coverage from all medical specialties and collaboration with the Intensive Care Unit of Metropolitan General. Furthermore, the annual organization of conferences takes place in collaboration with the 1st Orthopedic Clinic, with a variety of topics and participation of distinguished speakers.
The Clinic collaborates scientifically with the 1st Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine at the University of Athens.