Autoimmune diseases refer to diseases caused by an excessive and erroneous response of the immune system to the body itself, which identifies its own components as enemies, and triggers an inflammatory response to various tissues. It constitutes a group of diseases with a high heterogeneity in terms of epidemiology and clinical manifestations. Their frequency stands at 5-8% in general population.
Metropolitan General runs an Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases Clinic where the following conditions are timely diagnosed and effectively treated:
- Connective tissue diseases: systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitides, scleroderma, etc.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (adult – juvenile)
- Spondyloarthritis (ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, etc.)
- Gout
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoarthritis (knee, hip, hand, foot, etc.)
- Fibromyalgia
- Paget’s disease (cervical syndrome, back pain and other musculoskeletal system disorders)
The diagnostic approach is confirmed either by blood and urine tests at the Metropolitan General's well equipped hematology and immunology lab, or by imaging tests such as MRI, CT, ultrasound and other modules.
The rheumatological therapeutic arsenal is rich. It is made up of oral medication, and the so-called "biological agents" that have radically changed the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Metropolitan General's Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases Clinic applies all modern biological treatments. Also, the Clinic holds extensive experience and expertise in rheumatic diseases coexisting with pregnancy.
It should be noted that the key to the best therapeutic approach is the timely diagnosis of early disease (a disease present for less than 1-2 years).
There is the possibility of hospitalization, and patients receive treatment by physicians in all medical specialties in cooperation with the Metropolitan General's Intensive Care Unit. In addition, an annual conference is organized in collaboration with the 1st Orthopedic Clinic on a variety of topics and with the participation of renowned speakers.
The Clinic collaborates scientifically with the 1st Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine of the University of Athens.
Staff
Chief:
Eleni Komninou, Rheumatologist
Contact number: +30 210 650 2906
