The
department will be addressing the rising prevalence of Autoimmune Diseases and
enhance early diagnosis
Kauvery Hospital Alwarpet launches Department of Rheumatology
Chennai,
23rd August 2024: – Kauvery Hospital Alwarpet launched
the Department of Rheumatology, featuring specialized clinics for lupus and
osteoporosis. This expansion reflects our commitment to providing advanced,
comprehensive care for conditions that are increasingly impacting patients
across India. The launch was presided over by Prof A V Ramanan, Rheumatologist
from Bristol Royal Hospital
for Children and the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Bath, UK.
Rheumatic diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus
(SLE) and osteoporosis, are on the rise in India, affecting millions of people.
Studies indicate that lupus impacts approximately 5-10 per 100,000 individuals
in the Indian population, with women being more commonly affected than men.
Another common condition - Osteoporosis, is a condition characterized by
weakened bones, is also becoming a growing concern, with estimates suggesting
that over 50% of postmenopausal women in India are at risk.
One of the critical issues in managing autoimmune diseases
is the delay in diagnosis. Research shows that the average time to diagnose
lupus can exceed 5 years from the onset of symptoms, largely due to its complex
presentation and the overlap of symptoms with other conditions. Similarly,
osteoporosis often goes undiagnosed until a fracture occurs, emphasizing the
need for proactive screening and early intervention.
Speaking on the department, Dr Sham
S, Senior Consultant Rheumatologist says “Our
new Department of Rheumatology is designed to provide focused, comprehensive
care for patients with autoimmune diseases including in-house laboratory
investigations and advanced imaging technologies that enables a faster
turnaround time in diagnosis. With our specialized clinics, we aim to reduce
diagnostic delays and offer tailored treatment plans that improve patient
outcomes and quality of life.”
The department is prepared to manage a wide range of
rheumatic conditions, from common diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and
osteoarthritis to rare disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and
vasculitis, Myositis, Systemic sclerosis/Mixed connective tissue disease,
Sjogren’s syndrome. Our aim is to provide effective, personalized care tailored
to each patient’s needs.
“The launch of our Department of Rheumatology is a
significant step forward in our ongoing mission to provide comprehensive and
patient-centered care. By integrating specialized clinics, advanced diagnostic
tools, and a multidisciplinary approach, we are not only addressing the
immediate needs of our patients but also contributing to the long-term
management of complex rheumatic conditions. Our focus on early diagnosis,
research, and education underscores our commitment to improving patient
outcomes and advancing healthcare standards,” says Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder and Executive Director Kauvery Group
of Hospitals.