Autoimmune Rheumatology Disease

Welcome to the Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease Clinic at Emirates Hospitals Rheumatology Department in Dubai. Our clinic specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Our dedicated team of US Board Certified Rheumatology experts is committed to providing you with the highest standards of care to manage these complex conditions. With advanced medical facilities and a patient-centered approach, we are here to support you on your journey to better health and improved quality of life.

What is an Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease?

Autoimmune rheumatic diseases are a group of disorders where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, causing inflammation, pain, and damage to various organs and systems. These diseases can affect the joints, skin, muscles, eyes, blood vessels, and internal organs, such as the kidneys, heart, lungs, brain and nerves leading to a wide range of symptoms and complications.

Common Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases include:

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or Lupus: A chronic autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in many parts of the body. Lupus can affect the skin, joints and internal organs such as the kidneys, lungs, heart, and brain.

• Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A disorder characterized by the presence of antibodies that increase the risk of developing blood clots.
• Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis): A condition involving hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues and can cause inflammation and scarring of other body parts.
• Sjogren’s Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the glands that produce moisture, leading to dry eyes and mouth.
• Myositis: Inflammation of the muscles, leading to muscle weakness.
• Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels, which can affect various organs.
• Bechet’s Syndrome: A rare disorder causing inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body and recurrent ulcers in the mouth and genital area.

Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease Symptoms

Autoimmune rheumatic  diseases can present with a variety of symptoms that can vary widely depending on the specific condition and the organs affected. Common symptoms include:

• Joint Pain and Swelling: Persistent pain and swelling in the joints, often accompanied by stiffness.
• Skin Changes: Rashes, thickened or hardened skin, and other skin abnormalities.
• Fatigue: Extreme tiredness not relieved by rest.
• Fever: Low-grade fevers without an apparent cause.
• Muscle Weakness: Particularly in conditions like myositis.
• Dryness: Dry eyes and mouth, especially in Sjogren’s syndrome.
• Organ Involvement: Symptoms related to the kidneys, heart, lungs, or other organs.

Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease Causes

The exact cause of autoimmune rheumatic diseases is not fully understood. However, it is believed that a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors contribute to the development of these conditions. Factors that may trigger autoimmune responses include:

• Genetics: Family history of autoimmune diseases.
• Environmental Triggers: Infections, exposure to certain chemicals, or other environmental factors.
• Hormonal Factors: Some autoimmune diseases are more common in women, suggesting a hormonal link.
• Immune System Dysfunction: An overactive or misdirected immune response leading to the attack on the body’s own tissues.

Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease Diagnosis

Accurate and Early Diagnosis

At our Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease Clinic, we employ a comprehensive diagnostic approach to accurately identify these conditions. Our diagnostic process includes:

• Medical History: Detailed review of your medical history and symptoms.
• Physical Examination: Thorough examination to check for signs of autoimmune diseases.
• Blood Tests: Including tests for specific antibodies, inflammation markers, and organ function.
• Imaging Tests: Such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRI to assess organ involvement and joint damage.
• Biopsies: In some cases, tissue samples may be taken to examine for signs of disease.

Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease Treatments

Our Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease Clinic offers a wide range of advanced treatments to manage these conditions effectively:

Medication Management with Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) help reduce the inflammation, manage the patients’ symptoms and slow disease progression.

• Conventional synthetic DMARDs (csDMARDs), include medications such as methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide, azathioprine, and sulfasalazine.
• Biologics – Biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDΜARDѕ) or simply biologic agents or biologics are  advanced treatments that target specific parts of the immune system involved in the disease in order to prevent or reduce the inflammation that causes joint and organ damage. There are several types of biologics, each targeting a specific molecule involved in the inflammatory process.
• Plasmapheresis – A procedure to remove and replace the plasma from your blood to reduce the number of antibodies attacking your body.
• Joint injections can sometimes be provided to alleviate pain and decreasing inflammation in the joints.

Long-term management of autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases

In addition to medications, the long-term management of autoimmune rheumatic diseases involves a multifaceted approach tailored to your individual condition and lifestyle. Our management plans include:

• Rehabilitation Programs: Customized physical therapy programs designed to restore strength, flexibility, and function.
• Ongoing Medication Management: Continuous monitoring and adjustment of medications to manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
• Regular Monitoring and Follow-Up: Frequent follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
• Support and Education: Comprehensive support and education to help you understand your condition, manage your symptoms, and make informed decisions about your health.
• Nutritional and Lifestyle Counseling: Guidance on diet, stress management, and lifestyle changes to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Last update date: 07-08-2024

Written by

Dr. Nathalie E. Chalhoub +

Consultant Rheumatologist

Dr. Nathalie E. Chalhoub is an American Board-Certified Consultant Rheumatologist who has worked in the USA, UAE and Lebanon.