reumatologie

Reumatologie is a medical specialty focused on diseases of the joints, muscles, skeleton, and connective tissue. It covers inflammatory, autoimmune, degenerative, and metabolic conditions that cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and functional limitation. Rheumatologists diagnose and treat patients across the life course, often coordinating care with primary care physicians, orthopedics, and physical therapy.

Common conditions treated in rheumatology include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, seronegative spondyloarthropathies such as ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis, vasculitis, and inflammatory myopathies; fibromyalgia is also managed in many rheumatology clinics. The aim is to relieve symptoms, prevent joint damage, and maintain function and quality of life.

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, laboratory tests (such as CRP and ESR, autoantibodies like RF, anti-CCP, and ANA), imaging studies (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI), and, when appropriate, analysis of synovial fluid. The approach is often multidisciplinary and tailored to the individual.

Treatment depends on the specific condition but commonly includes pharmacologic therapy such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including conventional csDMARDs and biologic or targeted therapies. Nonpharmacologic care, including physical and occupational therapy, exercise, weight management, and vaccination considerations for immunosuppressed patients, is also essential.

Training in rheumatology requires specialty education and certification in internal medicine or pediatrics, followed by rheumatology fellowship in many countries. Guidelines from organizations like EULAR and the American College of Rheumatology guide clinical practice.