Rheumatology

The HYGEIA Hospital Rheumatology Department offers specialized services for the entire range of rheumatic conditions, including:

• Inflammatory arthritis (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, spondyloarthropathy, etc.)
• Degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis, low back pain)
• Systemic rheumatic connective tissue diseases and vasculitis (e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren’s syndrome, necrotizing vasculitis such as Wegener’s Granulomatosis etc.)
• Metabolic bone diseases (e.g. osteoporosis, Paget’s disease)
• Soft tissue rheumatism (e.g. periarthritis, tendonitis, fibromyalgia and other chronic pain syndromes)
• Entrapment neuropathies, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
• Autoinflammatory conditions (Adult Still’s disease, Familial Mediterranean fever, TRAPS, etc.)

The Rheumatology Department participates in:
• Clinical trial protocols for new treatments; patient who may be interested in these may seek further information from the Department
• Educational seminars organized by HYGEIA Hospital
• Training programs for postgraduate scholarship holders
• Articles in medical journals, so that audiences may be informed on important rheumatology topics, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, vasculitis
• International bibliography (Pubmed), with more than 350 articles in international journals and books

The Rheumatology Department has a comprehensive treatment plan in place for rheumatic conditions:

On an outpatient basis (through the Outpatient Clinic with topical infusions).
At the One-Day Treatment Unit, with relevant treatments for autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, as well as for osteoporosis. These include intravenous regimens with cyclophosphamide, bisphosphonates and biological factors.
For inpatients, if the need arises.
To other specialties within the Hospital, in the form of consultation.

Treatment is not solely based on the use of the latest pharmaceuticals, but also on:

Informing the patient and his/her immediate environment about their specific condition, as well as the potential benefits and adverse effects associated with their treatment (including providing any relevant informational brochures).
Performing regular clinical follow-ups to assess possible adverse effects and treatment efficacy, and maintaining an electronic patient record (if the patient undergoes medical tests at HYGEIA).
Formulating a rehabilitation program if necessary, in partnership with the HYGEIA Hospital Physiotherapy Department.
Managing patients in partnership with other medical specialties if necessary (Dermatology, Neurology, Nephrology, Infectious Diseases, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, etc).
Providing access to a podiatrist, for gait analysis and orthotic management assessment.

The Rheumatology Department has access to the latest and most modern diagnostic techniques, including:

Blood and biochemical tests
Full immunological profile
Diagnostic joint paracentesis
Latest generation imaging scans, including conventional and digital X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, bone scintigraphy, PET/CT, etc.
Biopsies on any body part/organ, with relevant histology report, in partnership with other specialties
Electrophysiology assessments (electromyogram, electroneurogram)