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To discuss Sjögren’s syndrome, Spondyloarthritis, Interstitial Lung Disease and Myositis, among others

• The conference was held at Hyatt Regency, Gurgaon on the 30th and 31st March, 2019 under the guidance of organising secretary, Dr Indrajit Agrawal, HOD Rheumatology, Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon
• Experts from across the world charted a roadmap to spread more awareness about these diseases
• Most of these rheumatic diseases are chronic and cause significant morbidity and mortality

Gurgaon, 03.04.2019: More than 400 delegates from India and abroad converged at the World Rheumatology Forum – Indo-UK Rheumatology Summit (2019), a two-day scientific programme for doctors, trainees and faculty members to discuss a host of under-diagnosed but common diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome, spondyloarthritis, interstitial lung disease and myositis.

The conference was held at Hyatt Regency, Gurgaon on 30 and 31st March, 2019 under the guidance of organising secretary Dr. Indrajit Agrawal, HOD Rheumatology, Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon. Eminent dignitaries attended the event include Dr Elizabeth Price, President, The British Society for Rheumatology (BSR), Prof. Jurgen Braun, Medical Director, Rheumazentrum Ruhrgebiet, Herne, Germany, Prof. Karl Gaffney, Consultant Rheumatologist and Research Lead, Norfolk & Norwich University Teaching Hospital, UK, and Dr. Harsha Gunawardena, Consultant Rheumatologist & Honorary Senior Lecturer, North Bristol NHS Trust and University of Bristol.

“In general, there is lack of awareness about rheumatic diseases in India and the number of trained Rheumatologists are also very few. Most of these diseases are chronic, causing significant morbidity and mortality. The discussions and deliberations involving global experts during these two days of the summit helped us to explore the lesser-known complexities of rheumatic diseases as well as medically-sound means to cure them,” said Dr. Indrajit Agrawal, HOD Rheumatology, Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon.

Sjögren’s syndrome, one of the key diseases discussed at the summit, is frequently under-diagnosed. Patients experience dryness of the mouth and eyes, skin rashes, joint pain and there is lung, kidney and nerve involvement. On day one of the summit, Dr Michele Bombardieri and Dr Elizabeth Price from the UK discussed various aspects of this condition, from diagnosis to treatment. Experts, Dr Jurgen Braun from Germany and Dr Karl Gaffney from the UK, also discussed spondyloarthritis (SpA), a relatively common disease that usually affects young men. Patients experience symptoms of lower back pain and swelling of leg joints. Skin diseases such as psoriasis and certain inflammatory bowel diseases can coexist with SpA.

Most of rheumatic diseases, can involve scarring of the lung at some stage during the illness, known as interstitial lung disease (ILD). On the second day of the summit, Dr Harsha Gunawardena from the UK discussed the diagnosis and management of ILD patients where early detection and treatment is essential to prevent permanent lung damage and high mortality. Inflammatory myositis can lead to muscle weakness affecting the mobility of patients and sometimes even involves the respiratory muscles necessitating artificial ventilation. Dr Rohit Aggarwal from the USA discussed various tests and treatment options to manage the condition.  Finally, senior rheumatologists from across India shared their experience on various practical aspects of rheumatic diseases.

Paras Hospitals Gurgaon is among the leading providers of treatment and care in the field of neurosciences, cardiology, orthopedics, nephrology, gastroenterology, and critical care in India.