Radboudumc Center of Expertise for Systemic autoimmune diseases

About the Radboudumc center of expertise

Systemic autoimmune diseases are diseases with symptoms throughout the body in which vascular abnormalities, inflammation and scarring go hand in hand. As these diseases often cause symptoms or complications in multiple organs, several medical specialisms are involved and an integrated multidisciplinary approach is needed. Here, not only the disease itself deserves attention, but also the consequences of the disease and its treatment on daily functioning.

The Radboudumc Centre of Expertise for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases has extensive knowledge and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of all the different forms of these diseases. Major forms of systemic autoimmune diseases in which special expertise exists are:

• Systemic sclerosis
• Eosinophilic fasciitis
• Morphea (localised scelroderma) in adults and children
• Combination of skin and systemic diseases in adults and children

The multidisciplinary team combines knowledge from different disciplines (e.g. doctors, nurses, physician assistants) to provide optimal patient-centred care.

The expertise centre

The Radboudumc Centre of Expertise for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, recognised by Orphanet and the Dutch Federation of University Medical Centres in 2018, was established to accommodate specialist care and scientific research in the field of systemic autoimmune diseases. The expertise centre specialises in all systemic autoimmune diseases and has particular expertise in systemic sclerosis, localised scleroderma, morphea and eosinophilic fasciitis, both in adults and children. The expertise team counsels patients with (suspected) autoimmune diseases and institutes the best possible treatment.
 
Besides integrated patient care, the Radboudumc Centre of Expertise for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases conducts research, including on new treatments. We are responsible for teaching medical specialists, trainee doctors, students and other professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with autoimmune diseases. Through cooperation in national and regional networks, the centre of expertise contributes to increasing knowledge about these disorders.