Autoimmune diseases can affect any organ, which is why in recent years specialized committees have been created with experts in the relevant fields. At the end of last year, another step was taken at the Lozano Blassa University Clinical Hospital, creating a multidisciplinary committee with joint consultations to address these matters from all perspectives. Progressive knowledge of these affections has made it possible to increase the number of diagnoses., In fact, in this health center the follow-up of the five main pathologies has tripled in the last ten years, reaching 600 cases since 2013 in the Zaragoza III sector.
This multidisciplinary committee brings together task Group For the diagnosis and treatment of interstitial pulmonary pathology, pulmonary hypertension, the most complex clinical presentations, pregnancy of women with these conditions, as well as patients with nephrological and hematological pathology.
formula is joint function, the decision making by consensus For each specific case and follow-up. This is highlighted by Dr. Adela Marín Bolve, with 33 years of work in the Internal Medicine Service, who coordinates this committee, which is a leader in the community and is composed of 14 specialties: Neurology, Pneumology, Pathology, Radiology, Laboratories of Rheumatology, Hematology, Pharmacy, Immunology, Vascular Surgery, Dermatology, Nephrology, Cardiology, Gynecology and Internal Medicine operated with its own unit of systemic autoimmune diseases.
He explains that this system allows to “improve and accelerate diagnosis and optimize treatment”. The patient and his particular pathology are at the center of the process, as a This is a unique case which has been considered from all angles at the same timein such a way that unnecessary referrals or duplicate consultations and tests are avoided, and an individualized treatment for the patient is agreed upon with a multidisciplinary approach” This is achieved quick decision -Concrete- To specify what is to be done, which treatment to select. If the patient needs to be given anticoagulants for life. He says, “You have to take a decision which is not trivial. That’s why it’s important to have the best equipment and human resources to agree on guidelines: ”We base our decisions on the latest scientific evidence. They are complex treatments, so there is an involvement of pharmacy.” And the Pulmonary Hypertension Subcommittee statement: “It is known that the sooner treatment begins, the better the long-term morbidity and the lower the mortality. Therefore, it should be diagnosed early.”
“Follow-up is agreed upon,” says Dr. Marin, who emphasizes teamwork as a core value. “Each case to be jointly weighed”, in periodic meetings In which professionals of various specialties participate. There are patients who go through different subcommittees throughout their lives.
chronic disease
Systemic autoimmune disease is chronic, explains the coordinator of the multidisciplinary committee. “It is one that arises due to an error in the patient’s immunity”, he explained: “The main function of the immune system is to protect itself from external agents, but in these malformations it appears as if it was mistaken and that which is its own. He considers her a stranger. The body reacts by damaging its own body.“. Among the most prevalent are systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, antiphospholipid syndrome, vasculitis or Sjogren’s syndrome.
“It can affect multiple organs at the same time, with the patient accessing the health system through the specialty that treats the most prominent manifestation at that time.” and that’s why it needs to be Large team of professionals from various specialties Which are related to these autoimmune diseases. “After each case is put forward, the clinical condition of the patient is taken into account and a decision is made on the steps to be taken to access treatment.”