1978 - Prof.A.N.Chandrasekaran appointed as reader
1991 - For the First time in India D.M.Rheumatology Post Doctoral Degree course started with the sanction of 2 post graduate seats
1993 - Journal of Indian Rheumatology association (JIRA) was started first in India with Prof. A.N.Chandrasekaran as the editor in chief.
2010 - Number of D.M seats increased to 4
2015 - Upgraded to an Institute
2021 - Separate rheumatology block started functioning
2022 - Celebrated the Golden Jubilee
Faculty & Residents
Dr.P.S.Arul Rajamurugan
Associate Professor /HOD
Name of the Residents joined in the year 2022
Name of the Residents joined in the year 2023
Name of the Residents joined in the year 2024
Dr. Durga Lakshmi. J
Dr. Ashwant kumar
Dr. S. Keerthana
Facility & Clinical Care
1. Outpatient service
OPD services are the most important part of rheumatology. OPD is in 1 floor of rheumatology block. We deal with around 500 cases per day. We receive patients from all over Tamilnadu as well as from outside state. We have separate OP for new patients and patients who are on long term follow up. Our OP timing is from 8.00 am to 10.00 AM from Monday to Friday and 8.00 am to 1.00 pm on Saturdays. We conduct lupus clinic on Saturdays from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm. Our OPD includes new patient's OPD, counter OPD, Pharmacy, physiotherapy, patient registration, patient's waiting area and X-ray unit.
2. In patient service
Our inpatient ward is equipped with 60 beds. This includes Male ward, Female ward, day care ward and ICU Ward. We have monthly admissions of around 130 patients in female ward, 90 patients in male ward and 30 patients in ICU. Ward rounds are taken by postgraduates, assistant professors and Head of Department on daily basis for patient care. ICU is equipped with 10 beds, 4 ventilators, central oxygen supply, 3 Multi para monitors, 4 pulse oximeters and one ECG machine. Ward is equipped with procedure room for procedures like synovial fluid aspiration, intra articular injections, skin biopsy etc. We have Day care ward for the patients who are admitted for procedures as well as for biological DMARDS injections.
3. Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy unit is in the 6th floor of rheumatology block. Two physiotherapists are currently employed, providing their services to aid patients in rehabilitation and physical improvement. Services include electrotherapy (Interferential Therapy, TENS, Ultrasound Therapy, Infra-red radiation, Electrical stimulation, Wax-bath Therapy), Exercise therapy and play therapy.
4. Immunology Laboratory
We perform a range of immunology testing including the conventional latex agglutination test for Rheumatoid Factor (RF), C Reactive protein (CRP) and Anti-Streptolysin O (ASO);ELISA testing for auto antibodies titre Anti Nuclear Antibody (ANA), double stranded DNA (dsDNA), Anti Cyclic Citrulinated Peptide(ACCP), Beta 2 Glyco Protein 1 (ß2 GP1), Anti Cardiolipin (ACL), Anti Neutrophil Cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA), Cryoglobulin, ANA Profile of antibodies by immunoblotting, Immunofluorescence using HEP2000 Substrate for ANA and C3 AND C4 by Nephelometry technique.Our gamut of investigations also includes Polarising microscopy, Lupus anticoagulant testing, HLA typing that is carried out using the lymphocytotoxicity (LCT) assay. All these investigations are expensive and require advanced level of technical expertise.PCR Lab is functioning in the 7th floor. Our lab strives to provide quality reporting of these speciality tests under one roof to the poor and needy rheumatological patients of RGGGH.
5. Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound is a growing field which plays a major role in diagnosing rheumatic diseases and doing interventions in managing patients.
6. Nail fold Capillaroscopy
Nail fold capillaroscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool in rheumatology, enabling non-invasive examination of micro vascular abnormalities in patients with autoimmune diseases. It provides insights into conditions like systemic sclerosis and helps in early detection and monitoring of vascular changes. This technique plays a crucial role in optimizing patient care and treatment strategies.
7. Intra articular injections
Our department also carries out intra articular steroids in inflammatory arthritis and intra articular hyaluronic acid in osteoarthritis.
8. Biologic Therapy
Our facility offers a comprehensive range of biologic injections, including infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept, secukinumab, rituximab, tocilizumab, and more, to effectively manage patients with rheumatological conditions. We have well-equipped day care wards dedicated to ensuring the safe and convenient administration of these treatments.
Academic Forum
GUEST LECTURES / ORATION
S.NO
Date
Name of the Guest Lecturer
Topic of the Guest Lecture
State or National level
1
28/3/2022
Dr. P. Shanmuga Sundaram
FDG-PET basics and its role in non oncological indications
STATE
SEMINAR / SYMPOSIUM
S.NO
Date
Seminar and Symposium with Title
Presentor& moderators with their designation
State or National level or institute level
University / TNMSC Credits / both if present
1
3.1.24
Inflammatory eye diseases for rheumatologist JC
Dr Durgalakshmi
Institute level
No
CME / CONFERENCE
S.NO
Date
CME / CONFERENCE – Title
University / TNMSC Credits / both if present
State or National level or institute level
1
02.04.24
Takayasu arteritis CME – Prof. Dr. Misra
No
Institute level
WORKSHOP / TRAINING PROGRAMME
S.NO
Date
WORKSHOP / TRAINING with Title
University / TNMSC Credits / both if present
State or National level or Institute
1
23.01.24
Scientific writing workshop - Abott
No
Institute level
QUIZ / COMPETITIONS
S.NO
Date
Quiz /competitions with Title
University / TNMSC Credits / both if present
Prizes awarded to
a. Inter or Intra – Collegiate Level b. State or National
level
Young girl with the diagnosis of SLE/Secondary APS with gangrene of the feet was treated with immunosuppressive therapy and surgery her limbs were salvaged
Success story 2
Young girl with Childhood SLE admitted with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage was saved with costly drug called IV IG and Plasma exchange along with immunosuppressive therapy
Success story 3
A young girl with bleeding from nose, mouth, urogenital tract, ears was diagnosed to have Ehler Danlos Syndrome and treated with medications
Success story 4
A bed ridden young boy with juvenile spondyloarthropathy with deformities was treated with biological therapy and physical rehabilitation started to walk independently
Others
Patient education on importance of Physiotherapy held on -11/11/2022
LUPUS PATIENT AWARNESS PROGRAM- 10/05/2023
ARTHRITIS AWARENESS PROGRAM FOR PATIENTS & PUBLIC- 30/10/2023