It Aims to Educate, Guide, and Give Reliable Info To Those Affected
AHMEDABAD, April 18: Marking Rheumatology Awareness Month, the Vasculitis Society of India and the Rheumatology Association of Gujarat (RAG) launched the ‘Vasculitis Patient Support Group’ in Ahmedabad on Saturday. The event included an awareness program on vasculitis — a group of rare autoimmune disorders that cause blood vessel inflammation.
The new support group aims to provide education, guidance, and reliable information to enhance the quality of life for those affected. Originally established in Punjab, the Vasculitis Society is expanding nationwide through patient engagement and outreach to build supportive communities.
In a message on the occasion, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said India possesses a rich heritage of medicinal knowledge and this should be used for humanity. “Our Prime Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi ji has highlighted the importance of metabolic health and has said that harmful eating habits are ‘hidden enemies’ that threaten India’s future. During this Rheumatology Awareness Month, I urge the health warriors to rectify this problem for our next generation,” said the CM in his message.
Vasculitis specifically inflames blood vessels, distinguishing it from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, which primarily affects the joints. These rare, complex disorders have a global prevalence of 0.02%–0.04%.
Diagnosing vasculitis is challenging for healthcare practitioners due to its wide clinical spectrum. It can affect organs like the skin, kidneys, lungs, or brain. Vasculitis often mimics common diseases such as tuberculosis (highly relevant in India), infections, or malignancy. Diagnosis is frequently delayed by months. There is limited access to advanced tests like ANCA, complement levels, or tissue biopsies.
The condition imposes significant medical, social, and economic burdens: organ damage (e.g., renal failure, stroke, lung haemorrhage) and a chronic relapsing course; reduced quality of life and long-term disability; and high costs for immunosuppressants, biologics (e.g., Rituximab), and frequent hospitalisations that strain patients and families.
“While each type of vasculitis is rare, collectively they affect many patients and remain underdiagnosed in India, leading to preventable complications and disability,” said Dr Aman Sharma, President of the Indian Rheumatology Association (IRA) and Professor at PGI Chandigarh.
He emphasised the national scope: “Vasculitis causes inflammation of blood vessels, posing complex diagnostic challenges. Our mission is to boost awareness across India, improve access to specialised care, and ensure better disease management and health outcomes for every patient.”
Dr Sapan Pandya, IRA vice-president and associate professor of rheumatology at SVP Hospital and Smt. NHL MMC highlighted the local impact: “Launching the Vasculitis Patient Support Group in Ahmedabad builds a community where patients and caregivers access reliable information and guidance. Through education and outreach, we empower them for healthier lifestyles and improved quality of life.”
Dr Reena Sharma, consultant rheumatologist, said:“As RAG President, I’m excited to launch the Vasculitis Patient Support Group to boost rheumatology care. This autoimmune disease inflames blood vessels — like other rheumatologic conditions — showing in rashes, fatigue, or organ issues. Early ANCA-tested diagnosis and Rituximab treatment are vital; awareness empowers better lives.”
The launch also featured Dr Vishnu Sharma, Dr Anuj Shukla, and Dr Dhaiwat Shukla.
Earlier Saturday, SVP Hospital faculty conducted bedside clinical grand rounds with students, teaching rheumatology’s clinical and analytical skills.
