Research areas

Profile

Danish Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases is part of the University Hospital of Southern Denmark with a strategic focus on knowledge sharing, research, and education. The Danish Centre for Expertise in Rheumatology is an independent centre at the Danish Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases with a regional role in the treatment of inflammatory joint and connective tissue diseases, as well as specialised rehabilitation. The centre also manages the rheumatological function for Hospital Sønderjylland in the Regioin of Southern Denmark and contributes to teaching in the medical study program in Esbjerg.

The focus is on prevention, lifestyle, and the impact of arthritis disorders at all stages of life. The purpose of the research is to investigate and develop strategies for the identification and treatment of patients with inflammatory arthritis diseases, primarily focusing on rheumatoid arthritis, spinal arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. The centre collects material for local and national biobanks and strategic initiatives, including active patient and family involvement and funding.

The centre has established "Education visits," where talented young researchers from across Europe visit the centre to engage in interdisciplinary research and build networks for their further education. The Danish Centre for Expertise in Rheumatology is active both internationally and nationally on many levels, aiming to improve conditions and disseminate knowledge about arthritis to all relevant stakeholders and society at large.

The Danish Centre for Expertise in Rheumatology

The overarching goal of the research unit is to investigate and develop strategies for recognition and management of patients with inflammatory rheumatic conditions, mainly focusing on rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathies and psoriatic arthritis.

The research unit performs pharmacological as well as non-pharmacological research and involves patients as research partners with the aim to achieve personalized care according to the patients’ physical, psychological and social situation.

The present research focus is on clinical rheumatology and areas of priority are:

• Early diagnosis and monitoring by serological and imaging markers
• Occurrence and impact of inflammatory rheumatic conditions
• Investigation and management of inflammation and comorbidities
• Interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral rehabilitation