Laboratory biomarkers in the diagnostic workup of immune-mediated rheumatic diseases

Dr Christian Dejaco is an associate professor in the Department of Rheumatology at the Medical University of Graz (Austria) and author of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for the management of polymyalgia rheumatica and large vessel vasculitis.

Are there any laboratory biomarkers or other tools that can distinguish immune-mediated rheumatic diseases from other disorders and from possible complications, such as infections?

Christian Dejaco, MD, PhD: In reality, it is a very broad question because we would have to look at each individual disease and see which parameters can help in this differentiation.

In general, I would say that it is important to see everything together: history, clinical examination, and lab results. These parameters together can help us distinguish between an activity of immune-mediated rheumatic diseases and neoplasms or infections.

See also

Diagnostic vs classification criteria of rheumatic diseases What is the difference between diagnostic and classification criteria of rheumatic diseases? What should we be aware of when using classification criteria in clinical practice?
Biologics in systemic autoimmune diseases A lecture by Dr Bhaskar Dasgupta, from Southend University Hospital, UK, delivered at McMaster International Review Course in Internal Medicine (MIRCIM) in May 2019.
Challenges in the diagnosis of chronic immune-mediated rheumatic diseases A lecture by Dr Christian Dejaco, from Medical University of Graz, Austria, delivered at McMaster International Review Course in Internal Medicine (MIRCIM) in May 2019.
Classification criteria for idiopathic inflammatory myopathy What has changed in the classification criteria of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies? What subgroups of patients can be distinguished and what are the differences between them?
Osteoporosis in the elderly: what can be done A lecture by Dr Alexandra Papaioannou, from McMaster University, Canada, delivered at McMaster International Review Course in Internal Medicine in Kraków in May 2018.

Laboratory biomarkers in the diagnostic workup of immune-mediated rheumatic diseases

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