Rheumatology

1.Overview

The human body is equipped with an immune system that protects it from pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. Ideally, the immune system only targets harmful substances and ignores those that are harmless. However, problems arise when the immune system makes a “mistake” and starts to misidentify harmless substances as harmful. Particularly troubling is when the immune system begins to treat the body’s own tissues as enemies and attacks them. This can lead to inflammation and tissue damage, and in severe cases, may even be life-threatening. Diseases that result from this kind of immune system malfunction are known as “autoimmune diseases”.
Autoimmune diseases can affect a single organ or organ system, or they can impact multiple systems throughout the body. In Japan, systemic autoimmune diseases are collectively referred to as “collagen diseases”. Collagen diseases are categorized into many types based on their specific characteristics, but the most common is rheumatoid arthritis. Our department specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of collagen diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis.

2.Policy

We Provide Reliable Medical Care based on the Latest Research

The diseases treated in our department are primarily caused by problems within the immune system. Therefore, the core of treatment involves suppressing immune activity. Hormones produced by the adrenal glands in the body have immunosuppressive effects, and for many years, these adrenal hormones were virtually the only “trump card” for treating rheumatoid arthritis and collagen diseases. Thanks to these hormones, many lives have been saved, however, long-term use of these medications is known to cause side effects, such as osteoporosis and diabetes.
In response to these issues, new immunosuppressive drugs—such as methotrexate—began to be developed in the 1990s. Then, since the 2000s, biologic agents—engineered based on advanced insights into immunological pathways—have become clinically available. Over the past 10 to 20 years, these therapeutic innovations have significantly reshaped the standard of care for collagen vascular diseases. At our department, we are committed to providing safe and effective care based on the most up-to-date scientific knowledge.

3.Our Strengths

We Value Teamwork

Collagen diseases can present with symptoms throughout the entire body, making collaboration with doctors from other departments essential. Additionally, since many patients require long-term treatment, coordination with local general practitioners who support patients in the community is also highly valued. Since our department is part of a general hospital, we can provide well-rounded support by working together with these other healthcare professionals.

We Are Able to Offer Complementary Therapies to our Standard Treatments

Some patients may feel unwell even though their test results don’t show any signs of disease progression. This may be because current medical science is still incomplete and lacks methods to detect this type of malaise, or because these issues may not be solvable by simply adding, changing, or reducing immunosuppressive medications. In such cases, incorporating traditional Eastern medicine—which approaches physical problems from a completely different perspective—can sometimes bring us closer to a solution. Our department offers treatment by specialists certified in Kampo (traditional Japanese herbal medicine) by the Japan Society for Oriental Medicine.

We Actively Participate in Clinical Trials for the Benefit of Our Patients

In recent years, research on the immune system has been advancing rapidly, leading to the development of new drugs with completely different mechanisms of action. However, before these drugs can be used in actual medical settings, their safety and effectiveness must be scientifically proven. This involves recruiting willing patients, administering the medication to those who meet the criteria, and collecting data. During this process, some patients are given a “placebo,” a drug with no expected therapeutic effect. To ensure objectivity, neither the patients nor the researchers know who is receiving the real drug or the placebo until the data is analyzed. Only when it is scientifically confirmed that the new drug is safe and more effective than the placebo can it be made widely available to patients. This entire verification process is known as “clinical trial”. Our department actively engages in clinical trials for the benefit of future patients who are suffering from the same illnesses.

Message to Patients

Collagen diseases include several conditions that are designated as intractable (specified) diseases in Japan. Because of this, many patients feel anxious or overwhelmed upon receiving a diagnosis. It’s understandable to worry that you’ve developed a “difficult” illness.
However, it’s important to know that a diagnosis of a collagen disease does not necessarily mean a poor prognosis. In fact, thanks to major advances in medical treatment, many of these conditions are now far more manageable than they once were. In the past, patients with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis were thought to have significantly shorter life expectancies. Today, that is no longer the case.
With proper care, many people with collagen diseases are able to live full, active lives and enjoy the same life expectancy as those without the condition.
At our department, we aim to provide compassionate and comprehensive care that not only addresses your medical needs but also helps ease the emotional stress that often comes with chronic illness. We are here to support you—every step of the way.