Marking Rheumatology Awareness Month, the Vasculitis Society of India and the Rheumatology Association of Gujarat (RAG) have launched a dedicated Vasculitis Patient Support Group in Ahmedabad, aiming to strengthen patient education, early diagnosis, and long-term care for those affected by rare autoimmune disorders.

 

Unveiled during an awareness programme on vasculitis, the initiative seeks to provide patients and caregivers with reliable information, guidance, and community support to improve quality of life. Originally established in Punjab, the Vasculitis Society of India is now expanding its footprint nationwide through patient engagement and outreach efforts.

 

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel congratulated the Indian Rheumatology Association (IRA), RAG, and the Vasculitis Society for the initiative. He also lauded their efforts in organising Rheumatology Awareness Month in April, noting that programmes such as the Vasculitis Support Group and Antardhwani will help extend care and awareness to patients.

 

Vasculitis, a group of rare autoimmune diseases that cause inflammation of blood vessels, remains underdiagnosed despite its serious health implications. Unlike conditions such as Rheumatoid arthritis, which primarily affect joints, vasculitis can impact multiple organs including the skin, kidneys, lungs, and brain. Globally, its prevalence is estimated at just 0.02%–0.04%, making awareness and clinical familiarity critical.

Experts highlighted that diagnosing vasculitis is particularly challenging due to its diverse symptoms, often mimicking diseases such as tuberculosis, infections, or even malignancies. Limited access to advanced diagnostic tools, including ANCA testing, complement assays, and tissue biopsies—further delays timely identification and treatment.

Dr Aman Sharma, President of the Indian Rheumatology Association, emphasised the broader national challenge. He noted that while individual forms of vasculitis are rare, collectively they represent a significant and under-recognised disease burden in India, often leading to preventable complications and disability.

Dr Sapan Pandya, IRA Vice-President and Associate Professor at SVP Hospital, highlighted the importance of community-driven care. He said the support group would serve as a vital platform for patients and caregivers to access credible information, share experiences, and adopt healthier lifestyles.

Echoing this, Dr Reena Sharma, President of RAG, underlined the need for early diagnosis and advanced treatment. She pointed out that symptoms such as rashes, fatigue, and organ dysfunction often go unrecognised, and stressed the role of ANCA testing and therapies like Rituximab in improving outcomes.

The event also featured contributions from Dr Vishnu Sharma, Dr Anuj Shukla, and Dr Dhaiwat Shukla.