In 2009 he joined the Children's Hospital Srebrnjak, Zagreb, Croatia, and for the last seven years he has served as co-chairman for the International Summer School in Dubrovnik organized by IUC. Professor Miroslav Harjaček has published numerous papers and given a notable number of invited lectures on Pediatric Rheumatology. He is a reviewer for several international rheumatologic journals.
ContentsPreface XI Part Economic Impact of Rheumatic Diseases 1 Chapter Economic Impact of Rheumatic Diseases 3 Gerardo Quintana L. and Paola Coral-Alvarado Chapter Economic Evaluations in
PrefaceChallenges in Rheumatology aims to provide a general review for those who need quick up-to-date information on various aspects and impacts of rheumatic diseases.Rheumatology is a subspecialty of medicine that focuses on the biology, cause, diagnosis and treatment of a variety of musculoskeletal and other systemic diseases. Rheumatic diseases can present themselves in a number of familiar ways but sometimes are atypical and occasionally puzzling. Patients may appear insidiously or acutely ill and the impact of the disease can range from a temporary irritation, to a condition that is persistent and increasingly disabling, and sometimes a severe, even life-threatening illness. Most clinicians have a basic understanding of common disorders, yet they are often challenged by specific questions regarding the optimal diagnosis and care for patients with rheumatic diseases. More than ever, the care for patients with rheumatic diseases requires a multidisciplinary approach. In addition, the magic of the Internet has allowed our patients to be far better informed about their own health issues. They are demanding, and have the right to be active participants and decision-makers in their own care. If we are to act as their educators and advisors, we must continually strive to expand our own knowledge base.X Preface in chapters that are conveniently organized as pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and diagnosis of selected rheumatic diseases, medical and perioperative orthopedic management, and the economic impact of rheumatic diseases.I am extremely grateful to the many authors who contributed to this book. I too, have learned a lot on various aspects of experimental and clinical rheumatology form editing the text. My hope is that this book will help our trainees become better physicians and scientists, and practicing rheumatologists to provide better care, and ultimately, improve the quality of life of our patients.