Autoimmune and Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases/Connective Tissue Diseases (AIRDs/CTDs)
- Medical Specialities
- Allergy and Immunotherapy
- Treatments offered at Zydus
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Zydus Hospitals provide comprehensive diagnostic services for immunodeficiencies, evaluating different components of the immune system. The NABL-accredited laboratory offers advanced autoimmune profiles and immunohematology services. Diagnostic tests include:
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- Assessment of T cell and B cell numbers and functions
- Phagocyte function tests
- Measurement of immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE)
- Genetic testing for primary immunodeficiencies
- Flow cytometry for accurate immunodeficiency disorder identification
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Treatment is tailored to the specific immunodeficiency disorder. Common approaches include:
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- Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy or subcutaneous immunoglobulin for antibody deficiencies such as CVID and X-linked agammaglobulinemia
- Prophylactic antibiotics and antifungals for infection prevention in immunocompromised individuals
- Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for severe primary immunodeficiency disorders such as SCID, performed in the state-of-the-art Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) unit
- Transplant immunology expertise for successful transplantation outcomes
- Management of secondary immunodeficiencies by addressing the underlying causes
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A comprehensive range of diagnostic tests is available to identify specific allergy triggers, including:
- Skin Prick Test (SPT): A minimally invasive test where allergens are applied to the skin to observe reactions
- Intradermal Test: Small amounts of allergens are injected under the skin for diagnosis of certain allergens
- Patch Test: Used for detecting contact allergies by applying allergens to skin patches
- Molecular Allergy Testing (Component Resolved Diagnostics - CRDs): Detects antibodies to over 300 allergenic molecules in a single blood test
- Allergen-specific IgE blood tests: For alternative or complementary diagnosis
- Allergy panels: Testing for common allergen groups
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Depending on the type of allergy, the hospital offers:
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- Rhinoscopy for nasal passage visualization
- Bronchoscopy for airway examination
- Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) to assess lung function
- FeNO (Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide) measurement for asthma diagnosis and management
- Oscillometry, another lung function test
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Zydus Hospitals provides various treatment options for allergies, including:
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Allergen Immunotherapy:
- Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT): Allergy shots to desensitize the immune system over time
- Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): Tablets or drops under the tongue for certain allergies
- Biologics: Targeting specific immune system components for severe allergic conditions like asthma and chronic urticaria
- Pharmacological management: Medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, and mast cell stabilizers
- Education: Education on allergen avoidance and personalized action plans
- Epinephrine auto-injectors: For anaphylaxis treatment and emergency response
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Allergen Immunotherapy:
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The hospital provides comprehensive rheumatological investigations, including:
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- Clinical evaluation by experienced rheumatologists
- Laboratory tests for inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP) and autoantibodies (rheumatoid factor, ANA, anti-CCP)
- Advanced imaging techniques:
- X-rays for bone and joint assessment
- Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (MSK-US) for real-time evaluation of joints and soft tissues
- CT scans and Dual-Energy Computed Tomography (DECT) for gout diagnosis
- PET-CT scans for certain inflammatory conditions
- Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) for synovial fluid analysis
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Zydus Hospitals offers a broad range of treatment strategies for rheumatological disorders:
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- Pharmacological Management:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation relief
- Corticosteroids (oral or injected) for rapid inflammation control
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to slow inflammatory arthritis progression
- Biologic medications targeting specific inflammatory pathways
- Targeted therapies for autoimmune conditions
- Joint injections with corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid for localized pain relief
- Physical and occupational therapy to improve joint function, muscle strength, and mobility
- Surgical Interventions:
- Referral to experienced orthopedic surgeons for joint replacement surgery (e.g., knee or hip replacement)
- Specialized "One Day Knee Replacement" program for selected osteoarthritis patients, promoting faster recovery and reduced hospitalization
- Lifestyle Modifications:
- Exercise regimens and weight management strategies
- Guidance on lifestyle adjustments for joint health
- Advanced Therapies:
- CAR-T cell treatment, an immunotherapy option for select autoimmune conditions
- Pharmacological Management:
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Zydus Hospitals Ahmedabad remains at the forefront of immunology, allergy, and rheumatology services, offering cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment approaches tailored to individual patient needs.
