Orthopedics and Surgery

Rheumatology Emergencies

Rheumatology emergencies encompass critical situations that can arise due to rheumatic diseases or infections. While these emergencies do not typically pose an immediate threat to life, they require prompt and appropriate management. Examples of rheumatology emergencies include catastrophic anti-phospholipid syndrome (cAPS), central nervous system vasculitis, kidney-lung syndrome, neonatal lupus (anti-Ro syndrome), and macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). It is essential for healthcare professionals to have a comprehensive understanding of these conditions and employ critical care interventions, immunosuppression when necessary, and a diagnostic flowchart approach to ensure optimal patient care. Rapid laboratory assessments and the use of anticoagulants may also be essential in specific cases.