{"id":9936,"date":"2024-10-21T11:38:24","date_gmt":"2024-10-21T11:38:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drfz.de\/?page_id=9936"},"modified":"2026-02-09T12:13:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T12:13:09","slug":"patients-and-relatives","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.drfz.de\/en\/patients-and-relatives\/","title":{"rendered":"Patients and relatives"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Contact points and general information<\/p>\n \n

Patients and relatives<\/h1>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \"\" \n \n <\/div>\n\n <\/section>\n\n\n\n
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\n We research the causes and mechanisms of rheumatic diseases to enable more precise diagnoses using cutting-edge technologies, develop personalized therapies, and sustainably improve the quality of life for those affected. <\/blockquote>\n
Prof. Dr. med. Eicke Latz<\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/section>\n\n\n\n\n
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Immune Dynamics working group, Anja Hauser. Cells made visible. <\/figcaption><\/figure> <\/div>\n \n
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Great research challenges in the face of a serious disease.<\/h2>\n \n
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Research at the DRFZ focuses on chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases, which arise from a dysregulation of the immune system. In these conditions, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells, leading to irreversible damage, such as the destruction of joint cartilage. Rheumatism is classified as an autoimmune disease, where the immune system can no longer distinguish between “self” and “foreign.”<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/section>\n\n\n\n\n

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Blood from patients is an essential tool in research. The close connection to the clinic is important for this. <\/figcaption><\/figure> <\/div>\n \n
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Research and Patient Well-Being.<\/h2>\n \n
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Although you are at the center of our research, the DRFZ cannot provide medical treatment. Laboratories are not hospitals, and our researchers are not authorized to make diagnoses. However, an early diagnosis is crucial for the course of the disease. If you experience relevant symptoms, you should consult a specialist in rheumatology as soon as possible. You can find contact addresses below.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/section>\n\n\n\n\n

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Studies in epidemiology and healthcare research have been conducted at the DRFZ for decades. This long-standing wealth of data provides information on the health effects of medications.<\/figcaption><\/figure> <\/div>\n \n
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A Treasure Trove of Rheumatology Data<\/h2>\n \n
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In the field of epidemiology and healthcare research at the DRFZ, various long-term studies with large patient groups are conducted. These data provide insights into the quality of care for rheumatology patients in Germany and assess the safety and effectiveness of new medications. You can actively contribute to this research by participating in ongoing studies through your rheumatologist. More details can be found in Program Area 2.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n

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The \u201cMobile Rheumatism Consultation\u201d during the Long Night of Science at the DRFZ offers comprehensive information and advice. Doctors from Berlin's rheumatology clinics are guests at the institute every year.<\/figcaption><\/figure> <\/div>\n \n
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Rheumatic Diseases: Treatable but Not Curable<\/h2>\n \n
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Thanks to significant advances in research and therapy, the symptoms of inflammatory rheumatic diseases can now be significantly alleviated. However, most patients must take medication for life, as inflammation tends to return once treatment is stopped. There is still a great need for further research in this area, which the DRFZ has been pursuing for over 30 years.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n

\n To all research areas<\/span><\/a> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/section>\n\n\n\n\n
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Events for patients<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n
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6. Jun 2026, 17:00 – 23:59<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n \n Long Night of Science <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n\n
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Interviews by DRFZ members in the journal MOBIL of the Deutsche Rheuma-Liga e.V. (in German only)<\/h2>\n \n \n
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\n \n Interview mit Dr. Mir-Farzin Mashreghi und Dr. Vikram Sunkara "K\u00fcnstliche Intelligenz in der Rheumaforschung"<\/a>\n\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n Interview mit Dr. Johanna Callhoff "Rheumaforschung: Detektivarbeit im Zahlendschungel"<\/a>\n\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n Interview mit Prof. Dr. Gerhard Kr\u00f6nke "Rheumatologie: Auf dem Weg zur Pr\u00e4zisionsmedizin"<\/a>\n\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n Interview mit Prof. Dr. Eicke Latz: \u201eWir wollen die Medizin revolutionieren\u201c<\/a>\n\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n Interview mit Prof. Dr. Max L\u00f6hning: "Arthrose-Forschung: Warum schreitet der Knorpelabbau voran?" <\/a>\n\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n Interview mit Prof. Dr. Antigoni Triantafyllopoulou: "Wie entstehen Rheumaknoten?"<\/a>\n\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n\n\n
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Rheumatic diseases in detail<\/h2>\n \n
You can find more information about the different types of rheumatic diseases, typical symptoms, and treatment options on various websites.<\/div>\n \n
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\n Information on different rheumatic diseases<\/span>\n \n Rheuma-Liga<\/a>\n\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n German Society for Rheumatology<\/span>\n \n Patient Information by the DGRh<\/a>\n\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n Resources from internal medicine specialists<\/span>\n \n Internists Online<\/a>\n\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n Additional Materials from the Rheuma-Liga<\/a>\n\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n\n\n
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Directories of Doctors and Therapists<\/h2>\n \n
Living life to the fullest despite rheumatism and overcoming challenges together\u2014many self-help organizations and associations strive to support rheumatic patients and their families.<\/div>\n \n
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\n \n Rheuma-Liga Care Map<\/a>\n\n Looking for rheumatologists, physiotherapists, clinics, rehabilitation centers, or similar services? The Rheuma-Liga care map database includes around 1,500 rheumatology specialists who meet verified quality standards.<\/span>\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n Working Group of Regional Cooperative Rheumatology Centers<\/a>\n\n Since 1993, cooperative rheumatology centers have been improving regional care for rheumatic patients. These centers are organized within the German Society for Rheumatology (DGRh) as the Working Group of Regional Centers (AGRZ) to coordinate efforts nationwide. The AGRZ coordination office is part of the DGRh headquarters in Berlin.<\/span>\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n Find a Regional Cooperative Rheumatology Center Near You<\/a>\n\n Includes a map of rheumatology centers and early diagnosis consultation services.<\/span>\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n Physiotherapists for Children in Berlin<\/a>\n\n A directory of Berlin-based physiotherapists specializing in the treatment of children and adolescents.<\/span>\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n\n\n
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Help for self-help \u2013 Patient associations and self-help groups<\/h2>\n \n
By patients, for patients<\/div>\n \n
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\n \n German Rheuma-Liga<\/a>\n\n The national association provides extensive information. A dedicated members' magazine reaches around 200,000 readers.<\/span>\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n State Associations of the Rheuma-Liga<\/a>\n\n Regional branches offer support close to home.<\/span>\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n Lupus Erythematosus Support Community e.V.<\/a>\n\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n German Association for Ankylosing Spondylitis (Morbus Bechterew) e.V.<\/a>\n\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n German Psoriatic Arthritis Association e.V.<\/a>\n\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n German Osteoarthritis Forum<\/a>\n\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n\n\n
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Specialist societies related to rheumatology<\/h2>\n \n \n
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\n \n German Society for Rheumatology (DGRh)<\/a>\n\n With more than 1,500 members, the German Society for Rheumatology e.V. (DGRh) is the leading medical-scientific society in the field of rheumatology in Germany. For over 90 years, it has promoted rheumatological science, research, and its development in Germany. As a non-profit association, the DGRh operates independently for the benefit of the general public, without pursuing commercial interests.<\/span>\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n German Society for Orthopedics and Orthopedic Surgery<\/a>\n\n Founded in 1907, this association aims to advance orthopedic science in research, teaching, and practical application, including the rehabilitation of individuals with physical disabilities.<\/span>\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology<\/a>\n\n This pediatric society focuses on close collaboration with national associations for pediatrics and rheumatology. With over 300 members\u2014primarily pediatricians responsible for treating children and adolescents with rheumatic diseases in Germany\u2014it actively supports research in all areas of pediatric rheumatology and the dissemination of new findings. A key mission is the continued education of physicians and medical professionals in pediatric rheumatology. The society also works on the social integration and rehabilitation of children and adolescents with rheumatic diseases and maintains close cooperation with patient support groups.<\/span>\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n German Society for Autoimmune Diseases and Polymyalgia Rheumatica<\/a>\n\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n\n\n
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Foundations focused on rheumatology<\/h2>\n \n \n
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\n \n German Rheumatism Foundation<\/a>\n\n Supporting research as a key priority.<\/span>\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n German Children's Rheumatism Foundation<\/a>\n\n This foundation is dedicated to improving the living conditions and opportunities of children with rheumatic diseases, helping them develop into strong and independent individuals.<\/span>\n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n\n\n
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Events for patients<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n
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\n \"50 <\/div>\n\n \n\n
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13. Oct 2025, 18:00 – 21:00<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n \n World Rheumatism Day <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n\n
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News for patients<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n \n \n
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