University of Connecticut Health Center Logo

DIVISION OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES

Patient Careimage of patient and physician

The clinical faculty in the Division is responsible for patient care. The fellows in training, nurse practitioners, and residents rotating in our service see patients under direct supervision from one of the attendings. All attendings are board-certified rheumatologists capable of dealing with all the rheumatic diseases. However, each one has developed specific areas of interest that, in many cases, constitute their main field of research. A brief explanation of these diseases is presented herein.

FIBROMYALGIA:

Fibromyalgia, also known as fibrositis, is a common generalized disease characterized by soft tissue pain. It constitutes an entity of its own, independent of the "chronic fatigue syndrome." Micha Abeles, MD , and Susan Urrows, R.N.P. are experts in this field.

MYOSITIS:

Polymyositis and dermatomyositis are rare autoimmune diseases characterized by inflammation within the muscles. It is usually manifested by weakness, and sometimes muscle pain. Micha Abeles, M.D, has a special interest in this group of diseases.

SCLERODERMA:

Naomi F. Rothfield, MD is an expert in scleroderma, and Raynaud's disease. Collaborative clinical studies, and studies of the autoantibodies found in these patients are possible with the interaction between our faculty.

SERONEGATIVE SPONDILOARTHROPATHIES: 

Ann Parke, MD has special interest in these diseases, characterized by inflammation of the tendons, and, frequently, arthritis, eye, and urinary tract infections.

SJöGREN'S SYNDROME

Characterized by dry eyes, dry mouth, and presence of specific autoantibodies. Sjögren's syndrome is a common disease among females. Ann Parke, MD is an expert in this field.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus:

Naomi Rothfield, MD, and Ann Parke, MD are experts in this disease. They have special skills in caring for pregnant patients with lupus, as well as patients with the "antiphospholipid antibody syndrome."
__________
For appointments please contact Ms. Kelly Clarke

Back to Home Page: Division of Rheumatic Diseases

__________________________________________

This site was created by Dolores Vázquez-Abad, MD, and is maintained by Naomi F. Rothfield, MD, © Copyright 1997. All rights reserved. If you experience any broken links or other difficulties with this site, please email us.