Rheumatology Unit

The Rheumatology unit at Sheba, boasting the largest number of rheumatologists in Israel, is dedicated to treating rheumatic autoimmune diseases. We focus on conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, Sjogren's, and scleroderma. 

Rheumatic diseases impact various parts of the body, including muscles, skeleton, joints, tendons, cartilage, bones, blood vessels, and internal organs. Many of these conditions arise from an autoimmune background, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body. 

Our unit's foremost goal is to provide our patients with prompt and precise diagnosis, along with comprehensive treatment, in order to enhance their quality of life and minimize complications. To achieve this, our dedicated team works closely with experts across different medical disciplines and employs advanced treatments that focus on immune system regulation.

The therapeutic toolbox includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biological drugs, and small molecules. The majority of these treatments are administered orally, through pills, while some are delivered via subcutaneous injections, often self-administered by the patients themselves. Certain treatments, such as intravenous infusions or those requiring specialized preparation, are administered in the day hospitalization unit of the autoimmune center by nurses specializing in rheumatic patient care, under the supervision of the unit's doctors.

The unit also offers a range of services to cater to our patients’ needs, such as multi-joint ultrasound, injections, and joint acupuncture under ultrasound. Additionally, we provide microscopic diagnosis of joint fluid and capillaroscopy for early detection of scleroderma and other autoimmune diseases.

The unit consists of outpatient clinics, day hospitalization, a multi-joint ultrasound clinic, and clinics that combine rheumatology with dermatology, neuromuscular medicine, ophthalmology, gastroenterology, pulmonary medicine, fertility, and pregnancy.  Furthermore, our facility houses a department dedicated to conducting clinical trials on emerging pharmaceuticals and novel compounds prior to their widespread implementation. 

Our department’s primary goal is to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic autoimmune disorders. If you have any questions about participating in the trials, feel free to reach out to us at Mirp.reumato@sheba.gov.il. Please remember to attach a current summary of your illness.