Rheumatology

Ever since the inception of Mayo Hospital, Lahore, East Medical Ward has had the privilege and honour of being headed by the most distinguished and eminent figures of medical fraternity. Currently being led by Prof. Muhammad Imran, who himself under went his postgraduate training in this prestigious ward, East Medical Ward has a legacy of imparting knowledge, mentoring and training of both under as well as postgraduate students by the most notable and renowned medical professionals.
The Rheumatology division under the East Medical Ward holds the honor of being the first unit in a public service hospital in Punjab to offer a specialized rheumatology service and an accredited postgraduate training for this specialty in Pakistan. Currently, more than 200
patients are evaluated and managed in the outpatient department. It is presently recognized the hub for postgraduate training by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan and King Edward Medical University, Lahore.

– To provide comprehensive, evidence-based diagnosis and management of rheumatic diseases with emphasis on early detection, multidisciplinary care, and improved patient outcomes.
– To deliver high-quality teaching and training for undergraduate and postgraduate students through structured academic programs and clinical exposure.
– To promote clinical research, develop locally relevant treatment protocols, and contribute to national and international scientific literature.
– To establish a center of excellence with advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services while ensuring quality assurance, patient education, and community awareness.

Pain Management Seminar 2025 – Mayo Hospital Lahore

A multidisciplinary academic seminar involving orthopedics, neurology, anesthesia, and pain medicine—
closely with rheumatology (arthritis & chronic pain management).

Bone Oncology Workshop (May 2023)

Organized at Mayo Hospital with focus on bone diseases, tumors, and musculoskeletal conditions—relevant
to rheumatology training and academic exposure.

Clinical Excellence Mock Exam (2025 – Department of Medicine)

Included case-based training for postgraduate trainees, covering systemic diseases including
rheumatological cases.

Non-Communicable Diseases Sensitization Session (2025)

Conducted with collaboration of Mayo Hospital—NCDs include arthritis and autoimmune diseases relevant
to rheumatology.

1. Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Title: Effect of Ramadan fasting on disease activity in patients with rheumatoid
  arthritis presenting in tertiary care hospital
• Journal: Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences (2020)
• Authors: Samara Siddique, Yaser Imran, M. N. Afzal, Uzma Malik
• Key Focus: Studied impact of fasting on DAS-28 disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients
• Conducted at Mayo Hospital Lahore (East Medical Ward
• Summary:The study showed how lifestyle factors like fasting can influence disease activity and management of RA in local population.

2. Depression in Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Title: Depression in Rheumatoid Arthritis and its relation to disease activity
• Journal: Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences (2015)
• Author: Dr. Muhammad Yaser Imran (with co-authors)
• Key Focus: Relationship between depression and severity of rheumatoid arthritis. Used DAS-28 and Beck Depression Inventory
• Summary: Found that a significant proportion of RA patients suffer from depression, which correlates with increased disease severity.

3. Related/Associated Research Contribution

• Dr. Yaser Imran has also been associated with research in:
• Methotrexate adherence in rheumatoid arthritis patients
• Focus on treatment compliance and patient education in RA management

Rheumatology Bay & OPD Clinic – Mayo Hospital Lahore

1. Rheumatology OPD Clinic

• The Rheumatology OPD Clinic was established in 2017 in the East Medical Ward
  (Department of Medicine, KEMU).
• It provides outpatient evaluation and management of:
  – Rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, vasculitis
  – Osteoarthritis, gout, and other musculoskeletal disorders
• The clinic serves a large patient load, benefiting thousands of patients with joint and
  autoimmune diseases.
• Patients are seen through the general OPD system (registration → consultation →
  investigations → follow-up).
• Managed by consultant physicians/rheumatologists with postgraduate trainees.

2. Rheumatology Bay (Indoor / Ward Services)

• Rheumatology services are not a completely separate ward, but function as a dedicated bay
  within Medical Wards (especially East & North Medical Wards).
• Provides inpatient care for severe/complicated cases, including:
  – Active autoimmune diseases (SLE flare, vasculitis)
  – Severe rheumatoid arthritis
  – Connective tissue disorders with systemic involvement
• Facilities available within medical wards include:
  – Bedside care, HDU/ICU support if required
  – Laboratory & radiological investigations
  – Multidisciplinary management (nephrology, dermatology, orthopedics)
• The medical wards also run specialty clinics including rheumatology under medicine units.

3. Services Provided

• Detailed clinical assessment and disease activity scoring
• Joint examination and musculoskeletal evaluation
• Prescription of DMARDs and biologic therapies (where available)
• Management of chronic pain and disability
• Patient counseling and follow-up care

4. Academic & Training Role

• Rheumatology services are integrated with:
  – Undergraduate (MBBS) teaching
  – Postgraduate training (FCPS Medicine
• Regular case discussions, ward rounds, and CME sessions are conducted under Department
  of Medicine.

5. Patient Flow (Simplified)
   – OPD registration
   – Rheumatology clinic consultation
   – Investigations (labs/imaging)
   – Treatment initiation
   – Admission to rheumatology bay (if required)
   – Follow-up in OPD

Rheumatology Division – Mayo Hospital, Lahore

• The Rheumatology Division provides comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services for autoimmune and musculoskeletal disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, vasculitis, gout, and connective tissue diseases.
• A dedicated Rheumatology OPD clinic ensures structured outpatient care with facilities for disease activity assessment, long-term follow-up, and patient counseling.
• Indoor services are available through a designated rheumatology bay within medical wards, equipped for management of complex and severe rheumatologic conditions requiring hospitalization.
• The division offers advanced treatment modalities, including DMARDs therapy, biologic agents (where available), intra-articular joint injections, and infusion
• Access to state-of-the-art diagnostic support including immunological/autoimmune laboratory tests, radiology (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI), and DEXA scan for osteoporosis
• Musculoskeletal evaluation and rehabilitation support through physiotherapy services to improve patient mobility and functional outcomes.
• A multidisciplinary care approach is practiced in collaboration with dermatology, nephrology, orthopedics, and other specialties for systemic disease management.
• The division is integrated with teaching and training programs, ensuring up-to-date, evidence-based clinical practices and continuous professional development.