University Hospital Leuven

The divisions of pediatric and adult rheumatology, Internal medicine (vasculitis disorders and autoinflammatory diseases), the division of autoimmune neurology, the divisions of paediatric and adult primary immune deficiency form a tertiary referral expertise centre for these rare Immune disorders.

These divisions are located in UZ Leuven, the largest University Hospital in Belgium comprising all paediatric and adult specialities, clinical research units and laboratories. Patients with a spectrum of rare and complex rheumatic, autoimmune, autoinflammatory and immune deficiency conditions are referred from Belgium and surrounding countries (Luxemburg, France, Netherlands) for diagnostic and therapeutic advice. The group ensures multidisciplinary patient care and collaboration with a wide spectrum of medical (both pediatric and adult) specialities both within University Hospital as within the large regional network of affiliated hospitals. The multidisciplinary care team comprises specialist pediatric and adult rheumatologists, vasculitis, autoimmune, autoinflammatory and Immune deficiency experts as well as specialist nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers and transition (pediatric to adult) coordination.

The multidisciplinary team members are all involved in specific dedicated clinics for Immune deficiency, autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases. A strong clinical trial centre infrastructure at the University Hospital ensuring the availability of state of the art therapies for refractory/complex forms of pediatric rheumatic conditions. A strong association with research laboratories (Autoimmune Genetics, lmmunobiology) at Leuven University is set up to optimize diagnostic means and therapeutic options for these patients. The paediatric rheumatology group has longstanding experience in international collaborative clinical and research projects and educational activities (a member of PRINTO, council member of PRES, member of Eurofever and SHARE projects) as well as in clinical therapeutic trials.

The PID group has a full inventory of tests available necessary to diagnose PIDs. There is genetic testing available in the diagnostic route at this centre. Since 2011 the PIO team in UZ Leuven is recognized as JMF diagnostic and research reference centre. The adult rheumatology group has a special emphasis on patient-centred care in collaboration with patient organisations (Reumanet, Patient Partners, CIB liga) and EULAR patient scientists. The pediatric and adult rheumatology and Internal medicine groups have a formal network (LeUZls) for multidisciplinary collaboration with other specialists.