The Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology at KIMS is recognized as one of the premier centers for rheumatological care in the country. Under the leadership of Prof. Ramnath Misra, the doyen of Rheumatology education in India and former Dean of SGPGI Lucknow, the department has built a robust ecosystem attracting patients from across the Eastern region of India.

Established on May 13, 2013, as a Super Specialty Department by Prof. (Dr.) Prasanta Padhan—who currently serves as the Head of Department—the unit is supported by a team of distinguished clinicians including Dr. Sakir Ahmed and Dr. Debashis Maikap. Their collective expertise has made the department a trusted referral center for complex autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.

The department’s growing impact is evident from the fact that over 1-lakh patients have received high-quality consultations over the past 10 years, reflecting its clinical excellence and widespread trust among patients across the region.

Diagnostic Uses:

• Synovitis (joint inflammation)
• Crystal Arthropathies (gout, CPPD)
• Bursitis (e.g., subacromial, retrocalcaneal)
• Tendon Tears (partial/complete)
• Enthesitis (tendon/ligament insertions)
• De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, Plantar Fasciitis, Retrocalcaneal Bursitis

Therapeutic Uses:

• Guided Injections for deep joints (shoulder, hip)
• Carpal Tunnel Injection
• Baker’s Cyst Aspiration & Injection
• De Quervain’s, Tennis Elbow, Plantar Fasciitis Injections

The polarizing microscope is crucial for diagnosing crystal-induced arthropathies like gout and pseudogout. It uses polarized light to identify crystals in synovial fluid:

• Gout: Detects monosodium urate (MSU) crystals (needle-shaped, negatively birefringent)
• Pseudogout: Identifies calcium pyrophosphate (CPPD) crystals (rhomboid-shaped, positively birefringent)

    Nailfold videocapillaroscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic technique used to visualize small blood vessels (capillaries) at the base of the nails. It is particularly valuable in diagnosing and monitoring systemic sclerosis and other connective tissue diseases

Key Uses:

• Detects early microvascular changes such as capillary dilatation, dropout, or abnormalities
• Aids in diagnosing systemic sclerosis, scleroderma, and Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Helps in assessing disease progression and response to treatment

Key Procedures Performed:

• Nerve Biopsy – For evaluation of vasculitic or infiltrative neuropathies
• Muscle Biopsy – To diagnose inflammatory myopathies and other muscle disorders
• Minor Salivary Gland Biopsy – For diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome and related conditions

• Biologic Therapy – Targeted immunomodulatory treatment for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, and vasculitis. These therapies have revolutionized outcomes by offering precise control over disease activity and progression.

1. 14th IRACON 2022 – Odisha Chapter (December 9–10, 2022)

The department proudly hosted the 14th annual meeting of the Indian Rheumatology Association (IRA), Odisha Chapter. The two-day event brought together leading rheumatologists, immunologists, and researchers from across the region to share the latest developments in the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases. The conference featured expert lectures, panel discussions, case-based sessions, and young investigator presentations, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among clinicians and academicians.

2. Accelerate Vigyan & KIMS Autoantibody Workshop (July 25–29, 2022)

As part of the “Accelerate Vigyan” initiative supported by SERB (Science and Engineering Research Board), the department conducted a five-day hands-on workshop on Autoantibody Detection and Interpretation. The workshop aimed to enhance the technical and conceptual skills of young researchers and clinicians in autoimmune serology. Participants were trained in advanced techniques such as indirect immunofluorescence, ELISA, and line immunoassay, with a strong focus on clinical correlation and interpretation. The program also included lectures by subject experts and interactive lab sessions, significantly enriching translational research capacity in the field.

The Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology at KIMS is deeply committed to raising public awareness and improving community access to rheumatological care. Through a series of well-structured initiatives, we aim to educate the public, reduce stigma, and promote early diagnosis and management of autoimmune diseases.

• Public Awareness Programs:
  The department regularly organizes educational events in observance of key global health days to engage the community and spread awareness about autoimmune and rheumatologic disorders. Highlights include:
• World Arthritis Day (October 12):
  Interactive sessions focusing on arthritis awareness, early diagnosis, lifestyle modifications, and long-term management strategies.
• World Lupus Day (May 10):
  Campaigns aimed at reducing stigma, enhancing public understanding of lupus, and promoting early and appropriate care.
• World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day (First Saturday of May):
  Programs emphasizing the importance of early detection, physical therapy, and modern treatment approaches for spondyloarthritides.