Rheumatology in Pakistan is still a nascent specialty and was only recognized in 2010. Ali Fatima Hospital distinguishes itself from others by having a devoted Rheumatology Clinic with a qualified specialist.
Welcome to the Rheumatology Department, Ali Fatima Hospital, where we specialize in comprehensive outpatient services, dedicated patient care, and advanced interventional procedures. Our expert team provides thorough evaluations and personalized treatment plans for a range of autoimmune and musculoskeletal conditions. We offer specialized OPD services, including consultations, diagnostics, and follow-up care, while our interventional procedures are designed to address complex cases with precision and expertise. Our commitment is to deliver the ultimate in patient-centered care and innovative treatments.
Since 2021 the department of medicine at Ali Fatima Hospital has aimed to provide quality services in treating rheumatic disorders to enhance the quality of life of the patients. Our division is recognized as one of the few centers in Lahore providing expert care for rheumatic diseases. At Ali Fatima Hospital, we assist our patients in managing their chronic conditions by providing rehabilitative and psychosocial support services. For our financially disadvantaged patients, we also provide monetary assistance to ensure better compliance in treatment.)
Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease that your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake causing inflammation in the affected parts of body. Mainly involve the joints, usually multiple joints at once. Symptomatically involve symmetrical joints pain of hands, wrist, elbow, knees and shoulder joint.
Ankylosing spondylitis: An inflammatory disease that over time can cause some of the bones in the spine (vertebrae) to fuse. This fusing makes the spine less flexible and can result in a hunched posture. It can become difficult to breathe if the ribs are involved.
Systemic lupus erythematosus: : An autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues causing widespread inflammation and tissue damage in the affected organs. It can affect the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. Symptoms involve malar rash, discoid rash, hair loss, mouth ulcers, Raynaud’s, joint pain, dryness of mouth, hematuria, proteinuria, lungs related disease.
Vasculitis: Vasculitis involves inflammation of the blood vessels, the inflammation can cause the walls of the blood vessels to thicken, which reduces the width of the passageway through the vessel. If blood flow is restricted, it can result in organ and tissue damage. There are many types of vasculitis, and most of them are rare.
Myositis: A rare group of diseases characterized by inflamed muscles, which can cause prolonged muscle fatigue and weakness. The group includes the autoimmune disorders juvenile myositis, dermatomyositis and polymyositis, as well as inclusion body myositis (IBM).
Scleroderma: Scleroderma also known as systemic sclerosis is a group of rare diseases that involve the hardening and tightening of the skin. It may also cause problems in the blood vessels, internal organs and digestive tract.
Osteoarthritis: osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time. Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine.
Gout: Gout is a painful form of arthritis, when your body has extra uric acid, sharp crystals may form in the big toe or other joints, causing episodes of swelling and pain called gout attacks. Gout is treatable with medications and changes in diet and lifestyle.
Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition where there is a loss of bone tissue that leaves bones less dense and more likely to fracture. It can result in a loss of height, severe back pain, and change in one’s posture. Osteoporosis can hinder a person’s ability to walk and can cause prolonged or permanent disability.
Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain all over the body (also referred to as widespread pain); sleep problems, fatigue, and often emotional and mental distress. People with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to pain than people without fibromyalgia.
Regional Pain Syndromes: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a form of chronic pain that usually affects an arm or a leg. CRPS typically develops after an injury, a surgery, a stroke or a heart attack. The pain is out of proportion to the severity of the initial injury.
Name |
Designation |
Degree |
Dr. Asif Islam |
Senior Registrar |
MBBS, FCPS Medicine, FCPS Rheumatology, CMT |
Member American College of Rheumatology (ACR)
Member Pakistan Society of Rheumatology (PSR)
Member European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)
Member Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR)
Member APLAR Young Rheumatologists (AYR)
He is a consultant in rheumatology, focusing on diagnosing and treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases affecting the joints and connective tissues. His expertise includes managing conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, other CTDs, vasculitis, osteoarthritis, biologics, intra-articular visco-supplementation. With extensive training and experience in his field, Dr. Asif Islam is dedicated towards research and upcoming diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in his domain. He is author of more than 40 publications in national & international journals.