Sarcoidosis is a complex disease and much concerning this disease is still unknown. It can be difficult to diagnose patients. In some cases it is necessary to diagnose someone using biopsies, to determine the presence of granulomas under the microscope, with 100% certainty. However, sometimes this biopsy is considered to difficult or to dangerous. Think about obtaining brain- or nerve tissue in case of involvement of the nervous system (neurosarcoidosis) in some, but not all cases. Furthermore, not all patient respond wel to treatment. Especially in some rare manifestations of the disease this has not been investigated yet. To understand the disease better we are conducting scientific research of chronic inflammatory disorders, like sarcoidosis. We hope to collect more knowledge about this disease to ultimately improve patient care.
Research projects
RUBRIC registry
Drs. A. Musters, Dr. S.W. Tas RUBRIC stands for "Rational Use of Biologics in rare Refractory Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) Consortium". It is an online registry that has been developed to evaluate the effectivity of modern types of medication, called biologicals. Frequently, these types of are being prescribed based on research investigating small cohorts due to the rarity of the disease for which they are...
Biomarkers in left-over cerebrospinal fluid
Drs. D. Fritz, Dr. M.C. Brouwer, Prof. Dr. D. van de Beek A good and sensitive laboratory investigation to determine whether someone has neurosarcoidosis is lacking. Currently there are only investigations that are not specific or sensitive enough. In this research project we are evaluating whether we can determine certain substances in cerebrospinal fluid of neurosarcoidosis patients, that can contribute to a quicker and more certain diagnosis.
Recent publications
Cryptococcal meningitis complicating sarcoidosis
Drs. S.E. Leonhard, Drs. D. Fritz, Prof. dr. D. van de Beek, Dr. M.C. Brouwer In this article we described a rare complication of sarcoidosis; cryptococcal meningitis. This is an infection of the meninges due to a fungus called 'Cryptococcus neoformans'. This is a extreme rare complication in sarcoidosis patients and can occur when their immune system is weakened due to the disease.
Endosonography vs conventional bronchoscopy for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis: the GRANULOMA randomized clinical trial
von Bartheld MB, Dekkers OM, Szlubowski A, Eberhardt R, Herth FJ, in 't Veen JC, de Jong YP, van der Heijden EH, Tournoy KG, Claussen M, van den Blink B, Shah PL, Zoumot Z, Clementsen P, Porsbjerg C, Mauad T, Bernardi FD, van Zwet EW, Rabe KF, Annema JT For the diagnosis of sarcoidosis, identifying granulomas in affected tissue is preferred. This is done by extracting lymph node tissue in the lungs via a biopsy. In this article the investigators evaluated what is the best way to perform the biopsy: with endosonography or with bronchoscopy (which is standard care). The article describes that endosonography is the best way to perform biopsy. Furthermore it describes what kind of complications might be expected.
Research groups
