Patients with rare autoimmune rheumatic diseases ‘falling through the cracks’

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By Ella Pickover, PA Media

Almost a three in ten patients in the UK with certain uncommon autoimmune rheumatic conditions say they waited for 5 years after their symptoms started before they were diagnosed with their condition, according to a report.

Even after diagnosis, many patients are left facing “poor care co-ordination” and face difficulties accessing information and support, the Rare Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease Alliance (RAIRDA) said.