Drug therapies in rheumatology have improved enormously in the past couple of decades. One reason for this is broad-based collaboration among researchers.
What are your research topics?
Finnish rheumatologists conduct excellent research collaboration, in which I am involved in many ways. We utilise patient registers collected from a range of clinics over the years, looking into the treatment outcomes for rheumatic diseases and related factors. In the future, we will combine our findings with gene data provided by biobanks.
Genes have great relevance to the development of rheumatic diseases and related prognoses. The diverse high-quality datasets and conscientious patients found in Finland enable scientific research on the topic.
With my research group, we are investigating pain, quality of life, disease prevalence as well as prognoses in elderly people using a population dataset from the Päijät-Häme region. The prevalence of gout is of particular interest.
Where and how does the topic of your research have an impact?
Through research, we aim to develop better treatment practices for people suffering from chronic rheumatic diseases.
What is particularly inspiring in your field right now?
Drug therapies in rheumatology have improved enormously in the past 10 or 20 years, and the advancement continues. It is rewarding to see patients benefit more and more from their care. Thanks to research, new therapies can be put to use in the best possible way.
Markku Kauppi is a professor of rheumatology at the Faculty of Medicine.
Watch Markku Kauppi's inaugural lecture as a new professor on 27.5.2021 on YouTube.
