New AU professor studies diseases of the joints

Joint diseases are painful. The joints are painful with swelling and decreased mobility to follow. Ellen-Margrethe Hauge examines how doctors can help patients with these diseases to maintain an active life. She has recently taken up a five-year clinical professorship in rheumatology at the Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University and the Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital.

"I am looking forward to spending the next five years creating results in cooperation with colleagues in the research group and with partners in Denmark and abroad," says Ellen-Margrethe Hauge.

The Novo Nordisk Foundation has contributed a clinical research scholarship worth DKK five million to the research project.

CT scanner examines bone tissue

The professorship will study whether a new high resolution CT scanner can find changes in bone tissue caused by chronic rheumatoid arthritis before these changes can be seen with an ordinary X-ray examination. In the case of chronic rheumatoid arthritis, it is important to quickly make a diagnosis and begin treatment, as this can prevent the development of joint damage in a number of patients. For other patients, the disease continues to worsen despite the early diagnosis. Here, stronger treatment can prevent further damage to the joints.

"We hope that the research will help us to prevent the development of damage to the joints of patients with chronic rheumatoid arthritis, so that these patients can lead an active life with work and leisure," says Ellen-Margrethe Hauge.

Ellen-Margrethe Hauge has a PhD degree from Aarhus University. She is a consultant at the Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital.

Further information

Professor, Consultant, PhD Ellen-Margrethe Hauge
Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine and
Aarhus University Hospital, Department of Rheumatology
Direct tel.: +45 7846 4213
ellen.hauge@clin.au.dk