RSU to host 19th Latvian Conference on Rare Diseases
On Friday, 17 October, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) will host the 19th Latvian Conference on Rare Diseases, organised by RSU, the Latvian Association of Rare Disease Specialists, and Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital. The conference is open to general practitioners, other medical professionals, as well as medical and healthcare students, residents, and representatives of patient associations, providing an opportunity to gain both theoretical and practical knowledge about rare diseases, including their diagnosis and treatment options.
The aim of the conference is to raise awareness among physicians, medical professionals, and students about rare diseases, their diagnosis, and treatment options in Latvia. Entry is free of charge, and the event will take place on-site, with a live broadcast available on the evisit.lv platform, allowing everyone interested to follow it.
Latest achievements and trends
The conference will explore the latest achievements and trends in the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases, with a focus on an interdisciplinary approach and innovations across several fields of medicine. There is a growing demand among medical professionals for effective and appropriate treatment policies that address pressing issues in the field, including the lack of reimbursable medicines, thereby expanding the treatment options available to patients with rare diseases. The autumn edition of the Conference on Rare Diseases was attended by a total of 1,392 participants.
The conference will bring together leading Latvian specialists, who will share their knowledge and experiences regarding rare and complicated diseases across various fields of medicine, including cardiology, paediatrics, dermatology and venereology, haematology, nephrology, and gastroenterology.
Rare diseases are increasingly diagnosed in Latvia
During the conference, specialists will examine the current situation regarding the diagnosis and prevalence of rare diseases in Latvia, as well as clinical cases of rare conditions such as neuroendocrine tumours, pulmonary hypertension, narcolepsy, dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, ATTR amyloid cardiomyopathy, Fabry disease, lymphomas, IgA nephropathy, and chronic cholestatic diseases.
‘The field of rare diseases in Latvia is rapidly developing – there is a continuous growth in knowledge and experience, as well as in the number of patients being diagnosed in a timely manner. This highlights the need for continuous education of medical professionals to ensure early access to effective treatment for patients,’ emphasises Andris Skride, RSU Professor and Head of the Latvian Association of Rare Disease Specialists.
‘This conference has become an important platform where colleagues share the latest clinical cases, discuss therapy-related challenges, and learn about innovative treatment methods.
Today, many rare diseases are treatable; however, treatment requires both state support and public understanding. Every patient is important – especially children and young people, whose quality of life and future opportunities depend on how quickly and comprehensively they receive treatment.’
About the Latvian Association of Rare Disease Specialists
The Latvian Association of Rare Disease Specialists was established to support and promote clinical and scientific research, the development of treatment options, and education in rare diseases. It also aims to support and enhance the training of medical students, residents, physicians, paramedical staff, and the public in the field of rare diseases.
