Latvian Conference on Rare Diseases to be held at RSU for 18th year

The 18th Latvian Conference on Rare Diseases, organised by Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU), the Latvian Association of Rare Disease Specialists (RSSA), and Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital (PSCUH), will take place this Friday, 11 April, at 14:00 at RSU. 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. The autumn edition of the Conference on Rare Diseases was attended by a total of 1,392 participants. 

‘It is becoming increasingly possible to recognise rare diseases in Latvia, leading to a growing number of registered patients. This highlights the need for continuous education of medical professionals to ensure early diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment,’

emphasises Andris Skride, RSU Vice-Rector and Head of the Latvian Association of Rare Disease Specialists. ‘This is already the 18th consecutive conference, and over the years, we have established successful cooperation with physicians across Latvia, making the conference well-known among medical professionals. We receive numerous questions daily regarding rare diseases, and it is particularly important that after these conferences, physicians know which professionals to consult in complicated cases. Today, many rare diseases are treatable thanks to the rapid development of medicine and innovative treatment methods; however, the accessibility of these treatments is often limited by the insufficient financing of medicines in Latvia. Policymakers must understand that every individual, regardless of their diagnosis, is valuable. Moreover, it is crucial to emphasise that,

in the majority of cases, rare diseases affect children and young people, for whom timely treatment can offer the chance to live a fulfilled life.

Sustainable and compassionate healthcare in this area is an investment in both individuals and the collective future of society.’

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 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, nephrology, pulmonology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, paediatrics, haematology, and oncology.

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 pulmonary hypertension, C3 glomerulopathy, fibrosing interstitial lung disease, acute hepatic porphyria, short bowel syndrome in children, neurofibromatosis, IgA nephropathy, uveal melanoma, and lymphomas.

The Latvian Association of Rare Disease Specialists was founded 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 education of medical students, residents, physicians, paramedical staff, and the public in the field of rare diseases.

Further information about the conference can be found on the website of the Latvian Association of Rare Disease Specialists.