Sarcoidosis: benefits of a multidisciplinary approach.
It is well established that sarcoidosis is a multisystem disorder of unknown cause(s). Practically no organ is immune to sarcoidosis. It subsides in most cases, but it may worsen and become chronic in others. Pulmonary problems may persist, but also devastating extrapulmonary complications may become apparent. Appropriate management of sarcoidosis is mandatory as it predominantly affects fairly young adults. This requires the attention of pulmonologists as well as specialists from other medical disciplines. Accordingly, when treating sarcoidosis patients, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended that focuses attention on somatic as well as psychosocial aspects of this erratic disorder. Specialists from all participating medical disciplines-including respiratory diseases-may benefit from a multidisciplinary approach and be stimulated to enhance their professional interest and knowledge of sarcoidosis. The benefit of such an approach should be explored in the near future.
Drent
M
M
University Hospital of Maastricht, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sarcoidosis Management Center, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands