Rheumatology Thesis Topics

Rheumatology Thesis Topics

Rheumatology is a rapidly evolving superspeciality that focuses on inflammatory arthritis, connective tissue diseases, systemic vasculitis, metabolic bone disorders, myositis, and paediatric rheumatic diseases, with strong overlap with clinical immunology. This page provides a structured list of one hundred practical and clinically relevant rheumatology thesis topics suitable for Doctorate of Medicine and equivalent superspeciality trainees in India. The topics are designed as comparative, cross sectional, and observational studies that are feasible in Indian tertiary care centres, align with current evidence based practice, and have good potential for publication in rheumatology and immunology journals.

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Comparative study of early rheumatoid arthritis and established rheumatoid arthritis with respect to clinical profile and treatment outcomes. This study compares disease activity, functional status, radiographic damage, and response to disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in patients presenting within one year of symptom onset versus those with long standing rheumatoid arthritis in an Indian tertiary care clinic.
Cross sectional study of seropositive and seronegative rheumatoid arthritis: clinical, radiological, and laboratory differences. The project evaluates joint involvement patterns, extra-articular manifestations, erosive disease, rheumatoid factor and anti cyclic citrullinated peptide status, and analyses whether serostatus predicts disease severity in routine practice.
Observational study of treat to target strategy implementation in rheumatoid arthritis and its impact on disease control. This thesis assesses adherence to treat to target recommendations, frequency of disease activity assessment using standard scores, treatment escalation decisions, and proportion of patients achieving low disease activity or remission over one year.
Study of comorbidities in rheumatoid arthritis patients attending a rheumatology clinic. The research documents cardiovascular risk factors, osteoporosis, infections, and depression, and examines their association with disease activity and functional impairment in rheumatoid arthritis.
Comparative study of methotrexate monotherapy and combination conventional synthetic disease modifying antirheumatic drug therapy in rheumatoid arthritis. This project compares efficacy, adverse effects, treatment persistence, and cost in patients receiving methotrexate alone versus those on methotrexate based combination regimens.
Study of work disability and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using validated questionnaires. The thesis evaluates functional status, lost work days, employment status, and psychosocial impact and correlates them with disease activity and joint damage.
Observational study of extra-articular manifestations in rheumatoid arthritis and their clinical predictors. This research describes prevalence of nodules, lung involvement, vasculitis, neuropathy, and ocular disease and explores associations with autoantibody status and disease duration.
Study of bone mineral density and fracture risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The project assesses osteoporosis prevalence using dual energy X ray absorptiometry where available, evaluates glucocorticoid use, and identifies risk factors for vertebral and non vertebral fractures.
Cross sectional analysis of vaccination status and infection burden in rheumatoid arthritis patients on immunosuppressive therapy. This thesis evaluates uptake of recommended vaccines, frequency of serious infections, and patient and physician level barriers to preventive vaccination.
Study of patient reported outcomes and treatment satisfaction in rheumatoid arthritis in an Indian tertiary care setting. The research uses patient reported outcome measures to assess pain, fatigue, global health, and treatment satisfaction and examines their relationship with objective disease activity scores.

2. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Study of clinical and immunological profile of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in an Indian tertiary care hospital. This project describes age at onset, organ involvement, autoantibody profile, disease activity indices, and damage scores in a cohort of SLE patients followed in a rheumatology clinic.
Observational study of lupus nephritis: clinicopathological correlation and treatment outcomes. The thesis evaluates clinical presentation, renal biopsy class, response to induction and maintenance therapy, and factors predicting renal flare and chronic kidney disease in lupus nephritis.
Study of neuropsychiatric manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus and their association with disease activity. This research documents seizures, psychosis, cerebrovascular events, cognitive dysfunction, and headache and explores their correlation with lupus activity, autoantibodies, and imaging findings.
Cross sectional analysis of cardiovascular risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus. The project assesses traditional and disease related cardiovascular risk factors and evaluates carotid intima media thickness or similar markers as indicators of early atherosclerosis.
Study of pregnancy outcomes in women with systemic lupus erythematosus followed in a rheumatology clinic. This thesis evaluates disease activity before conception, medication use, lupus flares, preeclampsia, fetal loss, preterm delivery, and neonatal outcomes including neonatal lupus.
Observational study of infections in systemic lupus erythematosus patients on long term immunosuppressive therapy. The research documents bacterial, viral, and opportunistic infections, identifies risk factors such as dose and duration of steroids, and evaluates impact on morbidity and mortality.
Study of health related quality of life in systemic lupus erythematosus patients using validated instruments. This project assesses physical, emotional, and social functioning and examines the influence of disease activity, organ damage, and treatment related adverse effects on quality of life.
Cross sectional study of adherence to hydroxychloroquine and other maintenance medications in systemic lupus erythematosus. The thesis evaluates adherence using questionnaires and pharmacy data where possible and correlates it with disease flares, organ damage, and patient education.
Study of antiphospholipid antibody positivity in systemic lupus erythematosus and its clinical correlates. This research evaluates prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies, history of thrombosis or pregnancy loss, and outcomes in patients with coexisting antiphospholipid syndrome features.
Observational analysis of damage accrual over time in systemic lupus erythematosus using standard damage indices. The project tracks organ damage progression and identifies predictors such as cumulative steroid exposure, disease activity, and comorbidities in SLE patients.

3. Spondyloarthropathies including Ankylosing Spondylitis and Psoriatic Arthritis

Study of clinical profile and radiological features of ankylosing spondylitis in an Indian rheumatology clinic. This thesis evaluates age at onset, diagnostic delay, spinal and peripheral joint involvement, HLA B27 status, and radiographic damage scores in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
Observational study of disease activity and functional status in ankylosing spondylitis using standard indices. The project uses validated disease activity and function indices and examines their association with radiographic severity, comorbidities, and treatment patterns in ankylosing spondylitis.
Comparative study of non steroidal anti inflammatory drug based therapy and biologic therapy in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis. This research compares improvement in disease activity scores, spinal mobility, quality of life, and adverse events in patients managed with conventional versus biologic therapy where available.
Study of psoriatic arthritis: clinical patterns, skin and nail involvement, and radiographic changes. The thesis evaluates peripheral arthritis, axial disease, enthesitis, dactylitis, psoriasis severity, and radiographic erosions and new bone formation in psoriatic arthritis.
Cross sectional analysis of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk in patients with psoriatic arthritis. This project assesses obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance and examines their association with disease activity and treatment in psoriatic arthritis.
Study of reactive arthritis following gastrointestinal and genitourinary infections in an Indian cohort. The research describes triggering infections, pattern of joint involvement, enthesitis, and chronicity rates in patients with post infectious reactive arthritis.
Observational study of non radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in a rheumatology practice. This thesis evaluates imaging findings, HLA B27 positivity, response to therapy, and progression to radiographic disease in non radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.
Study of fatigue, sleep quality, and work productivity in patients with spondyloarthritis. The project uses patient reported outcome measures to assess fatigue, sleep disturbance, and work impairment and correlates them with disease activity in spondyloarthritis.
Cross sectional study of extra-articular manifestations in spondyloarthropathies. This research documents uveitis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and cardiovascular involvement and investigates their association with disease subtype and HLA B27.
Observational analysis of physical therapy and exercise adherence in spondyloarthritis management. The thesis evaluates participation in physiotherapy and home exercise programmes and their association with spinal mobility and functional outcomes.

4. Vasculitis including ANCA Associated Vasculitis and Large Vessel Vasculitis

Study of clinical spectrum and outcomes of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis in an Indian tertiary care centre. This thesis describes granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis, and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, organ involvement, ANCA patterns, induction regimens, and remission and relapse rates.
Observational study of Takayasu arteritis: clinical profile, angiographic patterns, and treatment outcomes. The project evaluates vessel involvement, blood pressure discrepancies, inflammatory markers, immunosuppressive therapy, and role of endovascular or surgical interventions in Takayasu arteritis.
Study of giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica: diagnostic pathways and outcomes where these entities are seen. This research examines cranial and large vessel involvement, temporal artery biopsy findings where feasible, steroid regimens, and complications in giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica.
Cross sectional analysis of vasculitic neuropathy in systemic vasculitis. The thesis evaluates patterns of neuropathy, electrophysiological findings, associated vasculitic syndromes, and responsiveness to immunosuppressive therapy.
Study of renal involvement in systemic vasculitis and its prognostic significance. This project describes glomerulonephritis patterns, biopsy findings, need for dialysis, and renal outcomes in patients with ANCA associated and immune complex mediated vasculitis.
Observational study of infections and malignancy risk in patients with systemic vasculitis receiving long term immunosuppression. The research documents serious infections and malignancies and explores cumulative steroid and cytotoxic therapy as risk factors in vasculitis patients.
Study of health related quality of life and fatigue in patients with systemic vasculitis in remission and with active disease. This thesis uses validated tools to compare quality of life and fatigue burden and evaluates predictors of persistent impairment despite apparent disease control.
Cross sectional study of cutaneous vasculitis: clinical patterns, histopathology, and underlying systemic associations. The project evaluates palpable purpura and other skin lesions, biopsy findings, and systemic disease associations including infections, autoimmune disorders, and malignancies.
Study of imaging modalities in large vessel vasculitis: role of ultrasound, computed tomography angiography, and magnetic resonance angiography. This research compares diagnostic yield and disease monitoring capabilities of different vascular imaging methods in large vessel vasculitis.
Observational analysis of relapse patterns in ANCA associated vasculitis under maintenance therapy. The thesis examines frequency, timing, clinical manifestations, and predictors of relapse and evaluates maintenance regimens in preventing flares.

5. Systemic Sclerosis and Other Connective Tissue Diseases

Study of clinical and serological profile of systemic sclerosis in a rheumatology clinic. This thesis characterises limited and diffuse cutaneous subsets, vascular manifestations, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, autoantibody profile, and internal organ involvement in systemic sclerosis.
Observational study of interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis: radiological patterns and functional impact. The project evaluates high resolution computed tomography patterns, pulmonary function tests, symptom burden, and response to immunosuppressive or antifibrotic therapy where used.
Study of digital vasculopathy and Raynaud phenomenon in systemic sclerosis. This research documents frequency of digital ulcers, critical ischaemia, capillaroscopy findings where available, and response to vasodilator therapy.
Cross sectional analysis of gastrointestinal involvement in systemic sclerosis. The thesis evaluates oesophageal dysmotility, reflux symptoms, malabsorption, nutrition status, and their impact on quality of life and disease outcomes.
Study of mixed connective tissue disease and overlap syndromes: clinical spectrum and outcomes. This project describes overlap of systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, myositis, and rheumatoid arthritis features in mixed connective tissue disease and other overlap syndromes and evaluates disease course and treatment response.
Observational study of Sjögren syndrome in a rheumatology clinic: primary and secondary forms. The research evaluates sicca symptoms, objective glandular tests where performed, extra-glandular manifestations, and autoantibody profile in primary and secondary Sjögren syndrome.
Study of pulmonary arterial hypertension in connective tissue diseases including systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus. This thesis evaluates prevalence, echocardiographic estimates, functional capacity, biomarkers where available, and use of pulmonary vasodilator therapy.
Cross sectional study of fatigue, pain, and sleep disturbance in connective tissue disease patients. The project uses patient reported outcome measures to quantify fatigue, pain, and sleep quality and correlates them with disease activity and psychological factors.
Study of nail fold capillaroscopy findings and their correlation with connective tissue disease diagnosis and vascular manifestations. This research evaluates capillaroscopic patterns in systemic sclerosis and related disorders and analyses their association with digital ulcers and pulmonary arterial hypertension where applicable.
Observational analysis of malignancy risk in connective tissue diseases. The thesis examines temporal relationship between connective tissue disease onset and malignancy, types of cancer observed, and risk factors for malignancy in these patients.

6. Osteoarthritis, Crystal Arthropathies, and Metabolic Bone Disorders

Cross sectional study of knee osteoarthritis in adults attending an orthopaedic and rheumatology clinic. This thesis evaluates pain severity, functional limitation, radiographic grade, risk factors such as obesity and occupational strain, and current treatment patterns in knee osteoarthritis.
Study of health related quality of life and physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The project uses validated questionnaires and performance tests to assess functional impairment and explores factors predicting poor outcomes in osteoarthritis.
Observational study of gout: clinical presentation patterns, serum uric acid levels, and treatment practices. This research documents joint involvement, tophus formation, comorbidities, serum uric acid levels, use of urate lowering therapy, and adherence to long term treatment in gout.
Study of hyperuricaemia and metabolic syndrome in patients with gout and asymptomatic hyperuricaemia. The thesis evaluates prevalence of metabolic syndrome components and cardiovascular risk factors in these groups and analyses their clinical significance.
Cross sectional analysis of osteoporosis and osteopenia in postmenopausal women attending a tertiary care hospital. This project uses bone mineral density assessment where available, evaluates risk factors including early menopause and steroid use, and assesses fracture history and preventive therapy.
Study of glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis in patients receiving long term steroids for rheumatic diseases. The research evaluates bone mineral density, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, antiresorptive therapy, and fracture rates in glucocorticoid exposed patients.
Observational study of calcium and vitamin D status in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. This thesis assesses serum vitamin D levels, dietary intake, sunlight exposure, and supplementation practices and explores their association with bone health and disease activity.
Study of chondrocalcinosis and calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease in an Indian population. The project evaluates clinical presentation, radiographic findings, metabolic associations, and diagnostic yield of crystal identification where done.
Cross sectional study of low trauma fractures and risk factors in patients aged above fifty years. This research documents fracture sites, falls, bone density where available, and systemic and environmental contributors to fracture risk.
Observational analysis of exercise and lifestyle modification practices in patients with osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. The thesis evaluates level of physical activity, adherence to recommended exercises, and influence on pain, function, and fracture risk.

7. Myositis and Overlap Syndromes

Study of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: clinical, serological, and muscle biopsy profile. This thesis characterises polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and inclusion body myositis, describing muscle weakness patterns, skin manifestations, autoantibodies, creatine kinase levels, and biopsy findings.
Observational study of interstitial lung disease in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. The project evaluates prevalence, imaging features, pulmonary function tests, associated autoantibodies such as antisynthetase antibodies, and impact on prognosis in myositis.
Study of malignancy association with dermatomyositis and polymyositis in an Indian cohort. This research examines frequency, types, and timing of malignancies in relation to myositis onset and evaluates patterns of screening performed.
Cross sectional analysis of autoantibody profiles in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and their clinical correlates. The thesis evaluates presence of myositis specific and myositis associated autoantibodies and correlates them with clinical subsets, organ involvement, and response to therapy.
Study of treatment outcomes and steroid sparing strategies in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. The project evaluates improvement in muscle strength, relapse rates, adverse events, and use of additional immunosuppressive agents in myositis patients.
Observational study of overlap myositis with features of systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or rheumatoid arthritis. This research describes clinical overlap patterns, serology, organ involvement, and treatment outcomes in overlap myositis syndromes.
Study of dysphagia and nutritional status in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. The thesis evaluates swallowing difficulties, aspiration risk, dietary intake, and weight changes and their response to therapy.
Cross sectional study of fatigue and quality of life in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. This project uses validated scales to assess fatigue and health related quality of life and correlates them with disease activity and muscle strength.
Study of paediatric inflammatory myopathies: clinical profile and outcomes. The research describes juvenile dermatomyositis and other paediatric myositis forms, including calcinosis, vasculopathy, and long term functional outcomes.
Observational analysis of rehabilitation and physiotherapy practices in myositis patients. This thesis evaluates types of exercises, adherence, and their impact on strength, endurance, and daily functioning in inflammatory myopathies.

8. Paediatric Rheumatology including Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Study of clinical and laboratory profile of juvenile idiopathic arthritis in an Indian tertiary care centre. This thesis describes subtypes of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, joint involvement, systemic features, laboratory parameters, and functional status in children seen in paediatric rheumatology or combined clinics.
Observational study of growth and development in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The project evaluates height, weight, pubertal development, and school attendance and correlates them with disease activity, steroid exposure, and biologic therapy.
Study of uveitis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes. This research examines screening practices, uveitis subtypes, complications, and visual outcomes in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Cross sectional analysis of adherence to treatment and factors affecting adherence in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The thesis assesses medication adherence, barriers related to cost, access, and beliefs, and impact on disease control in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Study of macrophage activation syndrome in children with systemic rheumatic diseases. This project examines clinical and laboratory features, triggers, treatment strategies, and outcomes of macrophage activation syndrome in children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis and other diseases.
Observational study of autoinflammatory syndromes presenting to a paediatric rheumatology clinic. The research describes recurrent fever syndromes, rash, serositis, and other manifestations, diagnostic workup, and response to targeted therapy where available.
Study of health related quality of life in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. This thesis uses age appropriate instruments to assess physical functioning, school activities, emotional wellbeing, and social participation.
Cross sectional study of bone health in children with chronic rheumatic diseases. The project evaluates bone mineral density where feasible, fracture history, vitamin D status, and risk factors such as steroids and inactivity in paediatric rheumatic patients.
Study of transition of adolescents with rheumatic diseases from paediatric to adult rheumatology services. This research evaluates readiness for transition, continuity of care, adherence, and outcomes after transfer to adult services.
Observational analysis of vaccination practices and infection burden in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The thesis examines uptake of recommended vaccines, serious infection episodes, and influence of biologic and conventional DMARD therapy on infection risk.

9. Immunological Diagnostics in Rheumatology

Study of antinuclear antibody testing by indirect immunofluorescence and its correlation with specific extractable nuclear antigen antibodies. This thesis evaluates patterns and titres of antinuclear antibodies, presence of specific autoantibodies, and correlation with clinical diagnoses in patients referred for antinuclear antibody testing.
Observational study of anti cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies in patients with inflammatory arthritis. The project assesses sensitivity and specificity of anti cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies for rheumatoid arthritis and explores association with disease severity and erosive changes.
Study of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) testing and its diagnostic yield in suspected systemic vasculitis. This research analyses positivity rates, patterns, and correlation with final diagnoses and biopsy findings where available in patients undergoing ANCA testing.
Cross sectional analysis of antiphospholipid antibody testing in patients with thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity. The thesis evaluates appropriateness of test requests, positivity rates, and adherence to testing criteria and correlates results with clinical antiphospholipid syndrome features.
Study of complement levels and their clinical significance in systemic lupus erythematosus and other immune complex diseases. This project examines complement component levels at diagnosis and during flares and assesses their utility in monitoring disease activity.
Observational study of rheumatoid factor positivity in various rheumatic and non rheumatic conditions. The research documents prevalence of rheumatoid factor positivity in rheumatoid arthritis and other disorders and examines its diagnostic limitations.
Study of immunological profiles in undifferentiated connective tissue disease. This thesis evaluates antinuclear antibody patterns, specific autoantibodies, and evolution to defined connective tissue diseases during follow up in patients with undifferentiated presentations.
Cross sectional study of laboratory test utilisation and appropriateness in rheumatology referrals. The project audits autoantibody, inflammatory marker, and imaging test ordering patterns and assesses adherence to recommended diagnostic algorithms.
Study of concordance between clinical diagnosis and immunological test interpretations in rheumatology. This research analyses instances where test results do not match clinical impressions and explores reasons for discordance such as low specificity and technical variability.
Observational analysis of turnaround time and its impact on clinical decision making for key rheumatology immunological assays. The thesis evaluates laboratory processing times for critical immunologic tests and their effect on timely diagnosis and initiation of therapy.

10. Biologic and Targeted Synthetic Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs

Observational study of biologic disease modifying antirheumatic drug use in rheumatoid arthritis in an Indian tertiary care centre. This thesis documents indications, choice of biologic agents, prior DMARD exposure, response rates, adverse events, and reasons for discontinuation in real world practice.
Study of screening practices for tuberculosis and viral infections before initiation of biologic or targeted synthetic DMARDs. The project evaluates adherence to screening recommendations, latent tuberculosis treatment, and incidence of reactivation and other infections after starting advanced therapies.
Observational study of biologic therapy in spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis: effectiveness and safety. This research assesses improvement in disease activity, quality of life, and functional scores and records infusion reactions, infections, and other adverse effects.
Study of targeted synthetic DMARDs in rheumatoid arthritis or spondyloarthritis where used. The thesis evaluates efficacy, tolerability, laboratory abnormalities, and patient reported outcomes with targeted synthetic DMARDs compared with conventional regimens.
Cross sectional analysis of patient perspectives and expectations regarding biologic therapy in rheumatic diseases. This project uses structured questionnaires to assess understanding, fears, perceived benefits, and financial concerns in patients offered biologic agents.
Study of cost and affordability of biologic and targeted synthetic DMARD therapy in Indian rheumatology practice. The research evaluates direct and indirect costs, insurance coverage, out of pocket expenditure, and impact on therapy adherence and persistence.
Observational study of switching patterns between different biologic agents in rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis. This thesis examines primary and secondary non response, loss of efficacy, adverse events, and outcomes after switching between biologics.
Study of vaccination uptake in patients receiving biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDs. The project assesses pre therapy and on therapy vaccination coverage, barriers to vaccination, and incidence of vaccine preventable infections in this group.
Cross sectional analysis of infusion related reactions and their management in patients receiving intravenous biologic therapy. This research documents frequency, severity, premedication practices, and treatment modifications in patients experiencing infusion reactions.
Study of long term safety and drug survival of biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDs in rheumatic diseases. The thesis evaluates treatment retention, serious infection rates, malignancy signals where available, and reasons for discontinuation over extended follow up.
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