Dr. Mariana Correia Marques, located in Bethesda, MD, is a physician-researcher at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). With a focus on autoinflammation and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA), Dr. Marques is dedicated to identifying pathways involved in autoinflammatory diseases and optimizing treatments for patients, particularly those with refractory cases of sJIA. Her work is driven by the goal of improving outcomes for these complex conditions.
Dr. Marques’ journey into pediatric rheumatology began in Brazil, where she completed her medical education at the University of Brasilia. Following her initial pediatrics residency at the University of Sao Paulo, she ventured into research at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. Her pursuit of excellence led her to complete her pediatric residency at the Boston Combined Residency Program at Boston Children’s and Boston Medical Center. She continued her training with a fellowship in pediatric rheumatology, starting at UPMC and finishing at a combined program at Children’s National and the National Institutes of Health. She now works as a Lawrence Shulman Scholar in Translational Research at NIAMS, which is led by Dr. Michael Ombrello.
Her passion for pediatric rheumatology was sparked during her time in medical school when she encountered a young boy with recurrent episodes of fever and abdominal pain, which turned out to be familial Mediterranean fever. This early experience highlighted the impact of rheumatologists in solving complex, undiagnosed cases and transforming patients’ lives. Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Marques realized that her interest in systemic diseases and their multifaceted presentations naturally aligned with the specialty of rheumatology.
Throughout her career, Dr. Marques has been actively involved in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA). During her fellowship, she served as a liaison and leader in various workgroups, including sJIA, PFAPA, and the TRC Workgroups. CARRA provided her with invaluable opportunities to collaborate with experts, co-lead studies, and contribute to consensus treatment plans. The organization’s welcoming and collaborative community has played a pivotal role in shaping her career and teaching her how to conduct impactful research in pediatric rheumatology.
Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Marques takes particular pride in her work evaluating the role of genes associated with familial forms of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in patients with sJIA. Her research revealed an enrichment of specific genetic variants in sJIA patients, suggesting a potential connection between these genes and the broader pathophysiology of the disease. These findings contribute to the understanding of sJIA and its relationship with macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), proposing that the two conditions may exist on a spectrum rather than as separate entities.
Looking ahead, Dr. Marques aims to further her research in autoinflammation and sJIA, focusing on identifying predictive markers for treatment responses and complications like lung disease. She hopes to develop personalized therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes for patients with refractory sJIA and provide a deeper understanding of the disease.
Outside of her work, Dr. Marques enjoys rock climbing, crochet, and painting by numbers while listening to audiobooks. These activities that help her unwind and maintain balance.
Dr. Marques’ journey, achievements, and aspirations exemplify the spirit of innovation and collaboration in pediatric rheumatology. We are proud to spotlight her contributions to the field and her dedication to improving patient care.
– Bailey Parker, Membership Coordinator
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