Professor Zeng Xiaofeng: Rheumatology and Autoimmune Disease Specialist in Beijing
Professor Zeng Xiaofeng is a senior rheumatologist, chief physician, professor, and doctoral supervisor at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) in Beijing. He previously served as Director of the Department of Rheumatology and is Director of the National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases.
He is widely recognized for the diagnosis and management of difficult systemic autoimmune and connective tissue diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, inflammatory myopathy, systemic sclerosis, and Sjögren’s syndrome.
International patients can learn more about the hospital’s specialties, medical-record requirements, and appointment planning in our Peking Union Medical College Hospital international patient guide.
Clinical Specialties
Professor Zeng’s principal clinical areas include:
- systemic lupus erythematosus;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- systemic vasculitis;
- inflammatory myopathy and dermatomyositis;
- systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma;
- Sjögren’s syndrome;
- complex connective tissue disease; and
- difficult autoimmune cases involving several organs.
Systemic autoimmune diseases can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, heart, nervous system, blood vessels, and other organs. Patients with complicated disease may need coordinated assessment by rheumatology and other specialties.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly called lupus or SLE, is a chronic autoimmune disease with highly variable symptoms. It may cause fatigue, joint inflammation, skin rash, abnormal blood counts, kidney disease, lung involvement, neurological symptoms, or blood-vessel complications.
Professor Zeng has contributed to long-term clinical research on survival and causes of death among patients with SLE in China. He has also participated in national guidance intended to improve the diagnosis, disease assessment, and treatment of lupus.
Treatment depends on disease activity and the organs involved. Options may include hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, conventional immunosuppressive medicines, biologic therapies, or other targeted treatments. Medication choice must be individualized because potential benefits need to be balanced against infection, fertility, pregnancy, bone health, cardiovascular, and other risks.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inflammatory Joint Disease
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes persistent joint inflammation and can lead to pain, stiffness, deformity, and loss of function. It may also affect the lungs, eyes, blood vessels, and other organs.
A specialist review may help when the diagnosis is uncertain, standard disease-modifying treatment has not controlled inflammation, side effects limit treatment, or symptoms suggest disease outside the joints. Early control of inflammation is important for reducing irreversible joint damage.
Vasculitis, Myositis, and Systemic Sclerosis
Vasculitis refers to inflammation of blood vessels and includes several distinct diseases. Symptoms vary according to the size and location of affected vessels and may involve the skin, kidneys, lungs, nerves, eyes, or brain.
Inflammatory myopathy can cause muscle weakness, swallowing difficulty, lung disease, and characteristic skin changes. Systemic sclerosis can produce skin thickening, Raynaud’s phenomenon, digestive problems, pulmonary hypertension, or interstitial lung disease.
These conditions often require careful classification because treatment and prognosis differ substantially. Review of antibody testing, imaging, pathology, lung function, and previous response to medication can be essential.
Research and Academic Contributions
Professor Zeng has held leadership roles in Chinese rheumatology and has participated in national research programs focused on autoimmune disease. His representative academic work includes:
- long-term survival and causes of death in Chinese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus;
- pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with lupus, based on the CSTAR-PAH study; and
- Chinese clinical guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Research publications and clinical guidelines support medical decision-making, but they do not replace an individualized assessment. Treatment suitability depends on the patient’s diagnosis, disease activity, organ involvement, infection risk, previous therapy, and overall health.
Who May Consider a Consultation?
A consultation with Professor Zeng or the PUMCH rheumatology team may be worth considering when a patient:
- has suspected lupus or another systemic autoimmune disease but no clear diagnosis;
- has active disease despite standard treatment;
- has kidney, lung, neurological, vascular, or other major organ involvement;
- has recurrent inflammation, unexplained fever, abnormal antibodies, or multisystem symptoms;
- has experienced serious medication side effects;
- needs a second opinion before beginning long-term immunosuppressive treatment; or
- has received different diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Medical Records to Prepare
International patients should prepare a concise and well-organized medical file containing:
- a medical summary and chronological symptom timeline;
- previous rheumatology notes and hospital discharge summaries;
- autoimmune antibody results, including ANA and disease-specific antibodies;
- complete blood count, kidney and liver function, urinalysis, and inflammatory markers;
- complement levels and other disease-activity tests when available;
- CT, MRI, ultrasound, echocardiography, or lung-function reports relevant to organ involvement;
- kidney, skin, muscle, or other pathology reports and original materials when relevant;
- a complete list of current and previous medications, doses, treatment duration, and response; and
- a clear list of questions for the specialist.
Recent and historical results are both valuable because trends can show how the disease has changed and whether treatment has been effective.
Planning an International Consultation
Appointment availability for senior specialists may be limited. Before traveling, patients should confirm whether their records can be reviewed, whether an in-person examination is required, and which tests may need to be repeated in Beijing.
A remote medical-record review is subject to the physician’s authorization. It may help determine the appropriate next step, but a final diagnosis or treatment plan may still require an in-person consultation.
How CMCS Can Assist
CMCS – China Medical Concierge Shanghai is an independent medical concierge and health management company, not a hospital. We assist international patients with organizing and translating medical records, identifying an appropriate specialist, requesting appointment availability, arranging interpretation, and planning medical travel in China.
Access to Professor Zeng, a remote review, or any particular treatment is subject to the doctor’s and hospital’s approval. CMCS does not guarantee appointments, treatment eligibility, or clinical outcomes.
For assistance, contact CMCS:
- Email: contract@medicalsh.com
- WhatsApp: Contact us on WhatsApp
- Website: www.medicalsh.com
Important Note
Doctor titles, clinical roles, research activities, treatment availability, and appointment arrangements may change. Patients should confirm current information before travel. This profile is based on publicly available hospital and academic sources and is provided for general information only. It is not individual medical advice and does not replace assessment by a qualified physician.
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