Rheumatic diseases in the UAE: misdiagnosis a real problem

The international speakers joined together with a locally based doctor to call on medical practitioners in the UAE to really listen to when a patient is talking about their pain rather than looking for the quick fix and prescribing incorrect treatments. Two of the doctors, who are themselves patients, spoke about the physical and emotional constraints of rheumatic diseases. Locally based doctor Dr Jamal Saleh offered his support and sympathies to sufferers of the diseases and championed the need for education.

Dr Jamal Saleh, LRCP&S (IRE), M.Sc. (Rheum), MRCP (UK), Head of Rheumatology Unit, Dubai Hospital, UAE said: 'One of the most shocking statistics related to Rheumatoid Arthritis is that in the developed world 50% of all sufferers are unable to continue in gainful employment. Of course there are exceptions but on average it takes the disease 10 years to render a victim unfit for work' Dr Saleh, who was one of the events speakers, added 'This does not mean the Rheumatoid Arthritis sufferer cannot be an active member of society however. With a wider education of the public at large people will be able to see the vitality that remains inside the spirit of the Rheumatoid Arthritis victim.'

Dr Saleh, Dr Gerd Bumester from Germany, Dr Mohammed Khan who is based in the USA and Dr Gabrielle Brieden (who also practices in Germany) all agreed that currently sufferers of rheumatic diseases are largely overlooked as misdiagnosis is rendering them 'too difficult to treat'. An additional uniqueness of this event was that both Dr Khan and Dr Brieden are lifelong victims of rheumatic diseases, Dr Khan of Ankylosing Spondylitis and Dr Brieden of Rheumatoid Arthritis. All four doctors stressed the importance of education and awareness and also directed special attention to the role life style management plays in fighting the diseases.

Currently over US$86 billion is spent on rheumatic diseases worldwide through patient care, medical treatments and insurance costs. Everyone is at risk from at least one kind of rheumatic disease. Statistics discussed at the event showed Rheumatoid Arthritis affects three women to every one man and Ankylosing Spondylitis is the reverse in affecting three men to every one woman. TNF (Tumuor Necrosis Factor alpha) is something that the human body produces to aid inflammation. TNF blockers (which stop excess production of TNF) are seen by many to be the way forward in the disease management field, a field Abbott has long been associated with.

Abboud Bejjani, General Manager of Abbott said during the event 'We are pleased to have been able to offer our service. We have played a continuous role in the advancements regarding disease management and our ongoing commitment to patient care is something we will maintain, it is something we are proud of.' Mr Bejjani Concluded 'I have found the messages presented by today's speakers quite inspirational. I would hope that the ideals of awareness and education take hold throughout not only the UAE but the Gulf as a whole and I strongly advise that should someone feel that they are developing a rheumatic disease they seek the help of a qualified rheumatologist immediately.'