Dedicated rheumatology conference set to tackle hidden epidemic of bone disease

Osteoporosis has become one of the biggest health issues facing women in the Middle East due to a combination of diet, lifestyle and cultural factors such as low Vitamin D levels due to lack of exposure to the Sun. For Dr. Humeira Badsha, a specialist rheumatologist at the Dubai Bone and Joint Centre and Chairperson of the Rheumatology Exhibition and Conference 2009, the statistics are of concern.

"About 70% of post-menopausal women have a combination of osteoporosis and osteopenia. Osteoporosis is defined as having very weak bones whereas osteopenia being moderately weak boned,"

she said.

This disease of the bone can ultimately lead to fractures, and a rapid decline in the quality of life. Although, the vast majority of women perceive osteoporosis to be limited to the older generation a study carried out by the Dubai Bone and Joint Centre last year suggests otherwise.

"We conducted a survey of 2,000 healthy people walking around a mall in the UAE. We checked the bone density and we found that amongst these 2,000 healthy adults where average age was 39 years, 30% had a low bone mass," Dr. Badsha revealed.

Although Dr. Badsha pointed out that low bone mass isn't in itself osteoporosis, or osteopenia it nevertheless is a worrying trend. "30% of young healthy adults walking about a mall having low bone mass is a very shocking statistic," she said.

Osteoporosis will be one of several topics being discussed at Rheumatology 2009 which is already attracting considerable interest from professionals in the field.

"We've confirmed a number of high profile speakers for the event," said Patricia Verwey, Marketing Manager, IIR Middle East. "There are various issues that will be addressed at the conference and by having international experts on hand the opportunity for regional professionals to advance their knowledge is there."

The Rheumatology Exhibition and Conference in the past fell under the umbrella of Arab Health, but due to growing interest and overbooking organisers IIR Middle East decided to run the Rheumatology 2009 as a stand alone congress.

The scope is there to provide professionals the opportunity to focus on this specific important field of medicine.

"Musculoskeletal problems account for the most number of visits to physicians and are also a leading cause of disability," Dr. Badsha said. Rheumatology 2009 brings together experts from leading hospitals in the US, Europe and regionally to discuss advances in arthritis and related conditions. Special sessions aimed at the GP will help to ensure that patients can be diagnosed early and receive appropriate treatment."

The Rheumatology Exhibition and Conference 2009 will be held in the Dusit Thani Hotel in Dubai from March 18-20. ((ENDS)).