Ayurvedic treatment for Arthritis in Dubai

Many patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and other forms of arthritis turn to alternative, traditional or complementary medicines because of lack of efficacy or fear of traditional medicines. There is also the sometimes mistaken notion that alternative medications are safer than traditional medicines. In a study of patents with rheumatoid arthritis at Dubai Bone and Joint Center it was found that 66% of patients had tried some form of alternative medicine. The most commonly preferred were acupuncture, ayurveda, herbs, and homeopathy.



Always discuss your use of alternative medications, herbs, etc with your rheumatologist/ doctor
Always use only licensed and well qualified practitioners
Remember that even herbs can have side effects and interact with medications you take
Remember that often not enough research has been done into ‘natural’ therapies and hence all their side effects are not known.
Traditional medicines which your doctor gives you have known side effects and are usually safe to take under proper supervison
There is no evidence that any of the alternative forms of medicine can prevent joint damage such as has been proven with drugs like methotrexate


Dubai Bone and Joint Center is conducting a large study addressing the benefits of yoga for arthritis. If you are interested kindly email Dr. Badsha at info@dbaj.ae

walkathon arthritis dubai video

Rheumatoid Arthritis in the UAE

Humeira Badsha1 , Kok Ooi Kong2 and Paul P. Tak1, 3
(1)
Dubai Bone & Joint Center LLC, Level 50, Emirates Towers, P.O. Box 118855, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
(2)
Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
(3)
Division of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Received: 12 September 2007 Revised: 10 October 2007 Accepted: 14 October 2007 Published online: 1 November 2007
Abstract Studies have shown that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the Middle East have delayed diagnosis and low disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) utilization. We describe the characteristics and treatments of consecutive RA patients presenting to a new musculoskeletal clinic in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Demographic and clinical data were collected over a 10-month period at the first visit to our clinic for patients meeting the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for RA. A total of 100 patients were seen: (average ± SD) age 42.2 ± 12.3 years; female 87%; Arabs 38%, Indian 36%, Caucasian and others 26%; 73% rheumatoid-factor positive; years since diagnosis: 3.9 ± 5.7; lag time between symptom onset to diagnosis 1.2 ± 1.3 years and lag time to first DMARD was 1.6 ± 2.0 years. Mean tender joint count was 8.9 ± 7.9, mean swollen joint count 9.0 ± 7.6, mean patient’s global assessment of disease activity 57.4 ± 25.0 mm, mean ESR 33 ± 25 mm/h, mean DAS28 5.2 ± 1.6, physician global assessment 55.0 ± 23.8. Only 43% were on DMARDs (25% MTX, 5% TNF blockers). Among the patients who were not on DMARD, only 28.1% had disease duration less than 1 year (p = <0.01). Erosions were present in 55.2% of patients with available X-rays, and deformities in 26% of patients. There were no racial differences in disease characteristics. The UAE has a unique population with many races residing in the country. Among the first 100 consecutive patients seen at our clinic, there were no significant differences in disease characteristics with the majority of the patients having very active disease, delayed diagnosis, and not being treated with DMARDs.
Keywords Arab - Disease activity - Gulf - Indian - Middle East - Rheumatoid arthritis - Treatment
Footline: RA in the United Arab Emirates

Humeira BadshaEmail: humeira.badsha@dbaj.ae
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Alballa SR (1995) The expression of rheumatoid arthritis in Saudi Arabia. Clin Rheumatol 14(6):641–645, Nov 1995

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Badsha H, Kong KO, Tak PP (2007) Rheumatoid arthritis in Dubai-delayed diagnosis and low usage of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs. Ann Rheum Dis 66(6):835, Jun 2007

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Smolen JS, Breedveld FC, Schiff MH, Kalden JR, Emery P, Eberl G et al (2003) A simplified disease activity index for rheumatoid arthritis for use in clinical practice. Rheumatology (Oxford) 42(2):244–257, Feb 2003

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Prevoo ML, van ’t Hof MA, Kuper HH, van Leeuwen MA, van de Putte LB, van Riel PL (1995) Modified disease activity scores that include twenty-eight-joint counts. Development and validation in a prospective longitudinal study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum 38(1):44–48, 1995 Jan

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Sokka T, Kautiainen H, Toloza S, Makinen H, Verstappen SM, Hetland ML et al (2007) QUEST-RA: Quantitative clinical assessment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis seen in standard rheumatology care in 15 countries. Ann Rheum Dis 66:1491–1496, Apr 2007

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Michaud K, Wolfe F (2006) Trends in mEdication Use by 10,982 Rheumatoid Arthritis patients in the United States from 1998–2005: Biological Use now at 40%. Ann Rheum Dis 65(Suppl II):311

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Nurmohamed MT, Dijkmans BA (2005) Efficacy, tolerability and cost effectiveness of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and biologic agents in rheumatoid arthritis. Drug 65(5):661–694

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Verstappen SM, Jacobs JW, Bijlsma JW, Heurkens AH, van Booma-Frankfort C, Borg EJ et al (2003) Five-year followup of rheumatoid arthritis patients after early treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs versus treatment according to the pyramid approach in the first year. Arthritis Rheum 48(7):1797–1807, Jul 2003

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Breedveld FC, Weisman MH, Kavanaugh AF, Cohen SB, Pavelka K, van Vollenhoven R et al (2006) The PREMIER study: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind clinical trial of combination therapy with adalimumab plus methotrexate versus methotrexate alone or adalimumab alone in patients with early, aggressive rheumatoid arthritis who had not had previous methotrexate treatment. Arthritis Rheum 54(1):26–37, Jan 2006

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Michaud K, Wolfe F (2005) Reduced Mortality among RA Patients Treated with Anti-TNF Therapy and Methotrexate. Ann Rheum Dis 64(Suppl III):87, 2006

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St Clair EW, Van der Heijde DM, Smolen JS, Maini RN, Bathon JM, Emery P et al (2004) Combination of infliximab and methotrexate therapy for early rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized, controlled trial. Arthritis Rheum 50(11):3432–3443, Nov 2004

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Anderson JJ, Wells G, Verhoeven AC, Felson DT (2000) Factors predicting response to treatment in rheumatoid arthritis: the importance of disease duration. Arthritis Rheum 43(1):22–29, Jan 2000

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Pountain G (1991) The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in the Sultanate of Oman. Br J Rheumatol 30(1):24–28, Feb 1991

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Malaviya AN, Kapoor SK, Singh RR, Kumar A, Pande I (1993) Prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in the adult Indian population. Rheumatol Int 13(4):131–134

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Lacaille D, Anis AH, Guh DP, Esdaile JM (2005) Gaps in care for rheumatoid arthritis: a population study. Arthritis Rheum 3(2):241–248, Apr 15, 2005

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Stucki G (1997) Specialist management: needs and benefits. Baillieres Clin Rheumatol 11(1):97–107, Feb 1997

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Chandrashekara S, Anilkumar T, Jamuna S (2002) Complementary and alternative drug therapy in arthritis. J Assoc Physicians India 50:225–227, Feb 2002

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Abdel-Nasser AM, Rasker JJ, Valkenburg HA (1997) Epidemiological and clinical aspects relating to the variability of rheumatoid arthritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 27(2):123–140, Oct 1997

Arthritis Walk Dubai a big success

Osteoporosis screening

Dubai Bone and Joint Center screened the employees of the Ministry of Health on November 20th 2007

Arthritis Dubai

Walk this wayNirmala Natarajan (CONTRIBUTOR)22 November 2007
A 'STEPS for Arthritis’ Walkathon will be held tomorrow (November 23) under the patronage of Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The Walkathon is aimed to benefit the Emirates Arthritis Foundation (EAF), an establishment which increases awareness about arthritis in the region and works towards improving the quality of life of patients.
The EAF was launched in April 2006 in an effort to make a tangible difference to the lives of arthritis sufferers in the UAE.
The Walkathon, sponsored by Dubai Festival City, is also supported by Rivoli, Arwa, Anlene and Roche. The scenic route of the Walkathon, through the Al Badia residential community overlooking the golf course, will begin and end at the Dubai Festival City.
School children, EAF volunteers, journalists, a few arthritis patients with their families as well as Dubai Festival City management are expected to participate in the walk. The registration fee is Dhs50 and proceeds will go to the EAF Endowment Fund that supports arthritis patients.
Speaking at a Press conference to launch the Walkathon, Martina Boor, Assistant Marketing Manager, Retail, Dubai Festival City said: "There will be a jazz band and live entertainment afterwards at the Dubai Festival City so families can have a fun day. We look forward to a huge turnout as this will afford a lot of enjoyment to the public and also support a very noble cause. We are hoping to make this an annual event."
"We can really make a difference in the lives of patients who need help to obtain vital treatment," commented Suzanne Al Houby, Vice-Chairperson of the EAF Board of Directors, on behalf of all Board members and the CEO of the Dubai Bone and Joint Center, the umbrella organisation of the EAF.
"So far, the EAF has supported 10 patients at a cost of Dh70,000 each, per year and through this Walkathon, we hope to increase that figure and support more patients who undergo intense pain through this often debilitating condition," she said.
EAF director of operations, Mrs. Cathy Leibman, is extremely enthusiastic about the Walkathon. Being involved so closely with the cause, her passion and longing to help arthritis patients both in terms of the right treatment and funding is amazing. "It is very comforting to see patients who can barely walk begin to lead a much better quality of life" she said.
Participants can register for the Walkathon between 8 and 9am tomorrow at the VIP entrance of the Dubai Festival Centre. The walk begins at 9am and is expected to last 45 minutes. Upon return to the starting point, there will be a morning of fun and entertainment for one and all.
Whilst holding focus on the cause of arthritic patients, the Dubai Festival City also wants to ensure an enjoyable experience for families this Friday.
For further information on the Walkathon, please contact Irina Ionascu of Dubai Festival City on 050 5592184
'There is a general misconception that arthritis only affects old people'
To find out more about the types of arthritis, causes, prevention and medication, City Times spoke to Dr Humeira Badsha, Specialist Rheumatologist and vice-chairperson of the Emirates Arthritis Foundation
DR BADSHA, who came to Dubai two years ago after working in India, SIngapore, Los Angeles and Boston has been with the EAF since then, treating arthritis patients for the past 12 years.
She says: "There is a general misconception that arthritis only affects old people. Older people usually suffer from osteo-arthritis when the cartilage between the bones wears off. However there are over 100 types of inflammatory arthritis which can affect the old and the young (even babies) alike. This happens both due to genetic predisposition and a trigger which causes the immune system to attack the body. Treatment involves regular medications including methotrexate and the newer biological drugs which suppress the over-active immune system and prevents further joint damage."
Asked about the causes of arthritis, Dr Badsha says it is not due to cold weather or diet. However, obesity, lack of exercise and lack of a balanced diet can contribute to it. There is evidence that certain types of arthritic conditions can benefit from the consumption of oily fish, ginger, turmeric, avocado and pineapple. In patients suffering from gout, avoiding red meat and alcohol could help. Stress can trigger the immune system so patients should lead a healthy lifestyle with the right balance of diet and exercise to help prevent as well as reduce the effects of arthritic pain, she explains.
Dr Badsha says that at the Emirates Arthritis Foundation, aqua exercises, yoga and patient support groups complement the administration of drugs to bring greater quality of life. Early diagnosis through awareness, education and screening and the right treatment are extremely important to effectively treat this painful condition
EAF to the rescue
It’s all in one’s attitude, says courageous Katrina Oakeley, Operations Manager Phototechnics/Secretary, Emirates Arthritis Foundation
Katrina was diagnosed with juvenile chronic arthritis at the tender age of one. She was crawling on elbows and then stopped trying to walk. She went through intolerable pain, both physically and emotionally as the disease invaded her feet, wrists, fingers and jaw and challenged her day to day activities.
Determined to make the most of life, she bravely carried on to complete school and college and is now running her business.
She is currently being treated through the EAF with two injections a week and is able to lead a good quality of life. Her tale of physical pain is no match for her extremely positive attitude. "It is important to keep one’s spirits up and to meet life head on. I live an active life and am looking forward to taking my first proper skiing holiday next year!"
"Besides the support of family and friends, the most important thing is not to let arthritis control you. You only have one chance to live your life, so please make the most of it. Don’t let it beat you!"
Katrina is passionate about her work with the EAF and would love to make a difference to this compassionate establishment.
Nael Hammad, 32 years, another arthritis patient says her nightmare started at the age of 28 with pain in the hips, joints and shoulders and it soon invaded his entire body.
There was a time he could barely put on his clothes or even get out of bed. He lost his job and lived through despair. Initially, he suffered with the wrong diagnosis and was given some pain killers and, later, he was advised to replace his hips.
Fortunately, he did not go in for the surgery. He thanks God for the day he was referred to the EAF by a friend. Here, he received not just medical treatment (which involved twice monthly injections) but understanding, care and concern.
Says Nael: "I could never have afforded this expensive treatment and I am deeply grateful to the Emirates Arthritis Foundation for coming to my rescue. Here I received the right kind of knowledge, caring and financial support. Before I came here I was semi-disabled. I now lead a normal family life and have a job again!"
What you need to know about arthritis:

Arthritis Dubai Walk

Walkathon a triumph for arthritis victimsBy Zoe Sinclair (Our staff reporter)24 November 2007
DUBAI — Young and old alike, arthritis sufferers of every age and description along with fellow walkers took part in “Steps for Arthritis”, the first Emirates Arthritis Foundation (EAF) walkathon yesterday.
For arthritis patients like Nael Hammad, 32, his completion of the walkathon of about 4km at Dubai Festival City yesterday was a sign of how far his treatment had come in the three years since he first developed the condition.
It took one-and-a-half years for the doctors to diagnose the type of arthritis he had as psoriatic arthritis, and another year before he received the correct treatment.
In that time, his condition caused him so much pain and was debilitating that he was unable to go about his daily life including work and family life. He eventually lost his job.
After getting in touch with the EAF, his condition has improved so much that he was proud to finish the walkathon with his family by his side.
“I’m very very happy,” he said.
“It gives me such pleasure that I’m here and I can support others and we can increase awareness.”
EAF director and organiser of yesterday’s walkathon Dr Cathy Liebman said Hammad’s experience of misdiagnosis and difficulty in finding the best treatment was not unusual.
Liebman said there were more than 100 forms of arthritis and it was important to realise the condition affected 20 per cent of the community, as high a rate as diabetes, but arthritis also led to disability.
“If you think you might have arthritis, go and see a rheumatologist,” she urged.
“Don’t be scared to get a second opinion and the foundation can answer any questions.”
She said raising awareness of the condition, the main aim of the walkathon, was crucial as many people did not realise the extent of the population, including young people, that were affected by the condition.
Katrina Oakeley, 25, a sufferer of juvenile chronic arthritis and EAF secretary, is testament to the range of people touched by arthritis.
Oakeley developed the disease when she was one-year-old and has been trying to manage it ever since.
She is on medication for the pain and treatment of the condition and has also had operations to have her wrists fused to help her function better.
“There are good days and bad days,” Oakeley said.
“There are days when you feel fine. But there are days when you don’t want to get out of bed because the pain is so bad.
“It’s a state of mind. If you let it beat you then that’s when you’ve lost.”
Many of the patients urged fellow sufferers to keep positive and join support groups.
But the most important message was to be aware of the disease because early diagnosis and the correct treatment was the best chance for managing it as a definitive cure is yet to be found.
Liebman said Dh192,500 was raised through corporate sponsors and the 250 people who registered for the walkathon.Held under the patronage of Princess Haya bint Hussein, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the walkathon will become an annual event for the next three years

EULAR 2006 Amsterdam

Inflammatory arthritis in Dubai UAE: Abstract presented by Dr. Badsha

APLAR 2006 KL, Malaysia

Dr. Badsha abstract: Inflammatory arthritis in the UAE

Pan Arab Conference Cairo Egypt 2006

Case Presenation by Dr. Badsha: Catastrophic antiphosphlipid syndrome

Pan Arab Conference Doha Qatar January 2008

Abstracts to be presented:

1) Rheuamatoid arthritis in the UAE: an unmet need for increased rheumatological care
2) Rheumatoid arthritis in the UAE and ability to pay
3) Rheumatoid Arthritis in the UAE and delay to start DMARD

Rheumatoid Arthritis in UAE

Clin Rheumatol. 2007 Nov 1; [Epub ahead of print]
Links
Rheumatoid arthritis in the United Arab Emirates.
Badsha H, Kong KO, Tak PP.
Dubai Bone & Joint Center LLC, Level 50, Emirates Towers, P.O. Box 118855, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, humeira.badsha@dbaj.ae.
Studies have shown that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the Middle East have delayed diagnosis and low disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) utilization. We describe the characteristics and treatments of consecutive RA patients presenting to a new musculoskeletal clinic in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Demographic and clinical data were collected over a 10-month period at the first visit to our clinic for patients meeting the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for RA. A total of 100 patients were seen: (average +/- SD) age 42.2 +/- 12.3 years; female 87%; Arabs 38%, Indian 36%, Caucasian and others 26%; 73% rheumatoid-factor positive; years since diagnosis: 3.9 +/- 5.7; lag time between symptom onset to diagnosis 1.2 +/- 1.3 years and lag time to first DMARD was 1.6 +/- 2.0 years. Mean tender joint count was 8.9 +/- 7.9, mean swollen joint count 9.0 +/- 7.6, mean patient's global assessment of disease activity 57.4 +/- 25.0 mm, mean ESR 33 +/- 25 mm/h, mean DAS28 5.2 +/- 1.6, physician global assessment 55.0 +/- 23.8. Only 43% were on DMARDs (25% MTX, 5% TNF blockers). Among the patients who were not on DMARD, only 28.1% had disease duration less than 1 year (p = <0.01). Erosions were present in 55.2% of patients with available X-rays, and deformities in 26% of patients. There were no racial differences in disease characteristics. The UAE has a unique population with many races residing in the country. Among the first 100 consecutive patients seen at our clinic, there were no significant differences in disease characteristics with the majority of the patients having very active disease, delayed diagnosis, and not being treated with DMARDs.

Rheumatology Conference Dubai

Musculoskeletal Conference 200828 January 2008
This year’s musculoskeletal conference hopes to bring together practitioners from different medical fields, including the general physicians, orthopedic doctors, rheumatologists, women’s health doctors, endocrinologists and all who deal with these issues with their patients daily.
Day 1: 28 January 2008
09:00
Opening remarks by Chairperson: Dr. Humeira Badsha, Specialist Rheumatologist, Dubai Bone & Joint Center, Dubai, UAE


09:10
Rheumatoid Arthritis – State of the Art update


09:30
Beyond RA – Review of Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis and other inflammatory Arthritis


09:50
Disease Modifying Drugs in RA; How the GP can use these drugs and monitor for toxicity Dr. Christopher J. Edwards, Consultant Rheumatologist & Honorary Senior Lecturer, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust & The London Lupus Clinic, London Bridge Hospital, UK


10:10
Anti-TNF Drugs – Safety and Efficacy Updates


10:30
New Frontiers in the treatment of RA – Rituximab, Abatacept and more


10:50
Coffee Break


11:30
Lupus – diagnosis and Management


11:50
Pregnancy and rheumatic drugs


12:10
Management of the pregnant patient with Anti-phospholipid syndromeDr. Graham R V Hughes MD FRCP, Head, Lupus Unit, St Thomas' Hospital, UK


12:30
Lunch (12:30 – 14:00 Joint Injection Workshop)


14:00
Back pain – Red Flags and Non-Surgical management


14:20
Pain Management – Update on safety of NSAIDs and Cox-2 inhibitors


14:40
Gout – Guidelines and use of drugs: From colchicines to Febuxostat


15:00
The New Science of Osteoarthritis: What this means in managing our patientsDr. TW Starz, University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA


15:20
Coffee Break


15:50
Osteoporosis and interpretation of the DEXA scan. Common errors, artifacts and quality issues


16:10
Bisphosphonates: The backbone of Osteoporosis Management


16:30
How to use the new drugs for Osteoporosis: Strontium, Teriparatide, and more!


16:50
The Epidemic of Vitamin D deficiency and implications beyond bone health: How do we manage severe vitamin D deficiency?Dr. Abdullah Al Arifi, Consultant, Endocrinologist, Department of Medicine; Associate Executive Director, Academic & Training Affairs, CME Section; King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, KSA.


17:10
Closing remarks

Rheumatoid Arthritis UAE

In a study of 100 patients at Dubai Bone and Joint Center by Dr. Humeira badsha it was found that the majority of the patients coming to her had very active disease, there was a delay in diagnosis and delay to starting the right treatment. Many patients had seen several doctors withoout the correct diagnosis.

Rheumatology UAE

As part of its ongoing commitment to raising the standards of musculoskeletal treatment and research in the UAE, doctors from the Dubai Bone and Joint Center will be taking a leadership role by chairing several congresses and running workshops at Arab Health Congress 2007.
Dr. Humeira Badsha American Board certified Rheumatologist at Dubai Bone & Joint center will be chairing the Rheumatology congress: Management of Rheumatic Diseases, running from the 31st of January to February 1st. and aims to educate Rheumatologists on the latest advances in the field. The conference is a new addition to the Arab Health portfolio and will be attended by doctors from UAE, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia Jordan, Egypt, Kuwait, UK, USA, Germany and Switzerland.
In addition, a special hands-on workshop on joint injection techniques will be running on February 1st. "Joint and tendon injections are an important skill for every primary care physician," explained Dr. Humeira Badsha, Rheumatology specialist, Dubai Bone and Joint Center. "The workshop will use life size manikins and will focus on a variety of different techniques," she added.

Joint problems UAE

Successful First Step Taken as Bone and Joint Health Week Comes To An End
20 May 2007
Dubai 19th May 2007: Over 450 participants attended the Free Bone Health Day held in Jumeriah Beach Hotel yesterday. The event organized by the Dubai Bone and Joint Center aimed to raise awareness through various educational activities of bone and joint health.
According to Suzanne El Houby, CEO of Dubai Bone and Joint Centre, “the impetus for holding this event was to raise the awareness of bone health and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Our center sees a number of patients with fractures resulting from Osteoporosis and we would like to see this number reduced”. The event featured free bone screening for osteoporosis through bone scan ultrasound, alongside lectures on nutrition, arthritis management, osteopathy and physiotherapy.
It is estimated that 70% of post menopausal women in the Emirates have Osteoporosis, as the population ages there will be an increasing number of people affected. According to Dr. Humeria Badsha, Specialist Rheumatologist at Dubai Bone and Joint Center, “It is important to address this condition now, and to educate the younger generation to start eating correctly to ensure that their bone mass is built up to a sufficient level”.
The day began with lectures on Osteoporosis and Arthritis. Sufferers of Arthritis were shown exercises that can help and improve movement. This is a debilitating disease, and its effects have also far reaching emotional consequences. Participants also heard from a nutritionist on the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle. The consequences of leading an unhealthy lifestyle leads to obesity and its related conditions but it also has an enormous impact on our bones and joints. Exercise is vitally important for our bones and joints, Power Bhangra classes were given, showing alternative forms of exercise that can be fun. Running techniques were demonstrated and how incorrect technique can outweigh the health benefits it offers. Repetitive back strain was addressed with demonstrations on correct posture when sitting at your computer.
This event was part of the Bone Health Week a campaign, which will run annually throughout the Emirates to educate on development of and maintenance of healthy bones and joints.

Osteoporosis UAE

UAE Residents Need to Get Out in the Sun More
24 May 2007
High Level of Osteopenia and Osteoporosis detected in recent screening programmes
Dubai, 24th May 2007: The last phase of the Bone Screening Campaign for osteoporosis took place at Al Ittihad Primary Care Center in Jumeirah in which 110 women and men were screened, and the overall results of the campaign so far confirmed doctor's fears. People are not eating the correct diet to build bone mass nor getting adequate sun with Vitamin D and are therefore leaving themselves more prone to osteoporosis and other bone conditions later in life.
The recent initiative by Dubai Bone and Joint Centre to conduct mass screening in the Emirates with the Ministry of Health (MoH) has produced some alarming statistics. Of those screened on Bone Health Day in the Jumeirah Beach Hotel , 36% had low bone density or osteopenia, which is generally considered the first step along the road to osteoporosis. This is a very serious condition in which bone density is extremely low and bones are porous and prone to shatter. A further 20% of those screened had a measurement of less than -2.5 indicating osteoporosis. This disease results in a significant risk of fracture, the consequences of which can include hospitalization, immobility, and a decrease in the quality of life.
The most alarming statistic was that 32% of men at the recent Hor Al Anz screening had low bone density. The key findings of the most recent screening showed that 36% of post menopausal women were osteopenic and 6% osteoporotic; and amongst young women (< 45 years) 16 % have low bone mass of which 5 % had osteoporosis.
By measuring bone density, it is possible to predict fracture risk in the same manner that measuring blood pressure can help predict the risk of stroke. The results from the screening can then be used to aid a decision as to whether prescription medicine is needed to help reduce the risk of fractures in the future. From a larger perspective, it can be seen that osteoporosis is a costly disease in terms of the healthcare system and time lost from work.
According to Dr. Humeira Badsha, Specialist Rheumatologist at Dubai Bone and Joint Center, “these results are extremely worrying. We saw a woman of 24 who had osteopenia, which is very unusual. It is imperative that UAE residents, both men and women start consuming more calcium rich food and exposing themselves to the sun for a short period of time every day”.
The second phase of the nationwide osteoporosis screening will reassume in September 2007. The National Screening Campaign will include the rest of the Northern Emirates Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujarah, etc... Exact dates and locations will be announced in mid-august. Dr. Mariam Matar, Assistant Undersecretary of Preventative Medicine for Public Health and Primary Health Care at the MoH recently announced at the launch of Bone Health Week, the seriousness of this condition and how the MoH is attempting to tackle this problem.

Dr. Humeira Badsha Publications

Articles - Peer Reviewed:

1. Badsha H, Gunes B, Grossman J, Brahn E. Troponin I assessment of cardiac involvement in patients with connective tissue disease and an elevated creatine kinase MB isoform. J. Clin Rheum. 3 : 131-134, 1997.

2. Tsao BP, Cantor RM, Kalunian KC, Chen CJ, Badsha H, Singh R, Wallace DJ, Kitridou RC, Chen SL, Shen N, Song YW, Isenberg DA, Yu CL, Hahn BH, Rotter Jl. Evidence for linkage of a candidate chromosome 1 region to human systemic lupus erythematosus. J Clin Invest 1997 Feb 15; 99 (4) : 725-31.

3. Melioidosis in systemic lupus erythematosus: the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in patients from endemic areas. H Badsha, CJ Edwards, HH Chng. Lupus. 2001;10(11):821-23

4. Low-dose pulse methylprednisolone for systemic lupus erythematosus flares is efficacious and has a decreased risk of infectious complications. Badsha H; Kong KO; Lian TY; Chan SP; Edwards CJ; Chng HH Lupus, 15 August 2002, vol. 11, no. 8, pp. 508-513(6)

5. Mycobacterium haemophilum infection in an SLE patient on mycophenolate mofetil Cheng Lay Teh, Kok Ooi Kong, Angela Chong, Humeira Badsha Lupus. 2002;11(4):249-52.

6. Intravenous pulses of methylprednisolone for SLE. Badsha H,Edwards CJ. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism vol 32, no 5 april 2003 pp

7. Intermittent epoprostenol infusion in systemic lupus erythematosus associated pulmonary hypertension – a series of 3 cases. Kok Ooi Kong, Humeira Badsha, Julian Thumboo, Hiok Hee Chng. Annals Academy of Medicine Singapore January 2003,vol 32 no. 1 pp 118-21

8. Hospitalization of individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus: characteristics and predictors of outcome Edwards CJ, Lian TY, Badsha H, Te CL, Arden N, Chng HH.
Lupus . 2003; 12(9):672-6.

9. Usefulness of serum soluble CD38 and CD 157 levels in differentiating SLE, RA and healthy adults and their relationship with disease activity. Kong KO, Leung BP, Chng HH, Thong BY, Koh ET, Leong KP, Badsha H, Lian Ty, Khoo KM, Howe HS. Ann Acad of Med Singapore 2003 sep; 32 (5 suppl) S16-7

10. Low-dose pulse methylprednisolone is an effective therapy for severe SLE flares.Lupus. 2004;13(3):212-3 Kong KO, Badsha H, Lian TY, Edwards, CJ, Chng HH

11. Pulmonary Haemorrhage in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus H Badsha, CL The, KO Kong, TY Lian, HH Chng. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism 33/6 pp. 414-421

12. Transforming growth factor beta-1 and gene polymorphisms in oriental ankylosing spondylitis. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2005 Jan;44(1):51-4 Howe HS, Cheung PL, Kong KO, Badsha H, Thong BY, Leong KP, Koh ET, Lian TY, Cheng YK, Lam S, Teo D, Lau TC, Leung BP

13. Psychometric properties of a new systemic lupus erythematosus-specific quality-of- life instrument (SLEQOL). Ann Acad Med Singapore. 2004 Sep;33(5 Suppl):S35Leong KP, Kong KO, Thong BY, Koh ET, Lian TY, The CL, Cheng YK, Chng HH, Badsha H, Law WG, Lau TC, Chew LC, Ho HJ, Pong LY, Hoi LS, Nagarajan S, Chan SP, Howe HS.

14. Development and preliminary validation of a systemic lupus erythematosus-specific quality-of-life instrument (SLEQOL). Rheumatology (Oxford). 2005 Mar 29 Leong KP, Kong KO, Thong BY, Koh ET, Lian TY, Teh CL, Cheng YK, Chng HH, Badsha H, Law WG, Lau TC, Chew LC, Ho HJ, Pong LY, Hoi LS, Sangeetha N, Chan SP, Howe HS

15. Proinflammatory high-density lipoprotein as a biomarker for atherosclerosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2006 Jul 25;54(8):2541-2549. Mc Mohan M, Grossman J, Fitzgerald J, Dahlin Lee E, Wallace DJ, Thong BY, Badsha H, Kalunian K, Charles C, Navab M, Fogelman AM, Hahn BH

16. Association of a common complement receptor 2 haplotype with increased risk of SLE. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. In press. Wu H, Boackle SA, Hanvivadhanaku P, Ulgiati D, Grossman JM, Lee Y, Shen N, Abraham LJ, Mercer TR, Park E, Hebert LA, Rovin BH, Birmingham DJ, Chang D, Chen CJ, McCurdy D, Badsha HM, Thong BYH, Chng HH, Arnett FC, Wallace DJ, Yu CY, Hahn BH, Cantor RM, Tsao BP.

17. Rheumatoid arthritis in Dubai--delayed diagnosis and low usage of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs Ann Rheum Dis. 2007 Jun;66(6):835 Badsha H, Kong KO, Tak PP

Book Chapters:

Badsha H, Rheumatoid Arthritis. A Clinical Approach to Medicine. 1st edition. Ong YY, Woo KT,

ABSTRACTS:

1. European league against rheumatology annual meetings. [ab0253] predictive model of mortality among patients admitted to a tertiary centre

Authors: T.Y. Lian 1, K.O. Kong 1, H. Badsha 1, C.L. Teh 1, H.H. Chng 1
Year: 2003

2. [Thu0150] Characteristics Of Patients Presenting With Inflammatory Arthritis To A Musculoskeletal Disease Clinic In Dubai

Authors: H. Badsha, P.P. Tak
Year: 2006

3. [Thu0151] Characteristics Of 357 Admissions Of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients To A Rheumatology Department During One Year

Authors: C.J. Edwards 1, T.Y. Lian 2, H. Badsha 2, H.H. Chng 2
Year: 2002

4. [Thu0141] Risk Factors For Serious Infections In Lupus Nephritis Patients Treated With High Dose Prednisolone

Authors: K.O. Kong, T.Y. Lian, H. Badsha, H.H. Chng
Year: 2002

5. [Thu0043] Usefulness Of Serum Soluble Cd38 And Cd157 Levels In SLE And Ra - Relationship With Disease Activity

Authors: K. Kong 1, B. Leung 1, H. Chng 1, B. Thong 1, E. Koh 1, K. Leong 1, H. Badsha 1, T. Lian 1 , K. Khoo 1, H. Howe 1
Year: 2003

6. [Ab0281] Low Dose Pulse Methylprednisolone Is Effective Therapy For SLE Flares: A Prospective Study

Authors: T.Y. Lian 1, H. Badsha 1, K.O. Kong 1, C.J. Edwards 2, H.H. Chng 1
Year: 2003

7. [Ab0264] Changing Patterns Of Lupus Mortality In A Tertiary Centre In Singapore

Authors: W.G. Law 1, C.L. Teh 1, H. Badsha 1, T.Y. Lian 1, K.O. Kong 1, E.T. Koh 1, H.H. Chng 1
Year: 2003

8. [Thu0280] interferon-inducible protein 10 (ip-10) is a potential biomarker of disease activity in SLE

Authors: k.o. kong1, b.y.h. thong 1 , t.y. lian 1 , h.h. chng 1 , y.k. cheng 1 , c.l. teh 1 , e.t. koh 1 , w.g . Law 1 , w.h. yong 1 , l.c. chew 1 , t.c. lau 1 , h. Badsha 1 , k.p. leong 1 , b.p.l. leung 2 , h.s. howe 1
Year: 2006

AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RHEUMATOLOGY ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS

1997

A susceptibility gene for SLE maps to a 5 cM region of human chromosome 1q.

BP Tsao, RM Cantor, H Badsha, JM Grossman, KC Kalunian, H Hartung, FC Arnett, DJ Wallace, BH Hahn, JI Rotter.

Arthritis and Rheumatism, volume 40, No.9 (supplement)

2000
Pulmonary hypertension in systemic lupus erythematosus Treatment with Intermittent epoprostenol infusion

Kong KO, Badsha H, Thumboo J, Pao Hsii Feng

Arthritis and Rheumatism vol 43 No.9 (supplement)

2001
Pulse Methylprednisolone for SLE flares: A lower dose decreases the risk of serious infections without reducing efficacy

Badsha H; Kong KO; Lian TY; Chan SP; Edwards CJ; Chng HH

Arthritis and Rheumatism vol 44 No.9 (supplement) p. S280

2002Risk Factors for Serious Infections among Lupus Nephritis Patients Treated with High Dose Prednisolone
Category: 23 SLE—clinical aspects

Tsui Yee Lian, Kok Ooi Kong, Humeira Badsha, Hiok Hee Chng

Arthritis and Rheumatism vol 45 No.9 (supplement)

SLEDAI and SLAM are Useful Indicators of Disease Activity in Lupus Patients with Pulmonary Haemorrhage
Category: 23 SLE—clinical aspects
Humeira Badsha, Cheng Lay Teh, Kok Ooi Kong, Tsui Yee Lian, Hiok Hee Chng
Arthritis and Rheumatism vol 45 No.9 (supplement) p

2003
Markers In A 1-Mb Interval Within 1q23.3 Are Associated With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Susceptibility
Hui Wu, Rita M. Cantor, Jennifer M. Grossman, Alexis A. Rumbin, Nan Shen , Chak S. Lau, Daniel J. Wallace, Frank C. Arnett, Humeira M. Badsha, Hiok H. Chng, Bevra H. Hahn, Betty P. Tsao

Arthritis and Rheumatism vol 46 No.9 (supplement) p

TGF Beta Polymorphisms and Serum TGF Levels in Oriental Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Category: 27 Spondylarthropathies
Hwee Siew Howe , Po Loong Cheung, Kok Ooi Kong, Humeira Badsha, Bernard Thong, Khai Pang Leong, Tang Ching Lau, Ee Tzun Koh, Tsui Yee Lian , Yew Kuang Cheng, Diana Teo, Sally Lam, Bernard P. Leung.

Arthritis and Rheumatism vol 46 No.9 (supplement) p

2004
SLAM and SLEDAI are Valid Disease Activity Measures in Oriental Lupus Patients with SLEDAI being More Sensitive to Change
Kok Ooi Kong, Bernard YuHor Thong, Tsui Yee Lian, Cheng Lay Teh, Ee Tzun Koh, Yew Kuang Cheng, Hiok Hee Chng, Weng Giap Law, Tang Ching Lau, Humeira Badsha, Khai Pang Leong, Li Ching Chew, Hwee Siew Howe.

Arthritis and Rheumatism vol 47 No.9 (supplement) p

What Does Patient Global Assessment of Health Measure when SLE Patients are Asked to Evaluate their Own General Health?
Kok Ooi Kong, Bernard Yu Hor Thong, Tsui Yee Lian, Cheng Lay Teh, Ee Tzun Koh, Yew Kuang Cheng, Hiok Hee Chng, Weng Giap Law, Tang Ching Lau, Humeira Badsha, Khai Pang Leong, Li Ching Chew, Hwee Siew Howe.

Arthritis and Rheumatism vol 47 No.9 (supplement) p

Atherosclerosis in SLE May Relate to Abnormal Protective Capacity of HDL
Maureen A. McMahon1, Jennifer Grossman, John Fitzgerald, Fanny Ebling, Erika Dahlin-Lee, Bernard Thong, Kenneth Kalunian, Daniel J. Wallace, Humeira Badsha , Mohamad Navab, Alan M. Fogelman, Bevra H. Hahn. Hiok Hee Chng

Arthritis and Rheumatism vol 47 No.9 (supplement) p



Evidence for SLE Susceptibility Gene(s) at 1q32
Young Ho Lee, Hui Wu, Rita M. Cantor, Jennifer M. Grossman, Alexis A. Rumbin, Elly Park1, Nan Shen, Chung Jen Chen , Humeira M. Badsha, Bernard YH Thong, Hiok H. Chong, Daniel J. Wallace, Bevra H. Hahn, Betty P. Tsao

Arthritis and Rheumatism vol 47 No.9 (supplement) p.

2005
Interferon-Inducible protein 10 (IP-10) in SLE: A Potential Biomarker with Good Correlation with Disease Activity.

Kok Ooi Kong, Bernard Yu Hor Thong, Tsui Yee Lian, Hiok Hee Chng, Yew Kuang Cheng, Cheng Lay Teh, Ee Tzun Koh , Weng Giap Law, Wern Hui Yong, Li Ching Chew, Tang Ching Lau, Humeira Badsha, Khai Pang Leong, Bernard Pui Lam Leung, Hwee Siew Howe

Pro-Inflammatory HDL as a Biomarker for Atherosclerosis in SLE and RA

Author(s):
Maureen McMahon, Jennifer Grossman, John Fitzgerald, Erika Dahlin-Lee, Fanny Ebling, Bernard Thong, Humira Badsha , Daniel J. Wallace, Kenneth Kalunian, Bevra Hahn.

Arthritis and Rheumatism vol 48 No.9 (supplement) p

2006
Association of a Common Haplotype of Complement Receptor 2 (CR2) with Increased Risk of SLE

H. Wu, S. Boackle, P. Hanvivadhanakul, D. Ulgiati, J. Grossman, Y. Lee, N. Shen, L. Abraham, T. Mercer , E. Park, L. Hebert, B. Rovin, D. Birmingham, D. Chang, C. Chen, D. McCurdy, H. Badsha, B. Thong, H. Chng, F. Arnett, D. Wallace, C. Y Yu, B. Hahn, R. Cantor, B. Tsao.

Arthritis and Rheumatism vol 49 No.9 (supplement) p