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Dr. Humeira Badsha Medical center, Beach Park Plaza , Jumeira Beach Road Next to Neurospinal hospital. Phone +9714-3856009. Email info@dr...
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Methotrexate is commonly prescribed and effectively used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic conditions . Methotrexate has t... -
Yesterday I saw a lovely lady from the UK. She has been seeing her GP in the NHS system for many months with severe back pain radiating to ...
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Articles - Peer Reviewed: 1. Badsha H, Gunes B, Grossman J, Brahn E. Troponin I assessment of cardiac involvement in patients with con...
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Patients in Dubai still have a really hard time finding the right doctors for a variety of conditions. The right Specialists exist and usua...
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PHILADELPHIA -- Milnacipran (Savella) improved pain and mental functioning in patients suffering from fibromyalgia, researchers said here. ...
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I see many patients in Dubai whose fibromyalgia is not recognized or diagnosed for years. What Is Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a common con...
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Being a Rheumatologist in the UAE is a unique experience. Most of my patients have had 3, 4 opinions for their disease, finding no solution...
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UAE Residents Need to Get Out in the Sun More 24 May 2007 High Level of Osteopenia and Osteoporosis detected in recent screening programmes ...
Monday, December 8, 2008
Ankylosing Spondylitis Exercise club in Dubai
Dubai Bone and Joint center will launch a special exercise Prprgram for those suffering from Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS, a chronic, debilitating back conditon usually affecting young people. Please address enquiries to Rashid at info@dbaj.ae.
New hope for Osteoporosis
95% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut, yet this form of serotonin is barred by a membrane from entering the brain, where the chemical plays an important role in the central nervous system as a neurotransmitter. Serotonin’s role outside the brain has long been a mystery to scientists, but researchers recently discovered that serotonin may play a critical role in the formation of new bone. Researchers discovered the serotonin-bone density link from two genetic diseases, caused by a mutation of the gene LRP5. In one mutation, patients have such weak bones that they cannot walk on their own, while patients with the opposite mutation have such dense bones that it s difficult to extract teeth from their jawbones. After further investigation, researchers discovered that LRP5 acts on serotonin-producing cells in the gut, blocking an enzyme that converts the amino acid tryptophan to serotonin. Higher levels of gut-produced serotonin released in the blood stream inhibit bone formation, while lower levels allow greater formation of new bone. Researchers are now working to apply these findings to find a new treatment for osteoporosis. Patients with osteoporosis have accelerated bone loss, now a lack of bone formation, so they generally have normal serotonin levels. Experts believe the key to a new osteoporosis treatment lies in developing a drug that will suppress serotonin production in the gut, allowing more bone formation to occur.
New Gout Treatment in Dubai soon?
A US Food and Drug Administration Advisory panel voted 12-0 this week to recommend approval of the first new gout drug in 40 years: Takeda Pharmaceutical's febuxostat (Uloric®). One panel member abstained.
The Arthritis Advisory Panel had been concerned because early trials found a higher risk of death and heart problems associated with febuxostat, but a much larger clinical study commissioned by the company found that cardiac risk with febuxostat was not any higher than those with allopurinol.
According to Nancy Joseph-Ridge, head of research and development for Takeda, one advantage of the new drug is that it is safer and more effective than allopurinol for patients with kidney problems. “A lot of gout patients suffer from kidney disease,” said Dr. Joseph-Ridge. “This is something of real need. Patients who could not take the other drug will now have treatment.”
The vote followed presentations by Takeda Global Research & Development Center, Inc., the FDA, and invited guest speakers.
Febuxostat was approved earlier this year by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) and is marketed there by Ipsen, an international specialty pharmaceutical group, as Adenuric®.
The Arthritis Advisory Panel had been concerned because early trials found a higher risk of death and heart problems associated with febuxostat, but a much larger clinical study commissioned by the company found that cardiac risk with febuxostat was not any higher than those with allopurinol.
According to Nancy Joseph-Ridge, head of research and development for Takeda, one advantage of the new drug is that it is safer and more effective than allopurinol for patients with kidney problems. “A lot of gout patients suffer from kidney disease,” said Dr. Joseph-Ridge. “This is something of real need. Patients who could not take the other drug will now have treatment.”
The vote followed presentations by Takeda Global Research & Development Center, Inc., the FDA, and invited guest speakers.
Febuxostat was approved earlier this year by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) and is marketed there by Ipsen, an international specialty pharmaceutical group, as Adenuric®.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Arab Health rheumatology Conference Program 2009
What will the conference feature?
We aim to bring cutting edge information
about rheumatic diseases to the region
once more. Rheumatoid arthritis and other
connective tissue diseases are a leading
cause of disability around the world.
Through better management of these
conditions by Rheumatologists, Orthopedic
Doctors, Family Doctors and Internists the
burden of these diseases will be reduced
for patients and their families.
Chairperson
Dr. Humeira Badsha, Consultant
Rheumatologist, Dubai Bone and Joint
Center, Dubai Healthcare City, UAE
Invited Speakers
Prof. Paul Peter Tak, Professor of Medicine,
Director, Division of Clinical Immunology
and Rheumatology, EULAR & FOCIS Center
of Excellence, Academic Medical Center,
University of Amsterdam
Dr. Christopher Edwards, Consultant
Rheumatologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer,
Southampton University Hospitals, UK
Prof. Mohd Asim Khan, Professor of Medicine
at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU)
Cleveland, Ohio, Master American College of
Rheumatology
Dr. William Murell, US Sports Medicine
Specialist, Dubai Bone and Joint Center,
Dubai Healthcare City, UAE
Dr. Mohammed Al Shaker, Consultant
Orthopedics Surgeon, Medical Director
Osteoporosis Clinic, King Faisal Specilaist
Hospital and Research Center,
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Prof. Eugene McCloskey, Senior Clinical
Lecturer in Metabolic Bone Disease Division
of Clinical Sciences, University of Sheffield, UK
Dr. Gary S. Hoffman, Professor of Rheumatic
and Immunologic Diseases, Lerner College of
Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, USA
Dr. Claire Bombardier, Professor of Medicine,
Rheumatology Division, Director, University
of Toronto, Canadian Arthritis Network Co-
Scientific Director
Dr. Kaleb Michaud, Assistant Professor of
Medicine, Rheumatology and Immunology
Section, Department of Internal Medicine,
University of Nebraska
Dr. Rajesh Shah, Consultant Radiologist,
Dubai Bone and Joint Center, Dubai
Healthcare City, UAE
Dr. Imad Uthman, Professor, Department
of Internal Medicine, American University
of Beirut
Dr. David Kane, Consultant Rheumatologist,
Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
17 March 2009In conjunction with the producers of Arab
Health, the Emirates Arthritis Foundation is
pleased to announce their 1st Conference:
Focus for Insurance Companies,
Third Party Payers and Healthcare
Policymakers
A message from the Patron of the Emirates
Arthritis Foundation: Her Royal Highness
Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of
UAE Vice President & Prime Minister
& Ruler of Dubai“When treated in the early stages, deformity
and disability of arthritis can be prevented.
The Emirates Arthritis Foundation continues
to support an increasing number of needy
patients who cannot afford treatments.”
The purpose of this conference is to highlight
the importance of early diagnosis and
aggressive treatment for patients suffering
from one of the hundred forms of arthritis.
Today, with the advent of biologic medication,
arthritis patients should not become disabled,
and thus can become contributing members
of society and fulfill their choice to work,
support families and most importantly have a
feeling of self-worth as they learn to live with
this chronic disease. With medications costing
up to AED80 000, together let’s find an
answer to help these patients.
13.00 Lunch and Networking
14.00 Welcome Address
14.15 Opening Remarks and Patient
Testimonials
15.00 Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Burden
of Disease and the Cost Effectiveness
of Treatments
15.20 Preventing Disability and
Improving Quality of Life in
Patients with Arthritis
16.00 Questions with Panel of Speakers
16.30 Closing Remarks
18 March 2009Session 1
09.00 Welcome and Opening
09.15 Rheumatoid Arthritis – Review of
Management in 2009 and Beyond
09.45 SLE – New Options Beyond
Cyclophosphamide and Steroids
10.15 Break and Networking
+971-4-3365161 +971-4-3364021 rheumat@iirme.com www.rheumatology09.com
10.45 Making a Difference – A Report
from the Emirates Arthritis Foundation
11.00 Ankylosing Spondylitis Early
Diagnosis and Management
11.30 Oral Abstract Presentation
12.00 Lunch
Session 2
13.30 Osteoporosis in the Middle East
14.00 Osteoporosis – Advances in
Pathogenesis and Risk Assessment
14.30 Review of Treatments
Available for Osteoporosis
15.00 Break
Session 3
15.15 Arthritis in the Islamic World
15.30 Vasculitis Update
16.00 Managing Inflammation –
The Great Debate: For and
Against Cox2 Inhibitors
17.00 Oral Abstract Presentations
17.30 Close
18.30 Wyeth Symposium and Social
Event
19 March 2009Session 1
08.00 Young Investigator Abstract
Presentations
08.30 Break
09.15 Rheumatoid Arthritis in the
Middle East: The Challenges
Session 2
09.45 Safety and Efficacy Update After
9 Years of Anti-TNF Experience
10.30 Quality of Life and Worker
Disability with Anti-TNF
Therapy
11.15 Experience with Anti-TNF
Drugs in the Region
11.30 Are the Genetics of
Inflammatory Arthritis in the
Middle East Entirely Different?
11.45 Break
Session 3
12.00 Temporal Arthritis: Ultrasound
to Diagnose
12.30 Ultrasound for Rheumatoid Arthritis:
An Overview
13.00 Workshop on Reading MRI in
Rheumatic Conditions
13.30 Lunch
14.30 Oral Abstract Presentations
Session 4
15.00 Vasculitis: From Bench to Bedside
– Why Patterns of Disease are
so Diverse
15.30 Scleroderma – Update on Management
16.00 Reactive Arthritis – The Regional
Experience
16.15 Periodic Fever Syndromes
16.30 Update on Behcet’s Disease
16.30 Announcement of Oral Abstract
Winners
17.00 Close
18.30 Schering Plough Symposium
and Dinner
20 March 2009Workshop 2
09.00 - 12.00
Research Seminar
* How to Set-up a Database -
An Introduction Lesson from the National
Data Bank for Rheumatic Diseases
* Clinical Trials – What you Need to Know
* Medical Biostatistics for the Clinician
and Introduction to SPSS
Workshop 3
09.00 - 12.00
Pediatric Rheumatology
Workshop 4
09.00 - 12.00
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
We aim to bring cutting edge information
about rheumatic diseases to the region
once more. Rheumatoid arthritis and other
connective tissue diseases are a leading
cause of disability around the world.
Through better management of these
conditions by Rheumatologists, Orthopedic
Doctors, Family Doctors and Internists the
burden of these diseases will be reduced
for patients and their families.
Chairperson
Dr. Humeira Badsha, Consultant
Rheumatologist, Dubai Bone and Joint
Center, Dubai Healthcare City, UAE
Invited Speakers
Prof. Paul Peter Tak, Professor of Medicine,
Director, Division of Clinical Immunology
and Rheumatology, EULAR & FOCIS Center
of Excellence, Academic Medical Center,
University of Amsterdam
Dr. Christopher Edwards, Consultant
Rheumatologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer,
Southampton University Hospitals, UK
Prof. Mohd Asim Khan, Professor of Medicine
at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU)
Cleveland, Ohio, Master American College of
Rheumatology
Dr. William Murell, US Sports Medicine
Specialist, Dubai Bone and Joint Center,
Dubai Healthcare City, UAE
Dr. Mohammed Al Shaker, Consultant
Orthopedics Surgeon, Medical Director
Osteoporosis Clinic, King Faisal Specilaist
Hospital and Research Center,
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Prof. Eugene McCloskey, Senior Clinical
Lecturer in Metabolic Bone Disease Division
of Clinical Sciences, University of Sheffield, UK
Dr. Gary S. Hoffman, Professor of Rheumatic
and Immunologic Diseases, Lerner College of
Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, USA
Dr. Claire Bombardier, Professor of Medicine,
Rheumatology Division, Director, University
of Toronto, Canadian Arthritis Network Co-
Scientific Director
Dr. Kaleb Michaud, Assistant Professor of
Medicine, Rheumatology and Immunology
Section, Department of Internal Medicine,
University of Nebraska
Dr. Rajesh Shah, Consultant Radiologist,
Dubai Bone and Joint Center, Dubai
Healthcare City, UAE
Dr. Imad Uthman, Professor, Department
of Internal Medicine, American University
of Beirut
Dr. David Kane, Consultant Rheumatologist,
Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
17 March 2009In conjunction with the producers of Arab
Health, the Emirates Arthritis Foundation is
pleased to announce their 1st Conference:
Focus for Insurance Companies,
Third Party Payers and Healthcare
Policymakers
A message from the Patron of the Emirates
Arthritis Foundation: Her Royal Highness
Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of
UAE Vice President & Prime Minister
& Ruler of Dubai“When treated in the early stages, deformity
and disability of arthritis can be prevented.
The Emirates Arthritis Foundation continues
to support an increasing number of needy
patients who cannot afford treatments.”
The purpose of this conference is to highlight
the importance of early diagnosis and
aggressive treatment for patients suffering
from one of the hundred forms of arthritis.
Today, with the advent of biologic medication,
arthritis patients should not become disabled,
and thus can become contributing members
of society and fulfill their choice to work,
support families and most importantly have a
feeling of self-worth as they learn to live with
this chronic disease. With medications costing
up to AED80 000, together let’s find an
answer to help these patients.
13.00 Lunch and Networking
14.00 Welcome Address
14.15 Opening Remarks and Patient
Testimonials
15.00 Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Burden
of Disease and the Cost Effectiveness
of Treatments
15.20 Preventing Disability and
Improving Quality of Life in
Patients with Arthritis
16.00 Questions with Panel of Speakers
16.30 Closing Remarks
18 March 2009Session 1
09.00 Welcome and Opening
09.15 Rheumatoid Arthritis – Review of
Management in 2009 and Beyond
09.45 SLE – New Options Beyond
Cyclophosphamide and Steroids
10.15 Break and Networking
+971-4-3365161 +971-4-3364021 rheumat@iirme.com www.rheumatology09.com
10.45 Making a Difference – A Report
from the Emirates Arthritis Foundation
11.00 Ankylosing Spondylitis Early
Diagnosis and Management
11.30 Oral Abstract Presentation
12.00 Lunch
Session 2
13.30 Osteoporosis in the Middle East
14.00 Osteoporosis – Advances in
Pathogenesis and Risk Assessment
14.30 Review of Treatments
Available for Osteoporosis
15.00 Break
Session 3
15.15 Arthritis in the Islamic World
15.30 Vasculitis Update
16.00 Managing Inflammation –
The Great Debate: For and
Against Cox2 Inhibitors
17.00 Oral Abstract Presentations
17.30 Close
18.30 Wyeth Symposium and Social
Event
19 March 2009Session 1
08.00 Young Investigator Abstract
Presentations
08.30 Break
09.15 Rheumatoid Arthritis in the
Middle East: The Challenges
Session 2
09.45 Safety and Efficacy Update After
9 Years of Anti-TNF Experience
10.30 Quality of Life and Worker
Disability with Anti-TNF
Therapy
11.15 Experience with Anti-TNF
Drugs in the Region
11.30 Are the Genetics of
Inflammatory Arthritis in the
Middle East Entirely Different?
11.45 Break
Session 3
12.00 Temporal Arthritis: Ultrasound
to Diagnose
12.30 Ultrasound for Rheumatoid Arthritis:
An Overview
13.00 Workshop on Reading MRI in
Rheumatic Conditions
13.30 Lunch
14.30 Oral Abstract Presentations
Session 4
15.00 Vasculitis: From Bench to Bedside
– Why Patterns of Disease are
so Diverse
15.30 Scleroderma – Update on Management
16.00 Reactive Arthritis – The Regional
Experience
16.15 Periodic Fever Syndromes
16.30 Update on Behcet’s Disease
16.30 Announcement of Oral Abstract
Winners
17.00 Close
18.30 Schering Plough Symposium
and Dinner
20 March 2009Workshop 2
09.00 - 12.00
Research Seminar
* How to Set-up a Database -
An Introduction Lesson from the National
Data Bank for Rheumatic Diseases
* Clinical Trials – What you Need to Know
* Medical Biostatistics for the Clinician
and Introduction to SPSS
Workshop 3
09.00 - 12.00
Pediatric Rheumatology
Workshop 4
09.00 - 12.00
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Arthritis UAE Emirates Dubai
Delay in diagnosis affects patients in UAE
http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/08/10/31/10255829.html
10/30/2008 11:57 PM | By Nina Muslim, Staff Reporter
Dubai: Rheumatoid arthritis patients in the UAE are less likely to be diagnosed with the disease and receive treatment late by almost a year than their Western counterparts, according to a global study on the auto-immune condition.
The study, which was published in the medical journal Arthritis and Rheumatism last month, studied 5,848 patients in 24 countries, including the US and Finland. About 200 subjects, comprising expatriates and Emiratis participated in the study.
Dr Humeira Badsha, specialist rheumatologist with the Dubai Bone and Joint Centre and principal investigator for the UAE, told Gulf News the difference in diagnosis time between UAE patients and US patients were stark.
"The delay in diagnosis in the US is six months, but in the UAE, it is 13 months. It has improved [from the previous 18 months] but it is not enough," she said. "It's the same between Emiratis and expatriates, although Emiratis has a slightly [statistically insignificant] higher rate," she added.
She said the UAE was also significantly behind in access to rheumatoid arthritis medication, forcing the majority of patients to take less effective medicines. The study found 5 per cent of patients in the UAE have access to anti-TNF (Tumour Necrosis Factor) blockers.
"The ones who cannot afford the drugs get disabled faster," she added.
She blamed lack of insurance regulations for the lack of access, saying some insurance companies have refused to pay for the expensive treatment, citing pre-existing condition and other clauses. Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease in which the joints become less mobile. Left untreated, it can lead to disability and death.
Rheumatologists aim to achieve remission, usually by using anti-TNF blockers.
http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/08/10/31/10255829.html
10/30/2008 11:57 PM | By Nina Muslim, Staff Reporter
Dubai: Rheumatoid arthritis patients in the UAE are less likely to be diagnosed with the disease and receive treatment late by almost a year than their Western counterparts, according to a global study on the auto-immune condition.
The study, which was published in the medical journal Arthritis and Rheumatism last month, studied 5,848 patients in 24 countries, including the US and Finland. About 200 subjects, comprising expatriates and Emiratis participated in the study.
Dr Humeira Badsha, specialist rheumatologist with the Dubai Bone and Joint Centre and principal investigator for the UAE, told Gulf News the difference in diagnosis time between UAE patients and US patients were stark.
"The delay in diagnosis in the US is six months, but in the UAE, it is 13 months. It has improved [from the previous 18 months] but it is not enough," she said. "It's the same between Emiratis and expatriates, although Emiratis has a slightly [statistically insignificant] higher rate," she added.
She said the UAE was also significantly behind in access to rheumatoid arthritis medication, forcing the majority of patients to take less effective medicines. The study found 5 per cent of patients in the UAE have access to anti-TNF (Tumour Necrosis Factor) blockers.
"The ones who cannot afford the drugs get disabled faster," she added.
She blamed lack of insurance regulations for the lack of access, saying some insurance companies have refused to pay for the expensive treatment, citing pre-existing condition and other clauses. Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease in which the joints become less mobile. Left untreated, it can lead to disability and death.
Rheumatologists aim to achieve remission, usually by using anti-TNF blockers.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Rheumatoid Arthritis in the UAE
28 October 2008
Study also shows many UAE patients unable to afford the right treatment
Dubai, UAE In a recent study published in a leading American journal, Arthritis and Rheumatism, researchers have identified many gaps in care of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients in the UAE as compared with Western countries.
In the UAE, only 18% of patients could achieve the goal of 'disease remission' as compared to 36-40% in Western countries including the USA, Netherlands and Finland.
Remission is defined as the absence of clinical signs of inflammation such as red, swollen joints which are warm to the touch; joint pain and stiffness; and loss of joint function.
According to Dr. Scott J. Zashin, author of Arthritis Without Pain-The Miracle Of Anti-TNF Blockers, a very small percentage of patients may be able discontinue their arthritis medications, while over 95% need to continue their medications to remain in remission.
Dr. Zashin explains: "While there is no way to determine who will achieve remission with therapy, patients taking combination therapy are more likely to achieve remission than those taking either drug alone. The longer the disease remains in remission, the less likely it is to become active again."
Patients in the UAE also had more severe disease as compared to other countries, based on disease activity scores.
The study was conducted in collaboration with Finland and USA and covered 5,848 patients in 67 sites over 24 countries, including the UAE as the only Arab country.
The principal investigator for the UAE, Dr. Humeira Badsha, Specialist Rheumatologist at the Dubai Bone and Joint Center, explained that these figures are prevalent because of two- main reasons.
Firstly, patients have a delay in diagnosis of 18 months and a further delay of treatment of 12 months. This is because patients do not think that there is an effective treatment available and there is a general lack of information about the disease.
Secondly, the best chance for 'disease remission' is use of a combination of medications including a new type called biological drugs. Unfortunately, these medications are very expensive and most patients cannot afford them.
"Insurance companies cover this treatment in only 50% of cases. In the USA, 40% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis are receiving these drugs but our data reveals that only 5% of UAE patients are getting them," Dr. Badsha adds.
Dr. Badsha has been the principal investigator in various clinical trials of medications for RA in the UAE. She has further conducted various research studies on Lupus and Autoimmune diseases and published several papers in leading journals.
- Ends -
About Dubai Bone and Joint Center
Dubai Bone and Joint Center (DBAJ) is the first and only center for musculoskeletal treatment and research in the Middle East, offering patients world-class specialists and facilities to improve their quality of life and to have a chance to live a pain free life.
DBAJ aims to operate according to international healthcare standards by offering residents and expatriates in the Middle East the highest quality and the latest innovative treatments and evidence-based medicines according to international protocols.
The center addresses various conditions ranging from children and adult spinal conditions, pelvic and acetabular fractures, reconstructive surgery, and rheumatology. It also offers total joint arthroplasty, revision total joint arthroplasty, limb lengthening and limb deformity correction, infective non-union surgery, foot deformities, neuromuscular disorders, and sports medicine.
DBAJ is a committed associate of the government's efforts to develop Dubai into a 'Center of Medical Excellence' for the region. It is a member of Dubai Healthcare City.
Study also shows many UAE patients unable to afford the right treatment
Dubai, UAE In a recent study published in a leading American journal, Arthritis and Rheumatism, researchers have identified many gaps in care of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients in the UAE as compared with Western countries.
In the UAE, only 18% of patients could achieve the goal of 'disease remission' as compared to 36-40% in Western countries including the USA, Netherlands and Finland.
Remission is defined as the absence of clinical signs of inflammation such as red, swollen joints which are warm to the touch; joint pain and stiffness; and loss of joint function.
According to Dr. Scott J. Zashin, author of Arthritis Without Pain-The Miracle Of Anti-TNF Blockers, a very small percentage of patients may be able discontinue their arthritis medications, while over 95% need to continue their medications to remain in remission.
Dr. Zashin explains: "While there is no way to determine who will achieve remission with therapy, patients taking combination therapy are more likely to achieve remission than those taking either drug alone. The longer the disease remains in remission, the less likely it is to become active again."
Patients in the UAE also had more severe disease as compared to other countries, based on disease activity scores.
The study was conducted in collaboration with Finland and USA and covered 5,848 patients in 67 sites over 24 countries, including the UAE as the only Arab country.
The principal investigator for the UAE, Dr. Humeira Badsha, Specialist Rheumatologist at the Dubai Bone and Joint Center, explained that these figures are prevalent because of two- main reasons.
Firstly, patients have a delay in diagnosis of 18 months and a further delay of treatment of 12 months. This is because patients do not think that there is an effective treatment available and there is a general lack of information about the disease.
Secondly, the best chance for 'disease remission' is use of a combination of medications including a new type called biological drugs. Unfortunately, these medications are very expensive and most patients cannot afford them.
"Insurance companies cover this treatment in only 50% of cases. In the USA, 40% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis are receiving these drugs but our data reveals that only 5% of UAE patients are getting them," Dr. Badsha adds.
Dr. Badsha has been the principal investigator in various clinical trials of medications for RA in the UAE. She has further conducted various research studies on Lupus and Autoimmune diseases and published several papers in leading journals.
- Ends -
About Dubai Bone and Joint Center
Dubai Bone and Joint Center (DBAJ) is the first and only center for musculoskeletal treatment and research in the Middle East, offering patients world-class specialists and facilities to improve their quality of life and to have a chance to live a pain free life.
DBAJ aims to operate according to international healthcare standards by offering residents and expatriates in the Middle East the highest quality and the latest innovative treatments and evidence-based medicines according to international protocols.
The center addresses various conditions ranging from children and adult spinal conditions, pelvic and acetabular fractures, reconstructive surgery, and rheumatology. It also offers total joint arthroplasty, revision total joint arthroplasty, limb lengthening and limb deformity correction, infective non-union surgery, foot deformities, neuromuscular disorders, and sports medicine.
DBAJ is a committed associate of the government's efforts to develop Dubai into a 'Center of Medical Excellence' for the region. It is a member of Dubai Healthcare City.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
The Emirates Canada Arthritis Partnership
Dr. Cathy leibman of the Emirates Arthritis Foundation and myself, Dr. Humeira Badsha also from the Foundation and Dubai Bone and Joint center just returned from Toronto where we were invited to attend the Canadian Arthritis Network's annual meetin as their International Partners. We are especially proud of this initiative as it gives us access to some of the best research minds in the world and many new projects on arthritis will be born. We were also extremely impressed by the well ionformed and amazing consumer advocates who are such a powerful voice against these groups of diseases. We learned a lot and hope to continue to do so.
Special thanks to Dr. Claire Bombardier and John Riley from CAN, Dr. badley and Dr. Mary Bell who tool the time to sit down with us...
Special thanks to Dr. Claire Bombardier and John Riley from CAN, Dr. badley and Dr. Mary Bell who tool the time to sit down with us...
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Osteoporosis United Arab Emirates UAE
XPress Dubai
Published: October 14, 2008, 16:28
Health watch: Say 'yes' to sunshine
By Kamakshi Gupta, Staff Reporter
Women in the UAE are prone to osteoporosis, experts said. "Approximately 80 per cent of post-menopausal women suffer from Vitamin D deficiency and this number is on the rise," said Dr Humeira Badsha, Specialist Rheumatologist, Dubai Bone and Joint Centre. “This is an alarming figure, and one of the reasons is lack of awareness. In fact, the problem has reached epidemic proportions in the UAE,” added Dr Salman Hameed, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Prime Medical Centre, ahead of the World Osteoporosis Day on October 20. He said the number of expatriates with low bone density is also significant, and that genetically Arabs and Asians are exposed to a higher risk of osteoporosis, a condition of reduced bone density that may lead to fractures. Factors like poor calcium intake and lack of vitamin D can also lead to the condition, he added. “When there is insufficient calcium in the blood, the body is forced to release calcium from the bones. This depletes the bone density and makes it weak.” Dr Hameed said weak bones can lead to fractures -- mainly of hips, spine and wrist. Fractures cause hospitalisation, immobility and in some cases, mortality. “People are unaware that Vitamin D is needed for the calcium to be absorbed in the body. Vitamin D is present in our skin and gets activated when the skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.” In a country with plenty of sunshine, high prevalence of osteoporosis due to lack of exposure to sunlight is ironical. Dr Hameed said exposure to sunlight - an optimum source of vitamin D - and sufficient calcium intake - either through foods rich in calcium or supplements - can reduce the number of osteoporotic patients in the country. “Diet plays an important role.” Excessive alcohol, smoking and poor lifestyle habits can lead to loss of bone mass in the long run, he said. “Excessive consumption of carbonated drinks can dissolve the calcium in the bones.”
Dr Hameed said people above 50 should get their bone density checked. “If the problem is detected early, we can prevent fractures and complications of osteoporosis. Early intervention is the key.” Fast tips
Published: October 14, 2008, 16:28
Health watch: Say 'yes' to sunshine
By Kamakshi Gupta, Staff Reporter
Women in the UAE are prone to osteoporosis, experts said. "Approximately 80 per cent of post-menopausal women suffer from Vitamin D deficiency and this number is on the rise," said Dr Humeira Badsha, Specialist Rheumatologist, Dubai Bone and Joint Centre. “This is an alarming figure, and one of the reasons is lack of awareness. In fact, the problem has reached epidemic proportions in the UAE,” added Dr Salman Hameed, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Prime Medical Centre, ahead of the World Osteoporosis Day on October 20. He said the number of expatriates with low bone density is also significant, and that genetically Arabs and Asians are exposed to a higher risk of osteoporosis, a condition of reduced bone density that may lead to fractures. Factors like poor calcium intake and lack of vitamin D can also lead to the condition, he added. “When there is insufficient calcium in the blood, the body is forced to release calcium from the bones. This depletes the bone density and makes it weak.” Dr Hameed said weak bones can lead to fractures -- mainly of hips, spine and wrist. Fractures cause hospitalisation, immobility and in some cases, mortality. “People are unaware that Vitamin D is needed for the calcium to be absorbed in the body. Vitamin D is present in our skin and gets activated when the skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.” In a country with plenty of sunshine, high prevalence of osteoporosis due to lack of exposure to sunlight is ironical. Dr Hameed said exposure to sunlight - an optimum source of vitamin D - and sufficient calcium intake - either through foods rich in calcium or supplements - can reduce the number of osteoporotic patients in the country. “Diet plays an important role.” Excessive alcohol, smoking and poor lifestyle habits can lead to loss of bone mass in the long run, he said. “Excessive consumption of carbonated drinks can dissolve the calcium in the bones.”
Dr Hameed said people above 50 should get their bone density checked. “If the problem is detected early, we can prevent fractures and complications of osteoporosis. Early intervention is the key.” Fast tips
Osteoarthritis knee treatment
The prognosis for people with knee osteoarthritis isn't so bleak as it might seem in the wake of a study finding that arthroscopic surgery, once hailed as promising, might not be the best option. The study, published in the Sept. 11 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, "suggested that people who underwent the surgery didn't fare any better in the long run than their counterparts who received physical therapy. The trick is to find one or more treatments -- amid the array that includes medication and physical therapy -- that can ease the pain of worn cartilage. For instance, one knee surgeon gives patients "a list of 17 options to help them manage their condition. At the very bottom is arthroscopy." Some experts say "oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, such as Celebrex (celecoxib), can reduce inflammation and pain, as can cortisone injections." Others recommend acupuncture and massage. Still, others advise patients to exercise -- walking, swimming, and water workouts -- because physical activity can produce "some long-lasting effects."
Monday, October 13, 2008
World Arthritis Day 2008 Emirates (UAE)
The Emirates Arthritis Foundation have received the results from the WorldArthritis Day Survey which 50 countries participated in and it was conductedin 9 languages including Arabic. This is the first year that the UAE hasbeen represented and it is beneficial that we now have data just for theUAE.I have attached the results and the press release that will go out aroundWorld Arthritis Day.Of considerable note is that1. 40% of patients in the UAE would feel more positive in their lifewith arthritis if they had better access to a medical team2. 70% of patients in the UAE stated that their arthritis affects thememotionally with 17% leading to depression yet only 25% of them raise thisissue with their doctorThe Foundation will hold workshops in 2009 for those suffering witharthritis/rheumatism to address the emotional challenges of our arthritispatients. Our mission at EAF is to improve the quality of life for arthritissufferers here in the Middle East and we plan to take a proactive role inthis.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Arthritis Day
With patients at the Jam Jar after we painted a canvas with the Emirates Arthritis Foundation logo and the move free logo.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Help Arthritis
This week , the American School of Dubai Middle School have been walking, stepping or cycling during their lunch hour to raise money for the Emirates Arthritis Foundation (in their first day alone they raised 20,000 dhs) . We will be doing a photo on World Arthritis Day, Oct 12, at 2.30 pm at the school with all those who walked, presentation of watch to the person who walked the most, and being photographed with our Jam Jar paintings that we did a few weeks ago. These paintings are of the Move Free logo which we hope to have adopted internationally. We will be giving a watch donated by Rivoli to the student who walked the most km. There will also be an Entertainer book to all participants.
Also, on Sunday, World Arthritis Day, DHCC have all their staff walking. They will all be issued with a pedometer. This could be great coverage.
I am hoping you will join me walking or running at DHCC or Dubai bone and Joint Center this week.. We value your
Also, on Sunday, World Arthritis Day, DHCC have all their staff walking. They will all be issued with a pedometer. This could be great coverage.
I am hoping you will join me walking or running at DHCC or Dubai bone and Joint Center this week.. We value your
Monday, October 6, 2008
Osteoporosis screening Emirates
ANLENE to Launch Four Week Road Show to Tackle Osteoporosis
October 5, 2008
Campaign to Screen for Low Bone Density in Public & Private Sectors in Support of World Osteoporosis Day – October 20th, 2008
To commemorate World Osteoporosis Day, ANLENE, the world’s leading bone health brand, in association with Dubai Bone & Joint Center (DBAJ), U.A.E’s leading muscular-skeletal center, has declared October as the month of osteoporosis awareness and prevention across the UAE. In this regard ANLENE, specialized milk for women, will launch a free-bone scanning road show in the UAE. The campaign will kick-off in the second week of October targeting nationals, Arab and non-Arab expatriates living in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.ANLENE is the only food brand that is supported by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), and has been an active member in leading campaigns against osteoporosis in 14 countries around the world since 1991.
Following on from the success of last years ANLENE Bone Health Check, this years’ campaign aims at screening above 25,000 individuals across the three emirates. In the month of October specially trained staff will set up osteoporosis screening booths at a number of government offices, private corporations and malls to ensure inclusion of all nationalities across the board.
“There are 2 aims to the ANLENE campaign; first we need to continue to collect more data on the prevalence of osteoporosis in the UAE, second, is to raise awareness, especially to women, of the importance of early screening and detection in order to prevent or treat the disease at its onset.” said Yauwanan Wigneswaran, Brand Manager, ANLENE. “Unlike regular adult milk, ANLENE is complete with essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D, but also has a bioactive ingredient called PHYTO K which locks these nutrients into the bone”.Osteoporosis, a skeletal disorder characterized by weakened bones leading to an increased risk of fracture, is a major cause of disability, loss of independence, and in some cases leading to death. In the UAE it is estimated that 70% of post menopausal women have low bone mass. Possible reasons for this high prevalence rate are; low calcium intake leading to a lower peak bone mass, low physical activity and, high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency.According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, Bone Health and Osteoporosis, 2004, almost 20% of women who experience a hip fracture die within 1 year.“Approximately 80% of post-menopausal Emirati women suffer from Vitamin D deficiency and this number is on the rise. Osteoporosis does not have clear symptoms, sometimes a fracture is the first sign and by then, the damage has already been done and is very difficult to reverse. Regular Bone Mass Density checks and an adequate supply of calcium, are preventative measures that should be on top of the list of priorities for every woman.” said Dr. Humeira Badsha, Specialist Rheumatologist, Dubai Bone & Joint Center.
About ANLENE
ANLENE is milk specially formulated for adults’ optimal bone health. It contains essential bone nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, zinc, magnesium and milk protein. Its unique formula helps to ensure effective absorption of bone nutrients. ANLENE also contains Phyto K which works to lock in nutrients and is needed for the activation of protein in the bones
October 5, 2008
Campaign to Screen for Low Bone Density in Public & Private Sectors in Support of World Osteoporosis Day – October 20th, 2008
To commemorate World Osteoporosis Day, ANLENE, the world’s leading bone health brand, in association with Dubai Bone & Joint Center (DBAJ), U.A.E’s leading muscular-skeletal center, has declared October as the month of osteoporosis awareness and prevention across the UAE. In this regard ANLENE, specialized milk for women, will launch a free-bone scanning road show in the UAE. The campaign will kick-off in the second week of October targeting nationals, Arab and non-Arab expatriates living in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.ANLENE is the only food brand that is supported by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), and has been an active member in leading campaigns against osteoporosis in 14 countries around the world since 1991.
Following on from the success of last years ANLENE Bone Health Check, this years’ campaign aims at screening above 25,000 individuals across the three emirates. In the month of October specially trained staff will set up osteoporosis screening booths at a number of government offices, private corporations and malls to ensure inclusion of all nationalities across the board.
“There are 2 aims to the ANLENE campaign; first we need to continue to collect more data on the prevalence of osteoporosis in the UAE, second, is to raise awareness, especially to women, of the importance of early screening and detection in order to prevent or treat the disease at its onset.” said Yauwanan Wigneswaran, Brand Manager, ANLENE. “Unlike regular adult milk, ANLENE is complete with essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D, but also has a bioactive ingredient called PHYTO K which locks these nutrients into the bone”.Osteoporosis, a skeletal disorder characterized by weakened bones leading to an increased risk of fracture, is a major cause of disability, loss of independence, and in some cases leading to death. In the UAE it is estimated that 70% of post menopausal women have low bone mass. Possible reasons for this high prevalence rate are; low calcium intake leading to a lower peak bone mass, low physical activity and, high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency.According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, Bone Health and Osteoporosis, 2004, almost 20% of women who experience a hip fracture die within 1 year.“Approximately 80% of post-menopausal Emirati women suffer from Vitamin D deficiency and this number is on the rise. Osteoporosis does not have clear symptoms, sometimes a fracture is the first sign and by then, the damage has already been done and is very difficult to reverse. Regular Bone Mass Density checks and an adequate supply of calcium, are preventative measures that should be on top of the list of priorities for every woman.” said Dr. Humeira Badsha, Specialist Rheumatologist, Dubai Bone & Joint Center.
About ANLENE
ANLENE is milk specially formulated for adults’ optimal bone health. It contains essential bone nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, zinc, magnesium and milk protein. Its unique formula helps to ensure effective absorption of bone nutrients. ANLENE also contains Phyto K which works to lock in nutrients and is needed for the activation of protein in the bones
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
Arthritis Treatment UAE Emirates Dubai
THE GULF NEWS OCT 2, 2008
Experts rule out drug-linked fungal infection in UAE
By Nina Muslim, Staff ReporterPublished: October 02, 2008, 00:07
Dubai: A fungal infection linked to drugs used for the treatment of a crippling anti-immune disease is unlikely to affect patients in the UAE as the climate here does not support it, doctors say.
The US Food and Drug Administration issued a warning that a class of drugs called Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF), used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), makes users vulnerable to serious infections - including tuberculosis and histoplasmosis.
Histoplasmosis, a fungal infection occurring from spores found in bat and bird droppings, is particularly a concern as 20 per cent of patients on the drugs and with the infection in the US have died.
An infectious diseases expert at Rashid Hospital told Gulf News the risk was negligible to UAE patients on the drugs as the infection was extremely rare.
"There has not been a case of histoplasmosis reported in the UAE so far. The climate doesn't support it," he said.
"People who go hunting in the mountains may get it", but that is extremely rare, he added.
Dr Humeira Badsha, specialist rheumatologist at Dubai Bone and Joint Centre, agreed.
"The infection is rare anyway, but patients travel a lot. So [there is a possibility] they can catch it. But we screen patients very carefully. So far, there have been no cases," she said.
These drugs put patients with RA, a condition in which the immune system attacks the joints, more at risk of contracting serious infections as they suppress the immune system. A lower immune system means it is harder to fight infections, which can become fatal.
Although the chances of contracting histoplasmosis in the UAE are small, Dr Humeira said there was still a risk of other infections which should not be taken lightly by any patient or physician.
No early diagnosis
"The problem is they don't get diagnosed fast enough. People get a cough and they just think it's nothing. That's why I tell my patients to always call me if they have a cough [or any other flu-like symptoms]," she said.
"Even a cough can be a symptom of a potentially fatal infection," she added.
She said the warning should serve to make doctors more aware of the infection risks among patients taking these drugs. Doctors practising outside the field of RA should consider the drug while making their diagnosis and prescribing a treatment protocol.
She also said patients should not stop taking any drugs without consulting their doctor.
Experts rule out drug-linked fungal infection in UAE
By Nina Muslim, Staff ReporterPublished: October 02, 2008, 00:07
Dubai: A fungal infection linked to drugs used for the treatment of a crippling anti-immune disease is unlikely to affect patients in the UAE as the climate here does not support it, doctors say.
The US Food and Drug Administration issued a warning that a class of drugs called Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF), used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), makes users vulnerable to serious infections - including tuberculosis and histoplasmosis.
Histoplasmosis, a fungal infection occurring from spores found in bat and bird droppings, is particularly a concern as 20 per cent of patients on the drugs and with the infection in the US have died.
An infectious diseases expert at Rashid Hospital told Gulf News the risk was negligible to UAE patients on the drugs as the infection was extremely rare.
"There has not been a case of histoplasmosis reported in the UAE so far. The climate doesn't support it," he said.
"People who go hunting in the mountains may get it", but that is extremely rare, he added.
Dr Humeira Badsha, specialist rheumatologist at Dubai Bone and Joint Centre, agreed.
"The infection is rare anyway, but patients travel a lot. So [there is a possibility] they can catch it. But we screen patients very carefully. So far, there have been no cases," she said.
These drugs put patients with RA, a condition in which the immune system attacks the joints, more at risk of contracting serious infections as they suppress the immune system. A lower immune system means it is harder to fight infections, which can become fatal.
Although the chances of contracting histoplasmosis in the UAE are small, Dr Humeira said there was still a risk of other infections which should not be taken lightly by any patient or physician.
No early diagnosis
"The problem is they don't get diagnosed fast enough. People get a cough and they just think it's nothing. That's why I tell my patients to always call me if they have a cough [or any other flu-like symptoms]," she said.
"Even a cough can be a symptom of a potentially fatal infection," she added.
She said the warning should serve to make doctors more aware of the infection risks among patients taking these drugs. Doctors practising outside the field of RA should consider the drug while making their diagnosis and prescribing a treatment protocol.
She also said patients should not stop taking any drugs without consulting their doctor.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Yoga for arthritis
NATION
Khaleej Times Online
Some Good News for Arthritis Sufferers: Yoga Can Ease the Pain
Staff reporter 27 September 2008
DUBAI — At least 12 sessions of yoga can significantly improve the health of some rheumatoid arthritis patients, reveals a pilot study conducted by a team of specialists from the UAE.
The study was presented at the 13th Congress of the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology held recently in Yokohama, Japan.
“It is possible that yoga may have important physical and psychological benefits for patients with rheumatoid arthritis,” said Dr Humaira Badsha, rheumatology specialist at the Dubai Bone and Joint Centre. A total of 47 patients were enrolled for the study, of which 26 undertook yoga sessions, while 21 were on regular arthritis treatment.
The new programme, based on Raja Yoga, is called Vishwas Yoga for Arthritis and the study was funded by the Emirates Arthritis Foundation.
The yoga sessions were specially modified to suit arthritis patients by Dr Vishwas Chhabra, a certified yoga therapist at the centre, and Dr Badsha.
According to the study, three patients stopped taking steroids when their condition improved after the inflammation in their joints subsided.
The patients were all above the age of 18 and were diagnosed with RA according to American College of Rheumatology criteria.
Raja Yoga is defined as “concerned principally with the cultivation of the mind using meditation to further one’s acquaintance with reality and finally achieve liberation.”
“Our study was able to demonstrate statistically significant improvements in RA disease parameters, especially Health Assessment Questionnaire scores.”
Khaleej Times Online
Some Good News for Arthritis Sufferers: Yoga Can Ease the Pain
Staff reporter 27 September 2008
DUBAI — At least 12 sessions of yoga can significantly improve the health of some rheumatoid arthritis patients, reveals a pilot study conducted by a team of specialists from the UAE.
The study was presented at the 13th Congress of the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology held recently in Yokohama, Japan.
“It is possible that yoga may have important physical and psychological benefits for patients with rheumatoid arthritis,” said Dr Humaira Badsha, rheumatology specialist at the Dubai Bone and Joint Centre. A total of 47 patients were enrolled for the study, of which 26 undertook yoga sessions, while 21 were on regular arthritis treatment.
The new programme, based on Raja Yoga, is called Vishwas Yoga for Arthritis and the study was funded by the Emirates Arthritis Foundation.
The yoga sessions were specially modified to suit arthritis patients by Dr Vishwas Chhabra, a certified yoga therapist at the centre, and Dr Badsha.
According to the study, three patients stopped taking steroids when their condition improved after the inflammation in their joints subsided.
The patients were all above the age of 18 and were diagnosed with RA according to American College of Rheumatology criteria.
Raja Yoga is defined as “concerned principally with the cultivation of the mind using meditation to further one’s acquaintance with reality and finally achieve liberation.”
“Our study was able to demonstrate statistically significant improvements in RA disease parameters, especially Health Assessment Questionnaire scores.”
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Kids with Arthritis Dubai
The Emirates Arthritis Foundation kicked off the Arthritis Month with a special event for Children with Arthritis at the Atlantis Resort on the Palm Jumeirah.
Monday, July 14, 2008
DUBAI LUPUS
Dubai Lupus Support Group
This support group was initiated to provide a comfortable environment for Lupus patients to ask questions, get recommendations on doctors/treatments and create friendships with people who understand the intricacy of the disease and what goes along with being a 'lupus patient'. Although our spouses/friends/family offer support, there is a different understanding that we find comfortable from a person who has been through the same situation. Ultimately, this support group aims to be a positive experience for all who participate. Contact info@arthritis.ae
This support group was initiated to provide a comfortable environment for Lupus patients to ask questions, get recommendations on doctors/treatments and create friendships with people who understand the intricacy of the disease and what goes along with being a 'lupus patient'. Although our spouses/friends/family offer support, there is a different understanding that we find comfortable from a person who has been through the same situation. Ultimately, this support group aims to be a positive experience for all who participate. Contact info@arthritis.ae
Arthritis Dubai
The Emirates Arthritis Foundation will celebrate the Middle East’s 1st Arthritis MonthSeptember 12th until World Arthritis Day, October 12th 2008In order to celebrate World Arthritis Day with the theme, “Think Positive”, the Emirates Arthritis Foundation invite our patients and friends to celebrate and learn about arthritis. Our Ramadan newsletter will be available in all Rivoli Group’s stores, a mural will be painted at the Jam Jar, children will swim with dolphins, look out for the treadmills in malls where each step will raise money for charity and please take a few minutes to fill in the survey on www.worldarthritisday.org. Join us in our mission.
For information and registration on the events please contact Gemma on 04-3300444 or send an email to info@arthritis.ae.
For information and registration on the events please contact Gemma on 04-3300444 or send an email to info@arthritis.ae.
Dubai Rheumatology Conference 2009
The 2nd Arab Health Rheumatology Conference will bring together regional and International experts for a 3 day meeting March 17-20th at the Dusit Dubai hotel. For more details email infoatdbaj.ae. There will be new attractions such as prize for the best oral abstract presentations and a 1 day musculskeletal ultrasound workshop.
The First Emirates Rheumatology Society Formed
The following selected as Board members of the first ESR:
Humeira Badsha; Waleed Al Shehhi: Saif Al Salameh; Ayman Mofti: Shehata Elkhouly;
Humeira Badsha; Waleed Al Shehhi: Saif Al Salameh; Ayman Mofti: Shehata Elkhouly;
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
How to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease and we should not be using only pain killers to treat the symptoms, but rather aim to eradicate inflammation so as to prevent joint disability and damage. When treated in the early stages, remission can be induced and patients can have very good outcomes.
The treatment is usually aimed at controlling inflammation.
The gold standard medication is methotrexate which is taken once a week in doses of 15-20 mg. The side effects are generally mild, and not life threatening. Methotrexate is very effective in halting the progress of the disease and usually does not have serious adverse effects when taken under the supervision of a rheumatologists. Blood tests should be monitored regularly to check for liver irritation. Sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine and Imuran are alternatives for milder forms of rheumatoid arthritis. The newer drugs such as Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, Mabthera, Abatacept are alternatives which are highly effective, but also expensive. Check which is the best option for you with your rheumatologist.
The treatment is usually aimed at controlling inflammation.
The gold standard medication is methotrexate which is taken once a week in doses of 15-20 mg. The side effects are generally mild, and not life threatening. Methotrexate is very effective in halting the progress of the disease and usually does not have serious adverse effects when taken under the supervision of a rheumatologists. Blood tests should be monitored regularly to check for liver irritation. Sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine and Imuran are alternatives for milder forms of rheumatoid arthritis. The newer drugs such as Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, Mabthera, Abatacept are alternatives which are highly effective, but also expensive. Check which is the best option for you with your rheumatologist.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Rheumatoid Arthritis UAE United Arab Emirates
The World
Other World Stories
Many residents 'delay diagnosis by a year'
By Nina MuslimStaff ReporterPublished: June 22, 2008, 23:54
Paris/Dubai: A combination of drugs has been found to halt the progress or induce remission in rheumatoid arthritis, a crippling autoimmune disorder that affects the joints, European researchers have announced.
Speaking at a press conference during the European League Against Rheumatism (Eural) medical conference, researchers said a two-year study Combination of Methotrexate and Etanercept helped 50 per cent of more than 500 patients achieve clinical remission, in which they no longer showed symptoms.
A total of 80 per cent patients no longer showed signs of inflammation characteristic of the disorder in imaging tests. Fifty per cent patients achieved absence of symptoms, while 55 per cent patients were able to function normally in their daily activities.
Etanercept, marketed by Wyeth and AmGen as Enbrel, has a black box warning on it for increasing the risk of serious infections that can lead to death, such as tuberculosis and sepsis.
Prof. Paul Emery, president-elect of Eural who conducted the study, said it was important to start effective treatment as soon as possible to prevent damage.
"If you don't get it right at the beginning, you don't get right at the end," he said. "Once in remission, there is a good chance of stopping therapy."
Many patients in the UAE do not receive the most effective treatment early on. Dr. Humeira Badsha, specialist rheumatologist at Dubai Bone and Joint Centre, told Gulf News many in the UAE delayed diagnosis by more than a year.
"We have published in leading journals showing that the average patient here has a delay in diagnosis of more than 12 months and further delay in treatment of more than a year. Patients here feel that there is no effective treatment and hence try alternative forms of medicine before seeing a rheumatologist," she said.
She said treatment should occur within three months of onset of symptoms or disorder, adding a few patients who received early aggressive treatment were now effectively "cured" and in remission.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease, which occurs when the immune system attacks the joints and causes inflammation in some organs, such as the lung and skin. It is life-shortening, causes disability and has been likened to cancer.
The prevalence rate for the disease is one per cent, with women three times more likely to be affected. A rheumatoid arthritis group in the UAE claims 19,500 women in the UAE have the disorder but does not explain how it came by the figure.
Dr Humeira said because the disease robbed people of their normal function and productivity, treatment for it should be considered essential and included under Dubai Health Funding plan. Treatment costs about Dh5,000 a month.
"Definitely it is essential. These diseases affect young people and cause disability. It is also shown that RA leads to shortened life span of more than 10 years. Specialists now know that RA is every bit as damaging as cancer, can shorten life span and place a huge burden on families."
The average patient has a delay in diagnosis of more than 12 months ... Patients here feel there is no effective treatment and hence try alternative forms of medicine before seeing a rheumatologist."
Other World Stories
Many residents 'delay diagnosis by a year'
By Nina MuslimStaff ReporterPublished: June 22, 2008, 23:54
Paris/Dubai: A combination of drugs has been found to halt the progress or induce remission in rheumatoid arthritis, a crippling autoimmune disorder that affects the joints, European researchers have announced.
Speaking at a press conference during the European League Against Rheumatism (Eural) medical conference, researchers said a two-year study Combination of Methotrexate and Etanercept helped 50 per cent of more than 500 patients achieve clinical remission, in which they no longer showed symptoms.
A total of 80 per cent patients no longer showed signs of inflammation characteristic of the disorder in imaging tests. Fifty per cent patients achieved absence of symptoms, while 55 per cent patients were able to function normally in their daily activities.
Etanercept, marketed by Wyeth and AmGen as Enbrel, has a black box warning on it for increasing the risk of serious infections that can lead to death, such as tuberculosis and sepsis.
Prof. Paul Emery, president-elect of Eural who conducted the study, said it was important to start effective treatment as soon as possible to prevent damage.
"If you don't get it right at the beginning, you don't get right at the end," he said. "Once in remission, there is a good chance of stopping therapy."
Many patients in the UAE do not receive the most effective treatment early on. Dr. Humeira Badsha, specialist rheumatologist at Dubai Bone and Joint Centre, told Gulf News many in the UAE delayed diagnosis by more than a year.
"We have published in leading journals showing that the average patient here has a delay in diagnosis of more than 12 months and further delay in treatment of more than a year. Patients here feel that there is no effective treatment and hence try alternative forms of medicine before seeing a rheumatologist," she said.
She said treatment should occur within three months of onset of symptoms or disorder, adding a few patients who received early aggressive treatment were now effectively "cured" and in remission.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease, which occurs when the immune system attacks the joints and causes inflammation in some organs, such as the lung and skin. It is life-shortening, causes disability and has been likened to cancer.
The prevalence rate for the disease is one per cent, with women three times more likely to be affected. A rheumatoid arthritis group in the UAE claims 19,500 women in the UAE have the disorder but does not explain how it came by the figure.
Dr Humeira said because the disease robbed people of their normal function and productivity, treatment for it should be considered essential and included under Dubai Health Funding plan. Treatment costs about Dh5,000 a month.
"Definitely it is essential. These diseases affect young people and cause disability. It is also shown that RA leads to shortened life span of more than 10 years. Specialists now know that RA is every bit as damaging as cancer, can shorten life span and place a huge burden on families."
The average patient has a delay in diagnosis of more than 12 months ... Patients here feel there is no effective treatment and hence try alternative forms of medicine before seeing a rheumatologist."
Friday, May 30, 2008
Treatment of arthritis. The role of cortisone, steroids
There are many cultural differences in patients' understanding of and acceptance of treatment. In the United States I was able to explain to patients that they needed a short course of prednisolone to rapidly control symptoms while other medications have time to work. No one likes to take steroids but patients ould accept my explanation and be willing to take short courses of treatments. However, in Dubai people have a deep distrust and fear of steroids. The moment I mention the medication I am greeted with expressions of suspicion.
The use of steroids is not just to control symptoms but for quick, effective reduction in inflammation. Steroids have received bad press because some patients are left on these medications at high doses for many months, sometimes years. In this situation it can cause weight gain, moon face, brittle bones, hypertension etc. In the short term it is rapidly effective, safe, and sometimes life saving. Hench, who discovered prednisolone won the Nobel prize for his discovery in 1947. One of the first people to be treated with prednisolone for arthritis was famous painter Raoul Dufy in Boston. The key to using steroids is lowest doses for shortest duration of time.
The use of steroids is not just to control symptoms but for quick, effective reduction in inflammation. Steroids have received bad press because some patients are left on these medications at high doses for many months, sometimes years. In this situation it can cause weight gain, moon face, brittle bones, hypertension etc. In the short term it is rapidly effective, safe, and sometimes life saving. Hench, who discovered prednisolone won the Nobel prize for his discovery in 1947. One of the first people to be treated with prednisolone for arthritis was famous painter Raoul Dufy in Boston. The key to using steroids is lowest doses for shortest duration of time.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Osteoporosis Dubai UAE
7 Days, Dubai UAE
Last Updated : Friday 02 May, 2008 -
Osteoporosis has become one of the biggest health issues facing women in the Middle East. For Doctor Humeira Badsha, a specialist rheumatologist working at the Dubai Bone and Joint Centre, the statistics are a grave concern. “About 70 per cent of post menopausal women have a combination of osteoporosis and osteopenia. Osteoporosis is defined as having very weak bones, and osteopenia is moderately weak bones,” says Badsha.
This disease 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 recent study carried out by the Dubai Bone and Joint Centre 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 the average age was 39 years, 30 per cent had a low bone mass,” says Badsha. Doctor Badsha points out that although low bone mass isn’t in itself osteoporosis, or osteopenia, it is nevertheless is a worrying trend.“Thirty per cent of young healthy adults walking about a mall having low bone mass is a shocking statistic,” she says. It seems that there is a concerning lack of awareness among women about osteoporosis. Experts like Doctor Badsha urge women to become more educated on the condition, understand the risks involved and take precautions to avoid developing osteoporosis. Doctor Badsha stresses that public awareness is key.“The more you reach out to people, the more we screen them and the more we see them coming in for treatment, and the more we save women from brittle bones,” she says.What are the consequences of osteoporosis?Osteoporosis bone fractures are responsible for considerable pain, decreased quality of life, lost workdays, and disability. Up to 30 per cent of patients suffering a hip fracture will require long term nursing home care, while some 20 per cent of women with a hip fracture will die in the subsequent year as an indirect result of the fracture. In addition, once a person has experienced a spine fracture due to osteoporosis, he or she is at very high risk of suffering another such fracture in the near future.How is osteoporosis prevented?The goal of osteoporosis treatment is the prevention of bone fractures by stopping bone loss and by increasing bone density and strength. Although early detection and timely treatment of osteoporosis can substantially decrease the risk of future fracture, none of the available treatments for osteoporosis are complete cures. In other words, it is difficult to completely rebuild bone that has been weakened by osteoporosis. Therefore, prevention of osteoporosis is as important as treatment.Here are five steps to bone health and osteoporosis prevention:>> Get your daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D.>> Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise for stronger bones.>> Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.>> Talk to your healthcare provider about bone health.>> When appropriate, have a bone density test and take medication.GET MORE INFORMATIONContact the Dubai Bone and Joint Centre on 04 330 2000 or visit www.dbaj.ae
Last Updated : Friday 02 May, 2008 -
Osteoporosis has become one of the biggest health issues facing women in the Middle East. For Doctor Humeira Badsha, a specialist rheumatologist working at the Dubai Bone and Joint Centre, the statistics are a grave concern. “About 70 per cent of post menopausal women have a combination of osteoporosis and osteopenia. Osteoporosis is defined as having very weak bones, and osteopenia is moderately weak bones,” says Badsha.
This disease 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 recent study carried out by the Dubai Bone and Joint Centre 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 the average age was 39 years, 30 per cent had a low bone mass,” says Badsha. Doctor Badsha points out that although low bone mass isn’t in itself osteoporosis, or osteopenia, it is nevertheless is a worrying trend.“Thirty per cent of young healthy adults walking about a mall having low bone mass is a shocking statistic,” she says. It seems that there is a concerning lack of awareness among women about osteoporosis. Experts like Doctor Badsha urge women to become more educated on the condition, understand the risks involved and take precautions to avoid developing osteoporosis. Doctor Badsha stresses that public awareness is key.“The more you reach out to people, the more we screen them and the more we see them coming in for treatment, and the more we save women from brittle bones,” she says.What are the consequences of osteoporosis?Osteoporosis bone fractures are responsible for considerable pain, decreased quality of life, lost workdays, and disability. Up to 30 per cent of patients suffering a hip fracture will require long term nursing home care, while some 20 per cent of women with a hip fracture will die in the subsequent year as an indirect result of the fracture. In addition, once a person has experienced a spine fracture due to osteoporosis, he or she is at very high risk of suffering another such fracture in the near future.How is osteoporosis prevented?The goal of osteoporosis treatment is the prevention of bone fractures by stopping bone loss and by increasing bone density and strength. Although early detection and timely treatment of osteoporosis can substantially decrease the risk of future fracture, none of the available treatments for osteoporosis are complete cures. In other words, it is difficult to completely rebuild bone that has been weakened by osteoporosis. Therefore, prevention of osteoporosis is as important as treatment.Here are five steps to bone health and osteoporosis prevention:>> Get your daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D.>> Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise for stronger bones.>> Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.>> Talk to your healthcare provider about bone health.>> When appropriate, have a bone density test and take medication.GET MORE INFORMATIONContact the Dubai Bone and Joint Centre on 04 330 2000 or visit www.dbaj.ae
Yoga for arthritis
Recently a small study showed the benefits of yoga for osteoarthritis. We have just completed the firts styudy of yoga for rheumatoid arthritis. the results were dramatic:
THE BENEFITS OF YOGA FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: RESULTS OF A STRUCTURED 8 WEEK PROGRAM
Dr. Vishwas Chhabra 1, Dr. Humeira Badsha 2 Dr.Cathy Leibman3 Dr. Ayman Mofti 4 and Dr. Kok Ooi Kong 5
1. Prime Medical Center, Dubai, UAE 2. Dubai Bone and Joint Center, Dubai, UAE, 3. Emirates Arthritis Foundation, Dubai, UAE, 4. American Hospital, Dubai, UAE, 5. Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS; This study was funded by the Emirates Arthritis Foundation. We would like to acknowledge Ms. Gemma Tapado for support in data entry and logistics and Freiburg Medical laboratory, Dubai, UAE for ESR testing.
THE BENEFITS OF YOGA FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: RESULTS OF A STRUCTURED 8 WEEK PROGRAM
Dr. Vishwas Chhabra 1, Dr. Humeira Badsha 2 Dr.Cathy Leibman3 Dr. Ayman Mofti 4 and Dr. Kok Ooi Kong 5
1. Prime Medical Center, Dubai, UAE 2. Dubai Bone and Joint Center, Dubai, UAE, 3. Emirates Arthritis Foundation, Dubai, UAE, 4. American Hospital, Dubai, UAE, 5. Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS; This study was funded by the Emirates Arthritis Foundation. We would like to acknowledge Ms. Gemma Tapado for support in data entry and logistics and Freiburg Medical laboratory, Dubai, UAE for ESR testing.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Is it possible to cure arthritis?
Of course we all know that doctors do not cure anything. We TREAT illness and manage chronic problems like arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension. However, do you know that it is possible to CURE cancer in the early stages? I was talking to my friend, a breast cancer specialist this weekend. We both get upset and angry with those who claim to have 'natural' cures to everything in the world, including cancer and arthritis. What is true though, is that both cancer and arthritis can be CURED in early stages by conventional and new forms of therapy.
We have recently been treating early rheumatoid arthritis very aggressively and are finding that many patients go into remission and are able to come off ALL medications. I am currently following 5 patients who have no evidence of disease activity and are off all treatment for arthritis. Hence, the moral is still ... early diagnosis, early treatment.
We have recently been treating early rheumatoid arthritis very aggressively and are finding that many patients go into remission and are able to come off ALL medications. I am currently following 5 patients who have no evidence of disease activity and are off all treatment for arthritis. Hence, the moral is still ... early diagnosis, early treatment.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Arthritis Research Dubai new treatments rheumatoid arthritis
We have successfully implemented research as part of the Rheumatology program at DBAJ. Soon we will conduct the first clinical trials in the region of a new and promising treatment for Rheumatoid arthritis. We have conducted a trial on the benefits of yoga for rheumatoid arthritis, as well as cross-sectional studies of arthritis patients. To participate or contribute to research in the region visit www.dbaj.ae
Arthritis Exercise
There are many different types of arthritis and hence many different forms of exercises may be beneficial to you. If you have back pain swimming is a great form of exercise. Back pain also responds to exercise with a qualified phyiotherapist. People who are overweight and have multiple painful joints, especially due to osteoarthritis, benefit from aqua aerobics. We have recently found a specially designed and structured yoga program to be extremely useful for patients with Rheumatoid arthritis. In Dubai and soon in Abu Dhabi, all of these forms of exercise programs have been given to patients free of charge through the Emirates Arthritis Foundation. Contact www.arthritis.ae for more information.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Doctors Specialists Dubai
Patients in Dubai still have a really hard time finding the right doctors for a variety of conditions. The right Specialists exist and usually the best option is finding these doctors or finding the right primary care doctor or GP.
Choose your doctors with care. Research their credentials on the internet. Ask friends and colleagues for recommendations. Do not be shy about asking your doctor what his experience is with a certain condition or what their success rate is for a certain surgery. Think of your questions ahead of time and write them down. The Connector magazine is a good starting point for doctors names.
Choose your doctors with care. Research their credentials on the internet. Ask friends and colleagues for recommendations. Do not be shy about asking your doctor what his experience is with a certain condition or what their success rate is for a certain surgery. Think of your questions ahead of time and write them down. The Connector magazine is a good starting point for doctors names.
Back Pain Dubai UAE Specialist doctors
Yesterday I saw a lovely lady from the UK. She has been seeing her GP in the NHS system for many months with severe back pain radiating to her legs. She is unable to walk for more than 5 minutes, and unable to sleep at night. She has occasional stiffness and numbness in her left leg. She was only being given pain relief and no xrays, MRIs or exercises had been ordered..
Was this patient being managed appropriately in the UK? No. It is true that 95% of back pain is self-limited and usually due to muscle strain, and resolves on its own. We do not routinely order x-rays or MRIs for such patients. However, there are patients with certain ''red flag'' on history. A history of persistent back pain longer than a month, pain radiating to the legs with numbness or weakness of the legs, fevers, weight loss, pain which prevents sleep, inability to pass urine or other bladder or bowel symptoms, history of immune suppression should all raise alarm bells.
This patient had SIGNIFICANT symptoms, pain of several months, keeping her from sleeping at night, associated with inability to walk. She definitely needed an MRI, which we obtained on the same day and made the diagnosis of spinal stenosis. Hopefully she will be able to see a good Spine Specialist in the UK when she returns home with this information.
Was this patient being managed appropriately in the UK? No. It is true that 95% of back pain is self-limited and usually due to muscle strain, and resolves on its own. We do not routinely order x-rays or MRIs for such patients. However, there are patients with certain ''red flag'' on history. A history of persistent back pain longer than a month, pain radiating to the legs with numbness or weakness of the legs, fevers, weight loss, pain which prevents sleep, inability to pass urine or other bladder or bowel symptoms, history of immune suppression should all raise alarm bells.
This patient had SIGNIFICANT symptoms, pain of several months, keeping her from sleeping at night, associated with inability to walk. She definitely needed an MRI, which we obtained on the same day and made the diagnosis of spinal stenosis. Hopefully she will be able to see a good Spine Specialist in the UK when she returns home with this information.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Arthritis Diet. What to eat for arthritis
Often patients ask what they should eat or avoid to help their arthritis. There isn't an easy diet one can follow to cure arthritis. For people with gout it is helpful to avoid red meats, shellfish and alcohol. Cherry juice may be helpful for gout. With other forms of arthritis a healthy, balanced diet is helpful. There is no evidence that sour foods or citrus juices are bad for you. In fact pineapples contain an enzyme bromelain, which is useful for arthritis. Oily fish or omega or fish oil supplements, ginger, garlic, turmeric, soyabean, avocadoes are some foods which are helpful. Remember to get 1000 mg of calcium from dairy products and enough vitamin D through sun exposure, or else take a calcium supplement.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Arthritis Specialists Arthritis Treatment Dubai United Arab Emirates
This morning I received a call from the mother of a 24 year old girl who lives in Europe. This girl developed joint pains and swelling in May 2007 and had a blood test which showed a positive rheumatoid factor. She was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis and saw a rheumatologist who advised aggressive treatment. As is so often the case, the girl and the family were afraid of aggressive management and decided to start on moderate treatments. The disease progressed, more and more drugs were added, all at low or inadequate doses and not controlling the disease properly. Would it not be better for this woman to be on 2medications at the right dose, than 5 at smaller doses? As our understanding of rheumatoid arthritis improves we realize that we should be treating this disease early and aggressively. In my practice several patients who have presented to me within the first year of treatment have been aggressively managed and are currently off all treatments. For the first time we specialists feel that we can cure arthritis. It is essential that the patient is well informed and knows that the medications are not worse than the disease. Fear of medication is not needed and the doctor always must monitor patients closely for side effects. Failure to treat early can result in deformities and disabilities.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Rheumatology Conference in Dubai
Arab Health Rheumatology Conference in january 2009 in dubai promises to the best yet with local and International Speakers. Watch this space.
Ayurvedic treatment for arthritis. Diet and arthritis
Living in a multi-cultural environment I am often called upon to make judgements or recommendations for alternative and complementary forms of Medicine. This is especially true of ayurvedic medicine. Patients find the concept of a cure much more appealing than the lifelong treatment with medications I am able to offer. As a Physician, I have to evaluate the evidence and the Science before I can recommend any treatment.
First, when I am treating a patient with Rheumatoid arthritis which is avery destructive form of arthritis I prefer that they take the medications I recommend as these can STOP damage, prevent deformity and disability. If patients are looking for pain relief then ayurvedic medications can be tried but I do not recommend combinations of allopathic and ayurvedic medications as there can be unknown interactions and side effects.
What does the evidence tell us. In review in a leading Western Journal two researchers concluded that: The existing trials fail to show convincingly that such treatments are effective therapeutic options for RA. I looked at it more closely.
There is some promise that a chemical in turmeric is ueful for arthritis. In addition an ayurvedic compound called RA11 has had some benefits for knee arthritis in a small trial. Unfortunately there has not been a lot of research or published data in this area. If people have milder arthritis and are keen to try ayurvedic treatments I allow them. In more destructive forms of arthritis I would like to get the disease under complete control first before they can try other forms of treatments.
As far as Diet and arthritis. It has been shown that ginger, garlic and turmeric are beneficial for arthritis. . Ayurvedic medicine recommends a strict elimination diet including avoiding all meats. These diets are sometimes useful in the short-term but should not be used for long periods of time as patients could become nutritionally deficient. Ayurvedic mediation recommends avoiding sour and acidic foods. However research has found an enzyme in pineapple has been found to be especially beneficial for arthritis. I do not allow my patients to avoid yogurt and dairy as these are essential sources of calcium, especially for those with arthritis. Fish is to be avoided in ayurvedic treatments but oily fish is very useful according to western research for arthritis. I tell my patients to follow a healthy diet with lots of green vegetables, oily fish, use ginger and turmeric liberally, eat yogurt and drink milk, avoid junk foods and oily foods. Do not drink aerated drinks, foods with preservatives or artificial coloouring.
Yoga has been recommended as an exercise for arthritis by the American College of rheumatology, Johns Hopkins etc. In Dubai we are conducting the firts ever scientific study of yoga for rheumatoid arthritis.
First, when I am treating a patient with Rheumatoid arthritis which is avery destructive form of arthritis I prefer that they take the medications I recommend as these can STOP damage, prevent deformity and disability. If patients are looking for pain relief then ayurvedic medications can be tried but I do not recommend combinations of allopathic and ayurvedic medications as there can be unknown interactions and side effects.
What does the evidence tell us. In review in a leading Western Journal two researchers concluded that: The existing trials fail to show convincingly that such treatments are effective therapeutic options for RA. I looked at it more closely.
There is some promise that a chemical in turmeric is ueful for arthritis. In addition an ayurvedic compound called RA11 has had some benefits for knee arthritis in a small trial. Unfortunately there has not been a lot of research or published data in this area. If people have milder arthritis and are keen to try ayurvedic treatments I allow them. In more destructive forms of arthritis I would like to get the disease under complete control first before they can try other forms of treatments.
As far as Diet and arthritis. It has been shown that ginger, garlic and turmeric are beneficial for arthritis. . Ayurvedic medicine recommends a strict elimination diet including avoiding all meats. These diets are sometimes useful in the short-term but should not be used for long periods of time as patients could become nutritionally deficient. Ayurvedic mediation recommends avoiding sour and acidic foods. However research has found an enzyme in pineapple has been found to be especially beneficial for arthritis. I do not allow my patients to avoid yogurt and dairy as these are essential sources of calcium, especially for those with arthritis. Fish is to be avoided in ayurvedic treatments but oily fish is very useful according to western research for arthritis. I tell my patients to follow a healthy diet with lots of green vegetables, oily fish, use ginger and turmeric liberally, eat yogurt and drink milk, avoid junk foods and oily foods. Do not drink aerated drinks, foods with preservatives or artificial coloouring.
Yoga has been recommended as an exercise for arthritis by the American College of rheumatology, Johns Hopkins etc. In Dubai we are conducting the firts ever scientific study of yoga for rheumatoid arthritis.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
help Arthritis
On February 16th at 3.28 pm Leela Alvares sent a text message to the Emirates Arthritis Foundation. Ï reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro this morning. It was spectacular!".
Leela's climb raised money to fund treatment for little Mohamed*, who suffers from arthritis.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Doctors in Dubai UAE
Being a Rheumatologist in the UAE is a unique experience. Most of my patients have had 3, 4 opinions for their disease, finding no solutions. There are 100 forms of arthritis and many can be easily treated. It is important to get to a Rheumatologist on time. Unfoertunately, patients in the UAE are unable to find the right Specialist for their disease. Today I had 2 referrals from doctors in the UK, for patients living here in Dubai , who found it easier to find a Rheumatologist in London and not in Dubai. We are a small group but not that hard to find...resources available on www.arthritis.ae; www.dbaj.ae
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Arab Arthritis
More Than One Year Delay In Diagnosis For Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients In The UAE, According To New StudyWednesday, January 16 - 2008
Dr.Humeira Badsha, Specialist Rheumatologist at DBAJ
Related News
In a recent study published in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, a leading European journal, as well as Clinical Rheumatology, doctors from the Dubai Bone & Joint Center (DBAJ) showed that patients in the UAE had a lag time of nearly one year in detection of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and another 9 months before they were started on the correct treatment.
“There are many reasons for rheumatoid arthritis delay in diagnosis in the UAE, and all of them need to be addressed to deliver better quality of life for sufferers in the Emirates,” stated Dr. Humeira Badsha, Specialist Rheumatologist at DBAJ and lead author of the study.
“A key factor is an insufficient numbers of rheumatologists practicing in the UAE. The World Health Organization recommends 1 rheumatologist for every 100,000 members of the population. Here in the UAE, there is a definite shortage of trained rheumatologists.”
The report also discovered that UAE-based patients suffering with the ailment had very active disease levels. Disease activity is measured by DAS28 scores, which are a composite, validated rheumatoid arthritis scoring system including a record of tender and swollen joints on a 28 joint count, along with Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and patient global activity testing. A score of <3.2 is considered low disease activity. In the UAE, patients had DAS28 scores of 5.2, compared to 3.2 in the USA, and 3.0 in the Netherlands. The study also found that only 50% of patients were taking medications called disease modifying drugs, whereas these numbers in western populations are close to 90%. These drugs are essential to prevent joint damage.
There are typically seven features of Rheumatoid Arthritis. These features include pain in more that one joint, usually affecting the fingers, wrist, elbows, toes, knees, shoulders and ankles. Swelling of joints may also occur; this generally makes joints feel like small balloons filled with water. Patients may also suffer from joint stiffness which is normally at its worst first thing in the morning or after extended periods of inactivity. Characteristically, the disease will affect both sides of the body equally and nodules or lumps may develop under the skin in different areas. Blood tests for Rheumatoid Arthritis are positive in 75% of patients and X-rays can show “erosions” or joint damage only in later stages of the disease. Individuals will normally have at least four of these features in order to be diagnosed with RA.
“Several steps can be urgently taken to improve the care of rheumatoid arthritis in the UAE,’ said Dr. Badsha, “including increasing patient awareness of the necessity to seek early specialist opinion and obtain the right treatment.”
The study was conducted on 100 patients with an average age of 42.2 (+/- 12.3 years). The UAE’s diverse background was evident when studying the racial background of each patient. Of those examined, 38% were of Arab descent, 36% were of Indian descent and 26% percent were of Caucasian or other nationality. With the wide range of ethnic backgrounds taken into consideration, the study showed that there are no racial differences in disease characteristics with a majority of patients having very active disease, delayed diagnosis and not appropriately treated with disease modifying drugs.
As Rheumatoid Arthritis is a systematic disease which affects the entire body, early diagnosis can provide the steps required to keep the ailment under control, aside from the joints. Early treatment can prevent joint damage and deformity. With early identification, sufferers can learn the steps to manage the disease through medication, rest, exercise and understanding how to protect their joints.
Dr.Humeira Badsha, Specialist Rheumatologist at DBAJ
Related News
In a recent study published in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, a leading European journal, as well as Clinical Rheumatology, doctors from the Dubai Bone & Joint Center (DBAJ) showed that patients in the UAE had a lag time of nearly one year in detection of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and another 9 months before they were started on the correct treatment.
“There are many reasons for rheumatoid arthritis delay in diagnosis in the UAE, and all of them need to be addressed to deliver better quality of life for sufferers in the Emirates,” stated Dr. Humeira Badsha, Specialist Rheumatologist at DBAJ and lead author of the study.
“A key factor is an insufficient numbers of rheumatologists practicing in the UAE. The World Health Organization recommends 1 rheumatologist for every 100,000 members of the population. Here in the UAE, there is a definite shortage of trained rheumatologists.”
The report also discovered that UAE-based patients suffering with the ailment had very active disease levels. Disease activity is measured by DAS28 scores, which are a composite, validated rheumatoid arthritis scoring system including a record of tender and swollen joints on a 28 joint count, along with Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and patient global activity testing. A score of <3.2 is considered low disease activity. In the UAE, patients had DAS28 scores of 5.2, compared to 3.2 in the USA, and 3.0 in the Netherlands. The study also found that only 50% of patients were taking medications called disease modifying drugs, whereas these numbers in western populations are close to 90%. These drugs are essential to prevent joint damage.
There are typically seven features of Rheumatoid Arthritis. These features include pain in more that one joint, usually affecting the fingers, wrist, elbows, toes, knees, shoulders and ankles. Swelling of joints may also occur; this generally makes joints feel like small balloons filled with water. Patients may also suffer from joint stiffness which is normally at its worst first thing in the morning or after extended periods of inactivity. Characteristically, the disease will affect both sides of the body equally and nodules or lumps may develop under the skin in different areas. Blood tests for Rheumatoid Arthritis are positive in 75% of patients and X-rays can show “erosions” or joint damage only in later stages of the disease. Individuals will normally have at least four of these features in order to be diagnosed with RA.
“Several steps can be urgently taken to improve the care of rheumatoid arthritis in the UAE,’ said Dr. Badsha, “including increasing patient awareness of the necessity to seek early specialist opinion and obtain the right treatment.”
The study was conducted on 100 patients with an average age of 42.2 (+/- 12.3 years). The UAE’s diverse background was evident when studying the racial background of each patient. Of those examined, 38% were of Arab descent, 36% were of Indian descent and 26% percent were of Caucasian or other nationality. With the wide range of ethnic backgrounds taken into consideration, the study showed that there are no racial differences in disease characteristics with a majority of patients having very active disease, delayed diagnosis and not appropriately treated with disease modifying drugs.
As Rheumatoid Arthritis is a systematic disease which affects the entire body, early diagnosis can provide the steps required to keep the ailment under control, aside from the joints. Early treatment can prevent joint damage and deformity. With early identification, sufferers can learn the steps to manage the disease through medication, rest, exercise and understanding how to protect their joints.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
ARTHRITIS TREATMENT DUBAI UAE
More Than One Year Delay In Diagnosis For Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients In The United Arab Emirates According To New Study
Published Data Shows Patients In The United Arab Emirates Suffering With Rheumatoid Arthritis Have Active Disease Delayed Diagnosis And Low Usage Of Disease Modifying Medications.
In a recent study published in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, a leading European journal, as well as Clinical Rheumatology, doctors from the Dubai Bone & Joint Center (DBAJ) showed that patients in the UAE had a lag time of nearly one year in detection of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and another 9 months before they were started on the correct treatment. “There are many reasons for rheumatoid arthritis delay in diagnosis in the UAE, and all of them need to be addressed to deliver better quality of life for sufferers in the Emirates,” stated Dr. Humeira Badsha, Specialist Rheumatologist at DBAJ and lead author of the study.“A key factor is an insufficient numbers of rheumatologists practicing in the UAE. The World Health Organization recommends 1 rheumatologist for every 100,000 members of the population. Here in the UAE, there is a definite shortage of trained rheumatologists.”The report also discovered that UAE-based patients suffering with the ailment had very active disease levels. Disease activity is measured by DAS28 scores, which are a composite, validated rheumatoid arthritis scoring system including a record of tender and swollen joints on a 28 joint count, along with Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and patient global activity testing. A score of 3.2 is considered low disease activity. In the UAE, patients had DAS28 scores of 5.2, compared to 3.2 in the USA, and 3.0 in the Netherlands. The study also found that only 50% of patients were taking medications called disease modifying drugs, whereas these numbers in western populations are close to 90%. These drugs are essential to prevent joint damage.There are typically seven features of Rheumatoid Arthritis. These features include pain in more that one joint, usually affecting the fingers, wrist, elbows, toes, knees, shoulders and ankles. Swelling of joints may also occur; this generally makes joints feel like small balloons filled with water. Patients may also suffer from joint stiffness which is normally at its worst first thing in the morning or after extended periods of inactivity. Characteristically, the disease will affect both sides of the body equally and nodules or lumps may develop under the skin in different areas. Blood tests for Rheumatoid Arthritis are positive in 75% of patients and X-rays can show “erosions” or joint damage only in later stages of the disease. Individuals will normally have at least four of these features in order to be diagnosed with RA.“Several steps can be urgently taken to improve the care of rheumatoid arthritis in the UAE,’ said Dr. Badsha, “including increasing patient awareness of the necessity to seek early specialist opinion and obtain the right treatment.” The study was conducted on 100 patients with an average age of 42.2 (+/- 12.3 years). The UAE’s diverse background was evident when studying the racial background of each patient. Of those examined, 38% were of Arab descent, 36% were of Indian descent and 26% percent were of Caucasian or other nationality. With the wide range of ethnic backgrounds taken into consideration, the study showed that there are no racial differences in disease characteristics with a majority of patients having very active disease, delayed diagnosis and not appropriately treated with disease modifying drugs. As Rheumatoid Arthritis is a systematic disease which affects the entire body, early diagnosis can provide the steps required to keep the ailment under control, aside from the joints. Early treatment can prevent joint damage and deformity. With early identification, sufferers can learn the steps to manage the disease through medication, rest, exercise and understanding how to protect their joints
Published Data Shows Patients In The United Arab Emirates Suffering With Rheumatoid Arthritis Have Active Disease Delayed Diagnosis And Low Usage Of Disease Modifying Medications.
In a recent study published in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, a leading European journal, as well as Clinical Rheumatology, doctors from the Dubai Bone & Joint Center (DBAJ) showed that patients in the UAE had a lag time of nearly one year in detection of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and another 9 months before they were started on the correct treatment. “There are many reasons for rheumatoid arthritis delay in diagnosis in the UAE, and all of them need to be addressed to deliver better quality of life for sufferers in the Emirates,” stated Dr. Humeira Badsha, Specialist Rheumatologist at DBAJ and lead author of the study.“A key factor is an insufficient numbers of rheumatologists practicing in the UAE. The World Health Organization recommends 1 rheumatologist for every 100,000 members of the population. Here in the UAE, there is a definite shortage of trained rheumatologists.”The report also discovered that UAE-based patients suffering with the ailment had very active disease levels. Disease activity is measured by DAS28 scores, which are a composite, validated rheumatoid arthritis scoring system including a record of tender and swollen joints on a 28 joint count, along with Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and patient global activity testing. A score of 3.2 is considered low disease activity. In the UAE, patients had DAS28 scores of 5.2, compared to 3.2 in the USA, and 3.0 in the Netherlands. The study also found that only 50% of patients were taking medications called disease modifying drugs, whereas these numbers in western populations are close to 90%. These drugs are essential to prevent joint damage.There are typically seven features of Rheumatoid Arthritis. These features include pain in more that one joint, usually affecting the fingers, wrist, elbows, toes, knees, shoulders and ankles. Swelling of joints may also occur; this generally makes joints feel like small balloons filled with water. Patients may also suffer from joint stiffness which is normally at its worst first thing in the morning or after extended periods of inactivity. Characteristically, the disease will affect both sides of the body equally and nodules or lumps may develop under the skin in different areas. Blood tests for Rheumatoid Arthritis are positive in 75% of patients and X-rays can show “erosions” or joint damage only in later stages of the disease. Individuals will normally have at least four of these features in order to be diagnosed with RA.“Several steps can be urgently taken to improve the care of rheumatoid arthritis in the UAE,’ said Dr. Badsha, “including increasing patient awareness of the necessity to seek early specialist opinion and obtain the right treatment.” The study was conducted on 100 patients with an average age of 42.2 (+/- 12.3 years). The UAE’s diverse background was evident when studying the racial background of each patient. Of those examined, 38% were of Arab descent, 36% were of Indian descent and 26% percent were of Caucasian or other nationality. With the wide range of ethnic backgrounds taken into consideration, the study showed that there are no racial differences in disease characteristics with a majority of patients having very active disease, delayed diagnosis and not appropriately treated with disease modifying drugs. As Rheumatoid Arthritis is a systematic disease which affects the entire body, early diagnosis can provide the steps required to keep the ailment under control, aside from the joints. Early treatment can prevent joint damage and deformity. With early identification, sufferers can learn the steps to manage the disease through medication, rest, exercise and understanding how to protect their joints
Monday, January 14, 2008
Osteoporosis Conference Dubai United Arab Emirates
Excerpt from abstract to be presented in Dubai:
RESULTS OF A PUBLIC SCREENING PROGRAM FOR LOW BONE MASS
Osteoporosis is an important public Health problem in the UAE with estimates stating that 70% of post-menopausal women suffer from low bone mass (ref). However there is a lack of data on the prevalence of low bone mass among the populations of the Middle East.
Aim: of our study was to estimate the prevalence for osteoporosis and lifestyle factors, which may contribute to this problem in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE.
, and fracture history.
Results:
A total of 1825 subjects were screened, with 996 (54.6%) females. Average age was 40.2±10.7 years (29.0% above the age of 45 years), 219 (26.8%) of the males and 294 (30.3%) of females were over the age of 45. More than a quarter of the subjects had osteopenia (24.0%) or osteoporosis (2.5 %).
The risk of low bone mass was not increased by any of the life style factors except for menopause. Even among post-menopausal women lack of calcium and exercise did not influence their risk.
RESULTS OF A PUBLIC SCREENING PROGRAM FOR LOW BONE MASS
Osteoporosis is an important public Health problem in the UAE with estimates stating that 70% of post-menopausal women suffer from low bone mass (ref). However there is a lack of data on the prevalence of low bone mass among the populations of the Middle East.
Aim: of our study was to estimate the prevalence for osteoporosis and lifestyle factors, which may contribute to this problem in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE.
, and fracture history.
Results:
A total of 1825 subjects were screened, with 996 (54.6%) females. Average age was 40.2±10.7 years (29.0% above the age of 45 years), 219 (26.8%) of the males and 294 (30.3%) of females were over the age of 45. More than a quarter of the subjects had osteopenia (24.0%) or osteoporosis (2.5 %).
The risk of low bone mass was not increased by any of the life style factors except for menopause. Even among post-menopausal women lack of calcium and exercise did not influence their risk.
Prayer and Arthritis
This paper on the benefits of Islamic Prayer has been submitted for publication. A 40 year old man with Ankylosing Spondylitis had substantial increase in spinal mobility after just one month of intensive Islamic prayers. The prayers involve cyclical repetitions of bending, kneeling and stretching. More study needs to be done on the benefits of prayer in arthritis.
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