There is a critical need to educate primary doctors in the region about effectively managing Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), say experts from the Women’s Initiative for Rheumatoid Arthritis (WIRA).
The experts have also underlined the need for general physicians to become aware of the warning signs of RA in order to prevent premature disability and death of patients.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease, most commonly affecting women, in which the body’s own immune system attacks itself and leads to the destruction of the joints and tissues. RA is the most crippling form of arthritis and can lead to death. Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis include joint morning stiffness for more than 30 minutes for more than one month; pain in the hands and/or feet for more than one month; symmetrical joint swelling (i.e. both hands/both feet); and fatigue, which leads to difficulty in completing physical tasks.
Dr Nadia Al Mazroui, Military Medical Services Director at the Directorate of Medical Services and WIRA spokesperson said, “Early treatment of RA can be a realistic goal only if general practitioners and other non-arthritis specialists recognise the subtle warning signs and can refer patients promptly to a specialist, also known as a rheumatologist. Nevertheless, early diagnosis of RA is often difficult and confusing for the general practitioner. This often leads to delays in the referral of RA from primary care.”
If left untreated, up to 30 per cent of persons with rheumatoid arthritis become permanently work-disabled within the first two years of diagnosis.
Patients who can promptly seek medical attention are able to swiftly gain control of the disease. According to Dr Ali Jawad, Consultant Rheumatologist for Barts and the London National Health Service Trust at the Royal London Hospital, UK,
“It has been shown that early, aggressive, effective treatment significantly reduces radiographic progression in RA.”
“There is a misconception among patients and physicians that RA cannot be halted. While the disease cannot be cured, diagnostic and treatment methods have significantly improved. Newly introduced blood tests, such as anti-MCV testing and new medication, and the new advancements will help us bring patients to remission.
“This means there will be no need for patients to continue suffering from pain or disability, and they will not need to undergo surgery,” added Dr Jamal Al Saleh, Head of Rheumatology Unit, Dubai Hospital. Source
The experts have also underlined the need for general physicians to become aware of the warning signs of RA in order to prevent premature disability and death of patients.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease, most commonly affecting women, in which the body’s own immune system attacks itself and leads to the destruction of the joints and tissues. RA is the most crippling form of arthritis and can lead to death. Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis include joint morning stiffness for more than 30 minutes for more than one month; pain in the hands and/or feet for more than one month; symmetrical joint swelling (i.e. both hands/both feet); and fatigue, which leads to difficulty in completing physical tasks.
Dr Nadia Al Mazroui, Military Medical Services Director at the Directorate of Medical Services and WIRA spokesperson said, “Early treatment of RA can be a realistic goal only if general practitioners and other non-arthritis specialists recognise the subtle warning signs and can refer patients promptly to a specialist, also known as a rheumatologist. Nevertheless, early diagnosis of RA is often difficult and confusing for the general practitioner. This often leads to delays in the referral of RA from primary care.”
If left untreated, up to 30 per cent of persons with rheumatoid arthritis become permanently work-disabled within the first two years of diagnosis.
Patients who can promptly seek medical attention are able to swiftly gain control of the disease. According to Dr Ali Jawad, Consultant Rheumatologist for Barts and the London National Health Service Trust at the Royal London Hospital, UK,
“It has been shown that early, aggressive, effective treatment significantly reduces radiographic progression in RA.”
“There is a misconception among patients and physicians that RA cannot be halted. While the disease cannot be cured, diagnostic and treatment methods have significantly improved. Newly introduced blood tests, such as anti-MCV testing and new medication, and the new advancements will help us bring patients to remission.
“This means there will be no need for patients to continue suffering from pain or disability, and they will not need to undergo surgery,” added Dr Jamal Al Saleh, Head of Rheumatology Unit, Dubai Hospital. Source
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