UAE | Health
Delay in diagnosis affects patients in UAE
Nation significantly behind US and Finland in access to effective medication, study says
- By Nina Muslim, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:56 October 30, 2008
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.
Latest news
- Dubai Police deny reports of Burj Khalifa fire
- New road eases traffic problems in Dubai
- Abu Dhabi hosts strong man contest
- Farmers to be taught techniques to improve yield
- Keep recycling bins open
- UAE's first home-grown unmanned aerial vehicle
- Telling stories with sand
- President of Wollongong varsity about his plans
- Challenging role in Libya
- Parachuting event promises rich fare
- UAE ministry backs efficacy of Tas'heel system
- UAE students on research trip to Antarctica
- Brothers held in Sharjah for possessing heroin
- Fund drive for displaced Syrians launched
- FNC has kept pace with development — Al Murr
Community Reports
-
Keep recycling bins open
People should be allowed to do their part as the world moves towards a greener future
-
Bridges needed
Al Ittihad Road has no pedestrian facilities as one nears Sharjah
-
Street lights needed
Authorities urged to act with haste before a major accident occurs in Al Nahda, Dubai
-
Motorists ignore stop sign on buses
Overtaking school vehicles can put students' lives at risk
