| 31 Oct 2008 |
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Delay in diagnosis affects patients in UAE
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Friday, Oct 31, 2008
Gulf News
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.
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