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Abbott to Host an Awareness Campaign on Rheumatoid Arthritis in Kuwait

Kuwait City - 5 October, 2011 -- Abbott announced today that it will be hosting an Awareness Campaign on Rheumatoid Arthritis, in support of World Arthritis Day, on 12^th October 2011. The theme of the campaign, "Move to improve ", is in parallel with the global initiative, and aims to provide patients with key methods for daily life.

The campaign will feature a wide range of renowned rheumatologists who will discuss various aspects of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Topics will include the importance of early diagnosis, the burden of Rheumatoid Arthritis if left untreated, the impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis on pregnant women, possibilities of complications during pregnancy, Rheumatoid Arthritis in children, as well as features of the disease.

The primary purpose of Abbott from supporting such awareness campaigns is to provide health education information on diseases that can be of benefit for the patients and their caregivers," said Dr. Alaa Tosson, General Manager, Abbott Kuwait.

"Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks synovial joints. The process produces a chronic inflammatory response of the synovium (synovitis) leading to the development of a pannus in the synovium. The pathology of the disease process often leads to the destruction of articular cartilage and ankylosis of the joints," added Tosson.

Dr. Faisal Al Saqabi, Consultant Rheumatologist at Al Sabah Hospital mentioned that early treatment of arthritis is very important to lead to complete remission. Once the disease sets in and causes damage to the joints, treatment becomes more complex. Appropriate treatment is also important to prevent destruction, and there has been a therapeutic revolution in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis over the past 15 years, which is characterized by moving away from the oral immunosuppressive drugs towards the parenteral targeted biologic therapy."

"There is a prevailing sense that sustained remission may be a realistic goal in the future. The aim of the treatment is to reduce symptoms, slow or arrest joint damage and prevent functional disability. The future is promising with biologic therapy," added Saqabi.

Dr. Akeel Al Muhana, Specialist Rheumatologist at Mubarak Hospital noted that more than 10,000 Rheumatoid Arthritis patients are amongst the Kuwaiti population. Rheumatoid Arthritis tends to strike in the prime of life between the ages of 30-50 and can have a devastating impact on the quality of life and people's ability to carry out everyday tasks. However, simple lifestyle changes along with an effective treatment program can help make daily life easier and help stop the progression of the disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis usually affects joints on both sides of the body equally. Wrists, finger, knees, feet and ankles are the most commonly affected. Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness and fatigue. Other symptoms also include weight loss, anorexia, low grade fever.

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About Abbott
Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs nearly 90,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's website at www.abbott.com.

© Press Release 2011