GCC and German Rheumatologists to establish “Spondyloarthritis” Center

In partnership with AbbVie Biopharmaceuticals, a global, research-based biopharmaceutical company, Rheumatologists from around the GCC journeyed to Charite Berlin University Hospital in Germany to discuss the recent updates in the management of Spondyloarthritis disease (SpA), a type of inflammatory back pain that is often mistaken for mechanical back pain and affects approximately 3% of adults. There are several conditions that can cause inflammatory back pain, some of which are difficult to diagnose. Over the past decade, scientific advances have made it easier for doctors to identify some of these conditions and manage them. 

Some arthritic conditions that lead to inflammatory back pain can start in different parts of the body. These inflammatory arthritic conditions can affect the skin (psoriatic arthritis), eyes or urinary tract (reactive arthritis),3 intestines or bowels (enteropathic arthritis), or joints (rheumatoid arthritis). Currently, patients who suffer from SpA face difficulties in getting the right diagnosis. Therefore, there is an unmet need for an interdisciplinary approach to properly manage this complex disease. According to latest statistics, around 1 per cent of the total population of 8.2 million in the UAE suffers from SpA, indicating around 82,000 patients in the country.

Sami Abi Nakhoul, GM South Gulf, said: “Today’s healthcare environment is complex and advancing the standard of patient care “takes all of us. That’s why At AbbVie we also bring a focus beyond our medicines, and in addition to developing breakthrough therapies, we are engaged in initiatives and collaborations, like this, to advance patient care and improve delivery of healthcare systems.

In line with AbbVie’s mission to use its expertise, dedicated people and unique approach to innovation to develop and market advanced therapies that address some of the world’s most complex and serious diseases like SpA, we will spare no effort to understand the complexities of this disease and how best to manage it.” 

During their visit, Gulf Rheumatologists were introduced to specialized patient-centric SpA centers known for their best-in-class care and how they can improve care delivery across healthcare institutions. Some of the top characteristics of these specialized centers include early referral, collaborative approach with other specialties, and the availability of an expert musculoskeletal Radiologist and a Physiotherapist to help with the diagnosis.

Dr. Walid AlShehi from Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Clinic in Dubai, UAE, said: “It is not often we get an opportunity to work with renowned experts in our field to deal with an uncommon yet alarming disease like SpA. I can’t wait to share the knowledge I acquired with my fellow colleagues in Dubai and benefit our patients in the UAE.”

Dr. Samar AlEmadi from Hamad Medical Corporation in Doha, Qatar, said: “Attending a preceptorship program held at one of the leading centers in the management of SpA and led by Professor Dr. med. Joachim Sieper, a renowned specialist in Internal Medicine – Rheumatology, was such a rewarding experience that will help us in addressing SpA and better managing it in our region.” 

Dr. Abdelkhaliq Alorabi from Al Kindi Specialized Hospital in Al Manama, Bahrain, said: “Witnessing the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach whereby Rheumatologists work with other specialties showed us that the only way forward is to work hand in hand with fellow colleagues. Only then will we be able to address these complex diseases.”