By Rafiq Vayani
KARACHI:In solidarity and awareness of the ‘Ankylosing Spondylitis’- AS disease and its high impact on lives of millions of patients suffering globally, Novartis in Collaboration with the Pakistan Society of Rheumatology & Arthritis Care Foundation, holding a Press Conference on 5th May 2018 at Avari Towers.
Renowned Doctors attended the event to shed light on necessary information public should know related to disease including Dr. Mehfooz Alam, Executive board member PSR and Senior most rheumatologist in Pakistan, Dr. Saliha Ishaq from Aga Khan University Hospital, Dr. Tahira Peveen, Head of department, Liaquat National Hospital, Dr. Shafaq Abbass, Executive board, Arthritis Care Foundation and Dr. Shehla Naseem, Chief Scientific Officer Novartis Pakistan.
Experts shared that ‘Ankylosing Spondylitis – AS is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine. It can cause the spine to fuse in a fixed, immobile position, sometimes creating a forward-stooped posture. This disease is most common among young population usually 20-40 years contrary to the perception that arthritis happens in old age.
The disease estimated presence in nearly 0.5-1% of the population. Despite being a very common disease, it takes 8-10 years for patients to get diagnosed with the onset of symptoms. If not timely diagnosed, it leads to irreversible damage to spine restricting mobility for the lifetime the condition which is known as “Bamboo Spine”
It can affect more areas of the body including lungs, bowel and eyes. Uveitis, Irritable bowel syndrome, heart problems, osteoporosis & spinal fractures, psoriasis are associated complications of the disease. Hip joint damage shortens the life and the patient dies young.
Common clinical features to identify AS is that back pain is persistent for more than 3months, pain getting worst at rest and improving with exercise, morning stiffness, swollen joints and pain in buttocks shifting from one side to another.
X-rays do not help in the early diagnosis as inflammation is not visible on X-ray until bone damage starts. MRI and ultrasound is usually the confirmatory test which is performed by treating Rheumatologists. Exercise is the single most important thing a person with AS can do to help them, while painkilling medication will help to reduce pain and improve sleep and general well-being whereas, New biologic drugsare very effective as conventional therapy do not work for many AS patients.
Press conference was held with the objective to raising along general publicwhere leading Rheumatology experts and renowned public figures were invited to raise awareness on the disease. There was presence and participation of renowned healthcare social organizations including Aman Foundation, Sehatkahani, Sehat.pk, Dawaai.pk, Oladoc and Findmydoctor as online awareness partners to consolidate efforts and ensure the message reaches to larger audiences to talk about Ankylosing Spondolitis.
