Head of HMC's Rheumatology Division, Dr. Samar Al Emadi (left) and Associate Rheumatology Consultant, Dr. Omar Alsaed
Doha: Head of Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Rheumatology Division, Dr. Samar Al Emadi, has said that in recent years her team has made major strides towards educating the public about the importance of good bone health.
She said HMC’s Rheumatology Division uses the latest technology and medication to diagnose and treat patients with osteoporosis and is continuing to collaborate with specialists across the globe to ensure patients in Qatar have access to world-class care.
“There is clear evidence that timely testing is critical to faster diagnosis, prompter treatment, and, better outcomes in many medical conditions, including osteoporosis. Today many people are more educated about the importance of good bone health and they understand that osteoporosis is not just a disease of the elderly.
"However, many people remain unaware that osteoporosis is a largely preventable disease,” said Dr. Al Emadi. “Our team is working with international experts to prepare an Osteoporosis Treatment Guideline as part of efforts to standardize osteoporosis care in Qatar.
"Last year we launched a national osteoporosis screening program and we recently introduced a program that will see all patients age 50 years and above who have experienced a fracture screened for the disease. Our Rheumatology and Orthopedic Departments are currently finalizing plans to open a Fracture Liaison Clinic later this year.
"The main aim for this clinic will be to identify patients with fragility (low impact trauma) fractures who have osteoporosis so that we can begin treatment in the hope of preventing further fractures,” said Dr. Al Emadi. Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease as patients seldom have signs or symptoms until a fracture occurs.
While risk factors for the condition include older age, a family history of osteoporosis, low body weight, smoking, certain medical conditions and some medications, such as steroids (cortisone), and gender, with the disease being more common in women, many people with osteoporosis continue to go undiagnosed and untreated.
Associate Rheumatology Consultant, Dr. Omar Alsaed, said it is important for patients who have been prescribed osteoporosis medication to ensure they take it as directed. “The COVID-19 pandemic has changed almost every aspect of how healthcare is delivered and it has also, unfortunately, resulted in the sharing of some incorrect and damaging health advice.
"If your doctor has prescribed medicine to treat your condition, you should never stop taking the medication, or change the dosage, without your doctor’s approval. There is no known interaction between COVID-19 infection and osteoporosis medications.
"Any patient who has questions or concerns about their osteoporosis treatment plan should talk to their doctor. Osteoporosis can’t be cured, but with medication and lifestyle changes, you can slow or even stop it,” said Dr. Alsaed.
