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On December 31, 1988 there were 201 registered multiple sclerosis patients in Kuwait, an overall prevalence rate (PR) of 10.2 per 100000; among them were 186 Arabs, of whom 72 were Palestinians and 51 Kuwaitis. Comparison of these two subgroups, who had a similar age distribution revealed that the disease was2 1/2 times more frequent among Palestinians (PR 23.8/100 000) than among Kuwaitis (PR 9.5/100 000). Palestinians also showed significant differences from Kuwaitis in eye color, blood group distribution and HLA-DR and HLA-DQW epitopes frequency. This suggests that genetic rather than environmental factors might be the underlying cause for the high susceptibility to develop MS among Arabs originating from the Eastern Mediterranean basin.

KUWAIT, April 8 (KUNA) -- The committee on morality of the medical profession approved conducting bypass surgeries for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients for research purposes, the Ministry of Health said on Thursday.
A surgery of this kind could be conducted through inserting a catheter into a vein of the neck to enlarge it and facilitate the blood circulation, chairman of the standing committee for coordination of medical researches at the ministry, Dr. Youssof Al-Nesf, said.
"The move which came in response to a presentation made at the meeting of the committee by Dr. Tarek Senan aims to ensure the safety of patients and protect the rights of researchers," Al-Nesf told KUNA after the meeting.
"The presentation meets the legal, moral and scientific criterions specified by concerned organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO)," he affirmed.
Under the decision of the committee, the researchers are asked to inform beforehand the patients of the medical checks, surgical procedures, the benefits, and the possible risks and complications of the surgeries the patient are supposed undergo. "No measures should be done without the knowledge and a written consent of patients in line with the internationally-recognized protocol of medical treatment," Al-Nesf underscored.
The MS bypass surgery was devised by Prof Paolo Zamboni, an Italian vascular surgeon, as an experimental treatment similar to angioplasty in order to enlarge the blocked veins. Prof Zamboni gained international praise after his study, published a study in 2009, proved to be highly successful in reducing MS symptoms.
However, some experts have expressed concern that the surgery may cause clots in the brain although people with MS are exposed to gradual destruction of their nerves or at least weakness and inability to walk. (end) mah.na.gb KUNA 082058 Apr 10NNNN