Treatment starts in Kuwait

[muse]

Here is a newer paper where we get closer to the 600MSers
Best
Arne

==================================

Original Paper
Epidemiology of Multiple Sclerosis in Kuwait: New Trends in Incidence and Prevalence
A.F. Alshubaili, K. Alramzy, Y.M. Ayyad, Y. Gerish

Department of Neurology, Ibn Sina Hospital, Safat, Kuwait
Address of Corresponding Author
Eur Neurol 2005;53:125-131 (DOI: 10.1159/000085556)
Abstract
The epidemiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is undergoing dramatic changes; MS is occurring with increased frequency in many parts of the world. In this retrospective study, we examined the changes in incidence and prevalence of MS in Kuwait in the period between 1993 and 2000. We analyzed the records of patients with clinically defined and laboratory supported MS. The total incidence rate increased from 1.05/100,000 population in 1993 to 2.62/100,000 in 2000. The increased incidence of MS was most pronounced among Kuwaiti women (from 2.26/100,000 in 1993 to 7.79/100,000 in 2000. The total prevalence rate increased from 6.68/100,000 in 1993 to 14.77/100,000 in 2000. It was much higher for Kuwaitis (31.15/100,000), as compared to non-Kuwaitis (5.55/ 100,000), in a complete reversal of the pattern observed before 1990. The prevalence was also higher among Kuwaiti women (35.54/100,000), as compared with Kuwaiti men (26.65/100,000). In conclusion, the incidence and prevalence of MS in Kuwait has increased between the early and late 1990s with no signs of leveling off. In a geographic area that was previously associated with low prevalence, local environmental factors may be responsible for these dramatic changes.
http://content.karger.com/ProdukteDB/pr ... /000085556

[Lyon]

.

[cheerleader]

Yeah...I agree, Bob, the numbers seem off. But Kuwait is an interesting place to study, because MS is so rare, yet the numbers are growing. Here's a study that suggests the rising MS rates is because of an increase in the population of Palestinians-

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.

link

And from our buddy, Alastair Compston, comes a chapter in his McAlpine's MS book on MS in Kuwait, stating a similar thought, that the inclusion of the Caucasian genes from the Palestinians was creating the rise in MS rates. Dr. BB Lee was clear in Bologna--stating that Caucasians have much higher rates of truncular venous malformations.
link

will be interesting to see more studies from Kuwait-
cheer

[BBE]

There were 500 MS patients in Kuwait 2008. http://www.atlasofms.org/export.aspx

[Ernst]

Im still interested about media / news about this thing. I found something with google transalator.. and if I understood correctly, the newspaper article says that the liberation treatment will be approved treatment in kuwait with MS patients. Thats all I found so far.. but put some links if you see some?

Google translator makes some funny things.. but at least I understand something from that..

[Asher]

[quote]And from our buddy, Alastair Compston, comes a chapter in his McAlpine's MS book on MS in Kuwait, stating a similar thought, that the inclusion of the Caucasian genes from the Palestinians was creating the rise in MS rates. Dr. BB Lee was clear in Bologna--stating that Caucasians have much higher rates of truncular venous malformations

Fair haired children is not an uncommon occurrence amongst Palestinians. This is the heritage of English soldiers during the British mandate in Palestine in the 20's and 30's of the last century.

[burntsienna]

sorry, but it doesn't look like much independent verification is out there that any of this is actually real. (not questioning anyone here, but)

[Zeureka]

KUWAIT NEWS AGENCY
Kuwait approves MS bypass surgeries for research purposes
Health 4/8/2010 8:58:00 PM
Wow! "The presentation meets the legal, moral and scientific criterions specified by concerned organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO)," he affirmed.

http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPubl ... anguage=en

[ikulo]

from the article...

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

[Lyon]

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[Gordon]

Can I emigrate to Kuwait and get my surgery done. It will be faster than Canada. My friend just got back from her Neuro who said it is sorta interesting but maybe in five or ten years it might be proven.

Then added how are your perscriptions do you need refills.

G

[NZer1]

This will be huge for all MSers and it will put Kuwait on the world stage big time. There are so many positive outcomes of this as there is so little published knowledge on the importance of blood return flow from the brain. At this stage MS is the reason for looking at these veins, what it will lead to? Many medical discoveries? This can put Kuwait top of the research world and financially that is BIG. Very clever to lead the world on this gamble, and no matter what is turned up will be a winner for very nation. The possible outcomes are , words fail me. Well done Kuwait!
WORLD LEADERS did you hear that politicians!

[AlmostClever]

Latest W5 story on Kuwait:

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/s ... ?hub=WFive

Like the good Kuwaiti doc says "if this is a placebo effect, it's one I would want to have!"

These people are sooo far ahead of us!

[aliyalex]

interesting title of their program; THE LIBERATION WAR. that about coins it.

[Vhoenecke]

What a progessive move on the government of Kuwait's part. How impressive as a Canadian Citizen to see how a government that cares will treat its people.