Hope for arthritis patients

FEB 2 is observed annually as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Awareness Day. According to the Arthritis Foundation Malaysia, RA affects five out of every 1,000 people in Malaysia regardless of age or gender.

RA is characterised by the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking its own joint lining, resulting in stiffness, pain and swelling. If not treated early, it may lead to joint damage and deformities over time.

This year’s theme, “Living Well With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Early Diagnosis, Effective Management, and a Brighter Future”, underlines the importance of early diagnosis and proper management in mitigating disease progression and improving the quality of life for individuals with RA.

In Malaysia, access to specialised care for RA is limited, and primarily in urban areas, with approximately one rheumatologist available for every 390,000 individuals. Hence, several rheumatology and arthritis organisations have been established with the goal of improving conditions and promoting self-care for RA patients in the country. Among them, Arthritis Foundation Malaysia and the Malaysian Society of Rheumatology are the most prominent.

Established as a non-profit organisation in 1994, Arthritis Foundation Malaysia has been at the forefront of advocating for those affected by arthritis. It offers valuable information, resources and access to top-notch care while also fostering community connections.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Society of Rheumatology, founded by a group of professionals in 1987, aims to improve the management of rheumatic diseases and raise awareness among healthcare professionals, the public and policymakers for the benefit of patients and their caregivers.

Many rheumatologists, researchers and immunologists share the same concerns and strive to address challenges related to rheumatic diseases in Malaysia. Their collective aim is to enhance patient care and advocate for rheumatologic health. Their ultimate goals are aligned with the broader objective of improving patient outcomes and promoting overall rheumatologic health across Malaysia.

Indeed, more data is needed to understand the success of RA treatment. One clinical study conducted in Malaysia reviewed patient data during the treatment period of January 2003 to January 2014. Based on the effectiveness and safety of RA drug used, the study found that 16.9% of patients achieved remission at six months.

The researchers noted that while RA medications were effective, a lower remission rate was observed when compared to developed countries​​. These findings underline the complexity of RA treatment and highlight the importance of personalised care plans and collaborative efforts to improve care.

Looking ahead, it is heartening to note recent advances in RA treatments, such as biologic medications, biosimilars, and JAK Inhibitors, which show promise, particularly for those not responding to conventional medical treatments.

Currently, researchers in Malaysia are focused on studying the prevalence, genetic factors, and treatment effectiveness of RA, taking into account the country’s diverse population.

Aligned with this mission, Malaysian researchers are dedicated to advancing RA through education, patient care, and the development of new management strategies.

Ongoing research and international collaboration remain a key to advancing treatment options and enhancing patient well-being not only in Malaysia but also globally.

DR CHOW SOOK KHUAN Consultant rheumatologist and ASSOC PROF DR HWANG JUNG SHAN

School of Medical and Life Sciences

Sunway University