In the UAE, arthritis affects one in five people and is the top cause of disability globally. Arthritis includes over 100 autoimmune and rheumatic musculoskeletal conditions, and while it is commonly associated with ageing, younger patients are also affected.
World Arthritis Day, held on October 12 annually, emphasises the importance of recognising the symptoms of this painful disease, which can help lead to early intervention. Renowned organisations such as the Middle East Arthritis Foundation (MEAF) host focused events to further raise awareness and assist those who suffer from this debilitating disease.
While traditional treatments such as medications, physiotherapy, and surgery can alleviate symptoms, as World Arthritis Day is observed, we examine some alternatives and advancements that may offer hope for an enhanced quality of life.
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The use of remote monitoring offers a promising way to decrease hospital visits for arthritic patients through a combination of self-management and telemedicine. With the potential to replace labour-intensive outpatient clinic visits, this could positively impact healthcare utilisation while keeping disease activity low.
Regenerative medicine in arthritis could utilise cell therapy, bioengineering and gene therapy to stimulate the body's natural healing response. A key development is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), derived from a patient's blood, PRP can be used to treat pain, damaged tendons, hair loss and ageing skin. While it can relieve symptoms and boost healing, its effectiveness may vary based on preparation methods and patient factors.
Similar to fat-based PRP, Autologous Micro-fragmented Adipose Tissue (AMAT) involves liposuction to extract fat, which is then injected into areas needing treatment. Studies show improvements in osteoarthritis pain and function, but consistency in AMAT quality remains a challenge.
Stem cell therapy holds great potential for tissue repair and regeneration. The various stem cell types include: embryonic, adult, induced pluripotent, and very small embryonic-like stem cells. Clinical trials are ongoing and the FDA cautions against unproven therapies from for-profit clinics. It emphasises the need for standardised guidelines and further research to discover the full potential of stem cells in arthritis care.
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Surgical options such as Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation Surgery (OATS) and Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI) use a patient's own or donor tissue to repair localised cartilage damage, preventing arthritis progression. Researchers are exploring gene editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9 to create custom-designed cells and gene therapies that target inflammatory proteins in osteoarthritis.
While these treatments in regenerative medicine demonstrate substantial potential, continuous research, protocol refinement, and establishing standardised methodologies are imperative to fully discover their benefits in the field of arthritis care.
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