Loving life despite rheumatoid arthritis
MANILA, Philippines - For many people, the image of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is that of the elderly having difficulty walking and moving about, complaining of pain and discomfort, and illustrating an overall diminished quality of life.
While it is true that the incidence of RA increases beyond the age of 40, the surprising fact is that the disease can strike anyone at any time. Rheumatologic conditions such as pediatric arthritis, in fact, can afflict children below 18 years old. The disease has also been found to be more common in women.
In the Philippines, RA is ranked as one of the leading causes of significant debility among Filipinos, along with diseases such as cancer and asthma. In 2009, the National Nutrition and Health Survey estimated that .06 percent of the country suffers from RA — this comes to around 5.5 million individuals, given the estimated Philippine population of 92 million as of 2010.
While there is currently no cure for RA being an autoimmune condition, the good news is that life with RA is one that can still be fulfilling, rewarding, and productive — given early diagnosis, the right kind of medication to treat symptoms and conditions, and an effective support system from family, friends, and the community.
Concerned healthcare professionals and institutions, such as the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Hospital and the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, lead the strong advocacy on RA awareness and management in the country.
Together with other medical and non-profit organizations, such as the St. Luke’s Medical Center Rheumatology Department, the Arthritis Care and Research Foundation of the Philippines, Psoriasis Philippines, and Lupus Inspired Advocacy, as well as with the support of private sector partners such as Pfizer Philippines, they recently spearheaded the local observation of World Arthritis Day, which was held last on October 12.
A week-long celebration at the UST Hospital in Manila, dubbed People Empowerment for Arthritis and Lupus (PEARL), showcased visual artworks, physical crafts, and musical performances from patients with RA as well as those with related debilitating autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis and lupus.
“It is important for us to continue spreading awareness about autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, and most importantly, to show that life does not end with RA,” said Dr. Sandra Navarra, head of rheumatology of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, and St. Luke’s Medical Center. “With support and encouragement from each other, those with RA can be a normal, productive part of society.”
With advancements in research and pharmaceutical technology today, patients need not fear RA as they used to generations ago. “Over the last several decades, research in several areas important to RA has greatly increased our understanding of the immune system, genetics, and biology. As a result, doctors and healthcare providers are now able to treat RA in new ways that were not possible in the past,” explained rheumatologist and Pfizer medical manager Dr. Chito A. Lucero.
Traditional treatment for RA begins with corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in order to address inflammation and pain, together with physical and occupational therapy to ensure continued functionality and mobility.
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have now been developed, which work inside the cell to disrupt the signaling and production of proteins associated with inflammation. Biologic DMARDs are able to reduce the progression of joint damage in those with moderate to severely active RA.
“With the emergence of these options, doctors and RA patients now enjoy a best-in-class selection of treatments and medication for the disease, enabling better quality of life, which is the ultimate priority,” said Dr. Lucero.
