There is an increasing risk of Saudis developing rheumatoid arthritis, with numbers rising to 250,000 in the future, it was revealed here Monday at the 10th Pan Arab Rheumatology Conference (PARC) and the 2nd Saudi Society of Rheumatology Conference. The two events will continue until Thursday, Jan. 19. The event was opened by Dr. Hussein Halabi, head of the Arab Rheumatology Society and chairman of PARC. It was organized by King Faisal Specialist Hospital. A total of 80 papers and 40 lectures are on the agenda. There are 500 participants including a number of doctors and specialists from Egypt, Morocco, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Lebanon, Syria, Australia, America and Europe. In his welcome speech, Halabi said the conference aims to promote, stimulate and support the research, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of people with rheumatic diseases. Highlighting the seriousness of rheumatoid arthritis, Halabi noted that the disease can lead to 70 percent malfunction of the joints in some advanced cases. Tackling the disease can prevent disability, he said. It affects 21 million people around the world. Some scientists and doctors say that 50 percent of patients are unable to go about their daily activities. Dr. Ramez Al-Suwailem, chairman of the Saudi Rheumatology Society, said that the disease costs billions of dollars annually in the United States in treatment and loss of earnings. He recommended that the Kingdom establishes a system for early diagnosis, which will help control future complications. He said the event will feature lectures, panel discussions and interactive workshops. In addition, there will be a comprehensive exhibition of the latest pharmaceutical and other relevant products. __
