Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) intends to introduce, later this year, a new group therapy program for patients living with lupus, with support from others who understand their condition.

Head of the Rheumatology Division at Hamad Medical Corporation's (HMC) Hamad General Hospital Dr. Samar Al Emadi said that "Systemic lupus erythematosus, more commonly known as lupus, is a complex, chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs."

"The emotional effects of lupus can be as challenging to manage as the physical effects, so our planned peer-based group therapy will help enhance our patients' self-efficacy in managing their condition," said Dr. Al Emadi.

She pointed that HMC is currently treating around 450 patients with lupus and has been at the forefront of lupus care in the region. Last year HMC introduced a specialist antenatal clinic for pregnant women with lupus. The first of its kind in the Middle East, the clinic cares for around 55 pregnant women each year.

Lupus is more common in women and tends to appear in women of childbearing age. It can be very challenging to diagnose and treat, especially in pregnant women, and it can lead to pregnancy loss, pre-eclampsia, premature birth, and a failure of the baby to grow. Since its establishment, our clinic has recorded excellent outcomes among patients and their babies.

10 May is World Lupus Day. Proclaimed by the World Lupus Federation, the day focuses on the need for heightened public awareness, improved patient healthcare services, increased research into the causes of and a cure for lupus, and enhanced physician diagnosis and treatment of lupus.

Source: QNA

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Binu Cherian

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