Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Awareness Day, observed annually on February 2, aims to raise awareness about RA. According to the Arthritis Foundation Malaysia, RA affects five out of every 1,000 people in Malaysia, regardless of age and gender.
The conditions of RA are characterised by the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking its own joint lining, resulting in stiffness, pain, and swelling. If the arthritis is 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, with approximately one rheumatologist available for every 390,000 individuals, primarily in urban areas. Hence, several rheumatology and arthritis organisations have been established with the goal of improving conditions and promoting self-care for RA patients in Malaysia.
Among them, the Arthritis Foundation Malaysia and the Malaysian Society of Rheumatology are the most prominent. Established as a non-profit organization in 1994, the 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.
Founded by a group of professionals in 1987, the Malaysian Society of Rheumatology is dedicated to the advancement of rheumatology. Its objectives include improving the management of rheumatic diseases and raising awareness among healthcare professionals, the public, and policymakers, ultimately benefiting patients and their caregivers.
Additionally, many rheumatologists, researchers and immunologists alike 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, while their ultimate goals are aligned with the broader objective of improving patient outcomes and promoting overall rheumatologic health across Malaysia.
Indeed, more data are 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 per cent of patients achieved remission at six months. The researchers noted that while RA medications were effective, a lower remission rate was observed as compared to developed countries​​.
These findings underline the complexity of RA treatment, highlighting the importance of personalized care plans and collaborative efforts to improve RA care.
Looking ahead to 2024, 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 focus 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 elimination through education, patient care, and the development of new management strategies.
Furthermore, ongoing research and international collaboration remain a key to advancing treatment options and enhancing patient wellbeing, not only in Malaysia, but also globally.
Dr Chow Sook Khuan is a consultant rheumatologist at Sunway Medical Centre and Assoc Prof Dr Hwang Jung Shan is from the School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
