The three day Al Ain International Nephrology Conference, recently concluded at the Intercontinental Hotel in Al Ain. The initiative was the first nephrology focused conference to ever take place in the UAE; it was organized by Tawam Hospital in affiliation with John Hopkins Medicine, and accredited by the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD).
The conference was based and modeled on the American Society of Nephrology’s (ASN) Renal Weekends program – weekly or bi-weekly sessions discussing current updates in nephrology. The main objectives of the initiative were to expand the current knowledge base of key local nephrologists and urologists, and promote dialogue on a number of kidney related diseases.
A wide range of disciplines in the field of nephrology were addressed during the three day conference. A number of sessions were dedicated to, general nephrology; peritoneal and hemodialysis; renal transplantation and a special emphasis on the new field of interventional nephrology.
Headed and organized by Dr. Samra Abouchacra, Chairperson and Senior Consultant, Department of Nephrology, Tawam Hospital, the conference schedule included over 20 world renowned nephrology specialists that presented the latest advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney related diseases.
“We are very glad to have organized this conference, we look forward to having it on an annual basis.” said Dr, Abouchacra. “It is crucial that physicians, nephrologists and urologists in specific, are constantly updated on the latest developments in field. With the current high rates of diabetes and hypertension in the UAE we do expect an increase in the incidence of kidney diseases.”
Dr. Ajay Singh, Chief Academic Officer, Harvard Medical School, Dubai Center, presented a number of topics on chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition in which renal function is progressively lost over a period of time. The main two risk factors linked to CKD are high blood pressure and diabetes, both of which are very prevalent in the UAE. Dr. Singh’s main focus was on illustrating the importance of identifying patients at high risk of CKD in addition to highlighting the benefits of early screening in the UAE.
“The main issue is that symptoms of CKD are not very apparent, loss of appetite and general lethargy can be mistaken for the flu, change of weather or even stress. With such minimal symptoms, we can not expect patients to suspect CKD and immediately consult a physician.” said Dr. Singh. “The only solution is to raise awareness of CKD to the public in addition to implementing an early screening program for those that are at high risk of developing the disease, such as diabetics and hypertension patients.”
Dr. Ted Saad, Interventional Nephrologist, Wilmington & Newark Delaware, USA and Dr. Naveed Ul Haq, Medical Director of dialysis services, Chief of Nephrology, Troy Community Hospital, Ohio, USA, headed the topic of interventional nephrology, a fairly new discipline that concentrates on vascular and peritoneal access for dialysis patients with severe renal failure. Dr. Saad identified the roles of interventional nephrologists in today’s dialysis centers and their impact on adequate surveillance of vascular access. Furthermore, Dr. Ul Haq showcased and demonstrated the latest technology used in interventional nephrology around the world.
Another topic that received special attention from a number of attendees due to its local relevance was the issue discussed by nephrology veteran, Dr. Mohammad Atta, Associate Professor of Medicine, John Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, on the obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS) epidemic and its implication on the development of CKD.
Dr. Atta is also a Medical Director of the Dialysis Center, DaVita Health Care in East Baltimore, Maryland. His medical portfolio in the field of nephrology is very extensive; being a member of the Scientific Council on Kidney of the American Heart Association, the International Society of Nephrology, and the American Society of Nephrology. Dr. Atta has participated as principal investigator in several studies and served as a peer reviewer for the Archives of Internal Medicine, American Journal of Medicine, Kidney International, Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, American Journal of Kidney Diseases, Clinical Infectious Disease, and Journal of Infectious Diseases.
Tawam Hospital, which is managed by John Hopkins Medicine is owned and operated by SEHA, the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company [which is responsible for the curative activities of all the public hospitals and clinics in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
