Mir Ruqqia, Al-Kaabi Fatema, Mitwally Yasmin, Jayakody Surangi
Consultant Neurology, Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC), Abu Dhabi, ARE.
Hematology, Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC), Abu Dhabi, ARE.
Cureus. 2025 Mar 25;17(3):e81201. doi: 10.7759/cureus.81201. eCollection 2025 Mar.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, complex neurological disease, often presenting with both visible and non-visible symptoms that significantly affect daily functioning. A holistic approach to multiple sclerosis care is essential for patient well-being, particularly in the unique sociocultural context of the United Arab Emirates, where factors such as insurance coverage and specialist availability can present additional challenges.
A retrospective, service-improvement study of 81 individuals with multiple sclerosis was conducted at a specialized center in the United Arab Emirates to evaluate demographics, disease management practices, and support services. Data were extracted from electronic medical records covering the period from January 1, 2022, to January 1, 2024, and assessed against established quality measures, including crucial screening procedures recommended by the American Academy of Neurology's Quality Measurement Set.
Significant gaps were identified in essential multiple sclerosis care, particularly in consultations about employment challenges, sexual dysfunction screening, and cognitive function assessment. Of the 81 participants, 43 (53.09%) were women, and 38 (46.91%) were men, with a mean age of 40.09 years. Analysis of the Expanded Disability Status Scale scores showed no significant association with blood pressure (P=0.1067) or glycemic status (P=0.3891), but a positive correlation with age (P=0.0099).
An integrated, multidisciplinary model of multiple sclerosis care is crucial, emphasizing regular assessments of cognitive function, fatigue, sexual health, and work-related issues to optimize patient outcomes and enhance overall brain health in the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, systematic policy interventions that mandate comprehensive screening protocols could further strengthen care delivery. Such measures may foster earlier detection of hidden disabilities and better coordination among diverse healthcare professionals, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals with multiple sclerosis.
多发性硬化症是一种慢性、复杂的神经系统疾病，常伴有明显和不明显的症状，严重影响日常功能。对于患者的健康而言，采用整体方法来护理多发性硬化症至关重要，尤其是在阿拉伯联合酋长国独特的社会文化背景下，保险覆盖范围和专科医生可及性等因素会带来额外挑战。
在阿拉伯联合酋长国的一个专科中心，对81例多发性硬化症患者进行了一项回顾性服务改进研究，以评估人口统计学特征、疾病管理实践和支持服务。数据从2022年1月1日至2024年1月1日期间的电子病历中提取，并根据既定的质量指标进行评估，包括美国神经病学学会质量测量集推荐的关键筛查程序。
在多发性硬化症的基本护理方面发现了重大差距，尤其是在就业挑战咨询、性功能筛查和认知功能评估方面。81名参与者中，43名（53.09%）为女性，38名（46.91%）为男性，平均年龄为40.09岁。对扩展残疾状态量表评分的分析表明，与血压（P=0.1067）或血糖状态（P=0.3891）无显著关联，但与年龄呈正相关（P=0.0099）。
综合、多学科的多发性硬化症护理模式至关重要，强调定期评估认知功能、疲劳、性健康和与工作相关的问题，以优化患者治疗效果并增强阿拉伯联合酋长国患者的整体脑健康。此外，强制实施全面筛查方案的系统性政策干预措施可进一步加强护理服务。这些措施可能有助于更早发现隐藏的残疾，并促进不同医疗专业人员之间更好的协调，最终改善多发性硬化症患者的生活质量。
