Recurring Miscarriages? The Autoimmune Connection You Shouldn’t Ignore
Dr Annie Law is a Senior Consultant Rheumatologist and the Medical Director at Asia Arthritis & Rheumatology Centre (AARC) with a subspeciality interest in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
AARC shares the vision and mission with its parent company, Beyond Medical Group, a leading healthcare organisation based in Singapore, dedicated to expanding multidisciplinary specialist services and a one-stop center for reliable and quality patient care.
Dr Law recently visited SingMed International Medical Centre in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This familiarisation trip signifies a pivotal move towards raising awareness of autoimmune conditions and exploring collaborative patient management between AARC and SingMed. The ultimate goal is to enhance care and support for Cambodian patients.
Established in early 2019, SingMed International Medical Centre is currently one of Phnom Penh's leading healthcare providers as well as the first Singapore-Cambodia medical centre operating in Cambodia.
SingMed collaborates with Cambodian healthcare professionals and industry partners to elevate medical service standards in the country. The centre is well-versed in many medical specialities, such as rheumatology, cardiovascular care, colorectal surgery, dermatology, and family medicine.
Dr Law's visit to Cambodia endeavours to achieve the following outcomes:
By evaluating the current landscape, the collaboration seeks to find clinical gaps in detecting and managing autoimmune diseases, and develop suitable patient care strategies to address them effectively.
During her visit to SingMed, Dr Law was involved in the following:
These initiatives highlight a deep dedication to cultivating professional collaborations that improve treatment outcomes for autoimmune conditions in Cambodia while also raising public awareness on Rheumatology.
The collaboration between AARC and SingMed holds promise for:
This partnership strives to build a sustainable framework for current medical exchanges, ultimately improving the standard of autoimmune care available to Cambodian patients.
Dr Annie Law's visit to SingMed International Medical Centre marks a key step towards elevating autoimmune healthcare in Cambodia. Through shared expertise and collaborative efforts, AARC and SingMed are poised to make marked contributions to autoimmune care in Cambodia, offering hope for enhanced health outcomes for individuals with autoimmune conditions. This will potentially enable more autoimmune patients to regain back control over their health and wellness.
Moving forward, AARC and SingMed will continue to strive to deepen their collaboration by having more medical exchanges and partnerships.
Senior Consultant Rheumatologist and Medical Director at Asia Arthritis & Rheumatology Centre, part of Beyond Medical Group
Prior to setting up her own clinic, Dr Law devoted 12 years of her life to the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at SGH, tirelessly caring for her patients. In recognition of her outstanding service to her patients, she has been duly recognised by SGH with numerous awards. Book a consultation or call for a teleconsultation with her for tailored, expert advice.
Are you suffering from long-term lower back pain? If so, you could have Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) because approximately 5% of people with lower back pain may have spondyloarthritis (a group of inflammatory diseases that includes ankylosing spondylitis).
AS is a chronic inflammatory form of arthritis that primarily targets the spine. The autoimmune condition typically emerges before age 40 and can lead to symptoms like back and large joint pain, stiffness, and restricted movement. In particular, a defining symptom of AS is lower back and buttock pain that worsens with rest or inactivity, often causing pain at night during rest, early morning stiffness or pain after prolonged sitting. In the late stage of AS, the fusion of joints typically leads to a severe decrease in the flexibility and mobility of the spine. This restriction in movement can make everyday activities such as bending, twisting, and even walking difficult.
It is important to note that the severity of AS symptoms may vary among individuals, with some experiencing periodic flare-ups and others facing chronic pain. Over time, AS can affect other parts of the spine and body, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and proactive management.
The exact cause of AS remains largely unknown, but it's believed to stem from a mix of genetic and environmental factors. The main genetic factor linked to AS is the HLA-B27 gene, found in nearly 90% of people with the condition.
However, having this gene doesn't guarantee you will develop AS — only about 1-5% of people with the HLA-B27 gene do. Environmental factors like infections or other triggers can also play a role in the onset of AS.
AS is a relatively rare autoimmune condition in Singapore, AS affects approximately 2 to 10 in 1,000 people. It typically occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood (i.e., between ages 15 and 35) and is 2-3 times more prevalent in men than women. Risk factors contributing to the condition include genetics, family history, smoking, history of previous infections and certain medical conditions (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis and uveitis).
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) affects daily life in several ways:
Unfortunately, there is no cure for AS at the moment. AS is a lifelong disease that typically progresses over time, potentially leading to significant complications if not managed properly. Thankfully, with proper management of their condition, most patients with AS can lead long, fulfilling lives and maintain a good quality of life
When it comes to managing AS in Singapore, there are various treatment options to consider. These may include a combination of medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, as recommended by rheumatologists—medical doctors who specialise in your body’s musculoskeletal and immune systems—in Singapore. For an appropriate treatment plan, consult with a specialist at a rheumatology centre in Singapore, who can provide expert advice and help you navigate treatment options.
AS can significantly impact lifestyle, but patients can maintain a good quality of life with the right approach. At Asia Arthritis & Rheumatology Centre, we advise patients with AS to adopt the following general tips to navigate daily life with AS:
If you're experiencing significant pain or difficulty with movement, don't hesitate to use assistive devices like canes or walkers. These can help reduce strain on your joints and prevent falls.
Engaging in deep breathing exercises can help expand your chest and improve lung capacity, which is often restricted in AS patients due to chest wall stiffness.
Bear in mind that the aforementioned tips are just the rule of thumb. As the condition of each patient varies, our experienced Senior Consultant Rheumatologist will thoroughly assess your individual condition and provide specialised advice accordingly.
While AS can cause permanent damage and loss of motion if not managed properly, it's generally quite manageable with the right approach. Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and lifestyle choices, as highlighted above, are key to keeping symptoms in check and enhancing quality of life. So, don't ignore backache or stiffness that lasts more than three months — seek specialised advice from a rheumatology specialist in Singapore to reduce the risk of complications.
At Asia Arthritis & Rheumatology Centre, Dr Annie Law, our Senior Consultant Rheumatologist and Medical Director, is well-versed in AS. Book a consultation or call for a teleconsultation with her for tailored, expert advice on AS.
Did you know that some types of illnesses are 'invisible' because their symptoms may not be readily apparent to others? Systemic vasculitis is one such example. Vasculitis refers to a group of diseases defined by the inflammation of blood vessels (arteries and veins). The autoimmune condition vasculitis can range from mild to severe, or even life-threatening. There may be some physical manifestations, such as purpura (i.e. the presence of small bleeding points and red or purple discolourations on the skin). However, on the whole, vasculitis is considered an 'invisible' condition because there are fewer highly obvious physical symptoms relative to some other illnesses.
Depending on the type of vasculitis, age group, and gender, some of the possible symptoms include:
If patients exhibit one or more of these symptoms, they should visit a rheumatologist to get an early diagnosis and start treatment. If left untreated, vasculitis can lead to severe complications as it causes inflammation of blood vessels and significantly reduces blood flow to critical organs, possibly resulting in lung and kidney inflammation, aneurysms (abnormal swelling or bulge in the blood vessel wall), and blindness.
Unfortunately, some of these symptoms and complications are not immediately visible to others, contributing to the 'invisible' nature of the disease. Individuals with vasculitis often experience muscle and joint pain, which can be uncomfortable and affect mobility. As a result, some young adults with vasculitis can look healthy but suffer from chronic pain. For instance, many need a seat on the train during their flares. This is why the the Caring SG Commuters Committee rolled out an initiative to offer specially-designed cards and lanyards to commuters with long-term, invisible medical conditions. Such societal support can greatly aid patients fighting against vasculitis.
Rheumatologists will usually advise patients who suspect that they have vasculitis to undergo one or more diagnostic tests to better understand their condition and rule out other conditions that resemble vasculitis. These tests may include:
Currently, there is no cure for vasculitis, but proper treatment can alleviate symptoms and prevent disease progression. In general, rheumatologists prescribe immunosuppressant drugs to control inflammation and prevent complications of the condition and would advise patients to attend regular follow-up appointments.
It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment approach for vasculitis, as treatments should be personalised based on the individual's diagnosis. Patients should consult with a rheumatologist to effectively manage their illness.
If you are seeking a reliable and experienced rheumatologist contact Asia Arthritis & Rheumatology Centre for an appointment or call for a teleconsultation. Alongside a committed and dedicated team, our Senior Consultant Rheumatologist, Dr Annie Law, can help you effectively manage your vasculitis and cope better in your ‘invisible’ battle against the autoimmune disorder.