Details of the Boehringer Ingelheim Summit on Interstitial Lung Diseases 2022.
Boehringer Ingelheim, a German pharmaceutical company, organized the second Interstitial Lung Disease Summit on November 25 and 26 in Dubai.
The conference brought together leading health experts from across the Middle East and Africa to discuss the latest scientific trends to improve clinical outcomes for patients with rare respiratory diseases.
Accredited by the American Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) and the British Academy of Continuing Medical Education (BACME), the conference was a prominent platform for sharing experiences and knowledge on how to treat and manage these rare diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and lung disease , interstitial with progressive fibrosis and interstitial lung disease associated with systemic sclerosis. The conference was attended by 110 doctors specializing in pulmonology, rheumatology and radiology, as well as three distinguished international speakers.
Interstitial lung disease
Interstitial lung diseases are a group of diseases that cause the accumulation of scar tissue in the lungs, which worsens over time, leading to increased difficulty breathing in patients and a decrease in the level of oxygen in the bloodstream. Patients often suffer from deterioration of lung function, which leads to a decrease in their independence and a deterioration in their quality of life.
Although there is no cure for interstitial lung disease, drugs known as antifibrotics are available to patients to help slow the rate of lung damage and make a tangible difference to the patient, but early diagnosis remains a priority. The aim of the conference is to promote dialogue and exchange of experiences between doctors of different specialties on these diseases and to discuss the latest scientific achievements in terms of diagnostics and treatment in order to improve the quality of treatment outcomes for their patients.
During the conference, the panelists reviewed the latest scientific data and concepts on methods of effective detection and effective treatment of interstitial lung disease. Speakers also emphasized the need for a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to increase the effectiveness of treatment for these rare diseases. The conference witnessed the organization of a series of workshops on various topics such as High Resolution Tomography (‘HRCT’) reading to help address the challenges associated with diagnosing symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis in people with interstitial lung diseases such as Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and systemic sclerosis.
Pulmonary fibrosis is one of the most important health challenges
In this context, Mohammed Al-Taweel, regional president for the Middle East, Turkey, Africa and India and head of the human pharmaceutical group at Boehringer Ingelheim, said: Pulmonary fibrosis is one of the most important health challenges facing people with interstitial lung disease. . disease, because it can lead to permanent damage to the lungs, and consequently the patient’s quality of life decreases. Building on our 100-year heritage, we at Boehringer Ingelheim are committed to treating such rare diseases through collaboration and cooperation with the medical community. The Interstitial Lung Disease Summit is a prominent platform for the exchange of knowledge, experiences and the latest scientific data among experts in this field with the aim of developing treatment in clinical practice. Through this important medical event, we will be able to draw practical insights and ideas from experts and physicians of various specialties to determine the best treatment approach that will improve the quality of life of patients affected by such rare conditions.”
Difficulties in diagnosing interstitial lung disease
For his part, Dr. Walid Abd al-Rab Hafez, consultant for joint diseases and rheumatology at Al-Noor Specialist Hospital in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, said: It is difficult to immediately diagnose interstitial lung diseases, because of the various symptoms associated with them. For example: interstitial lung disease associated with systemic sclerosis mainly affects the skin, but symptoms can affect other organs, including the lungs, and can cause the risk of pulmonary fibrosis, thus exposing the patient to life-threatening complications 2,3. In order to manage and control the disease, we as doctors must do our best to reduce the deterioration of the patient’s condition, so early detection is the first step. The importance of events like the Interstitial Lung Disease Summit is to bring together different medical specialties, including rheumatologists and pulmonologists, to discuss the best ways to collaborate and coordinate to improve treatment outcomes.
Pulmonary fibrosis is an obstacle that prevents patients from carrying out normal daily activities
dr. Sania Khan, consultant pulmonary and critical care specialist at the Cleveland Clinic, Abu Dhabi, said: “Pulmonary fibrosis is an obstacle that prevents patients from carrying out normal daily activities and affects their ability to exercise and enjoy their time, which negatively affects their quality of life. . Anti-fibrosis offers an innovative treatment option that will make a difference to the patient, especially if treatment is started early, as it helps to slow the progression of the disease and the deterioration of the patient’s condition. As pulmonologists, we ensure early diagnosis and rapid response by creating a customized treatment pathway for those with interstitial lung disease. In accordance with our duty as scientists and specialized experts, we strive to raise awareness and educate about the most important data and new scientific achievements. Scientific conferences such as the Interstitial Lung Disease Summit contribute to constructive partnerships between members of the medical community to improve treatment outcomes that benefit our patients’ health and improve their quality of life.”
Furthermore, Boehringer Ingelheim organizes a “Specialist Medical Training Program” that supports and empowers local and regional experts by providing international knowledge and best practices in the management of interstitial lung diseases by adopting a multidisciplinary approach. The program provides local and international experts with a pioneering platform to network and explore opportunities for the establishment of specialized centers for the treatment of interstitial lung disease, which is essential to support patients and improve treatment outcomes for their disease cases.
Boehringer Ingelheim launches lung disease website
On the other hand, Boehringer Ingelheim has developed a website in Arabic and English called “Living with Pulmonary Fibrosis”, with the aim of providing useful resources for Arabic-speaking patients to better understand their condition and help them find ways to improve their psychological and physical well-being. state.
