• Demonstration led by world leading medics from Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals  focusing on new diagnostic techniques
• 60 million in the Middle East may be at risk of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and other lung diseases

Dubai, UAE, 25 March 2018:  With the increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases in the Middle East, doctors from Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals (RB&HH), the UK’s largest specialist heart and lung centre, highlighted the latest medical innovations at the UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention Training and Development Centre.

The session was led by Dr. Andre Simon, Director of heart and lung transplantation and ventricular assist devices, Consultant cardiac surgeon at Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and Dr. Peter George, a consultant respiratory physician at Royal Brompton Hospital.

The demonstration showcased a number of new diagnostic approaches for treating Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).

IPF is an interstitial lung disease which is increasing in prevalence throughout the world.

It is a medical condition that has been challenging and a number of treatment approaches have been found to be ineffective.

Worldwide patients are often misdiagnosed with COPD or Asthma for two to three years and is estimated that the region follows the worldwide average.

The session highlighted that the focus now should be on early detection and treatments to improve outcomes for this devastating disease.

During the demonstration, Dr. Peter George and Dr. Andre Simon described the journey that the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital has taken to reach the latest novel treatments and explained how and when to use them effectively.

The doctors discussed practical tips for the Ministry of Health physicians to manage their patients and explored new and emerging therapies providing hope for IPF patients over the next decade.

According to research, as many as 60 million people in the Middle East may be at risk of Pulmonary Fibrosis and other lung diseases*.

Additionally, World Health Organization has stated that the global burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)  increased to 251 million cases of in 2016*. 

'Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital is pleased and honoured to demonstrate industry-leading medical innovations to the UAE Ministry of Health,” said Dr. Andre Simon.

“As one of the world’s largest specialist heart and lung centres, we welcome opportunities to share knowledge with like-minded professionals from around the globe.

Through such collaborations with partners and other professionals in the Middle East region, we are working towards a better future for all those affected by thoracic diseases.'

The demonstration took place during the Gulf Thoracic Congress 2018, which was held las week in Dubai.

It is the ninth joint meeting of the Saudi Thoracic Society (STS) in collaboration with Emirates Allergy and Respiratory Society (EARS), American Thoracic Society (ATS), European Respiratory Society (ERS), Meakins-Christie Laboratories- McGill University, Canada and European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS).

With special participation from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, USA, The Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, UK, and Saudi Society for Respiratory Care (SSRC).