Mafraq Hospital And Sheikh Khalifa Medical City Doctors Successfully Treat Hypertensive Emirati's Brain Hemorrhage

75 year old Moza Al Balushi, an Emirati woman suffering from hypertension, is recovering well after a successful brain aneurysm coiling surgery, confirmed doctors at Mafraq Hospital and Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) today.

A team from Mafraq Hospital and SKMC, after coordination from the neurosurgery, ICU, anesthesia, cardiology, vascular surgery and neuro-interventional service led by DrHaider-Shah, Consultant Physician at SKMC, diagnosed and conducted an emergency surgery to treat Moza Al Balushi’s ruptured aneurysm which caused a grade 5 subarachnoid hemorrhage, and resulted from the patient’s hypertension.

“Endovascular repair, most often conducted using a ‘coil’ or coiling and stenting, is a less invasive way to treat some aneurysms as compared to traditional methods. As a result, the patient is likely to have a speedier recovery”, said Dr Shah.

The surgical team used, for the first time in the region, a trans-carotid approach to treat a very deeply located, highly irregular appearing anterior cerebral artery aneurysm as well as tortuous arteries and a grade III aorta, which usually makes endovascular treatment almost impossible. “This method is used often in Europe and North America for older patients, but has not been traditionally used in the GCC,” added Dr Shah.

Also for the first time in the region, doctors used an advanced StarClose device for the carotid artery closure after the aneurysm coiling to treat the brain hemorrhage. This device has been used to close the artery after injuries, but has not been traditionally used to close the artery after a neuro-interventional procedure.

Hypertension is the single most important risk factor for stroke and causes about 50% of ischemic strokes and increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke worldwide. The World Health Organization has estimated that high blood pressure causes one in every eight deaths, making hypertension the third leading killer in the world.

The condition, commonly known as high blood pressure, affects 30 per cent of the UAE’s population. Research suggests that hypertension in the UAE is 20% more than the world average.

“The origins of hypertension may be genetic; however for residents in the UAE, it mainly stems from the risk factors that are abundant in the lifestyle here, primarily obesity, diabetes and sedentary lifestyle including unhealthy food habits. The good news is that high blood pressure is both preventable and treatable”, said Dr Shah.

The patient’s nephew, Khaled Mubarak Al Blooshi, commented“My aunt suffers from high blood pressure and, with her age, the brain hemorrhage could have been fatal. The surgeons were very professional in managing the case. Importantly, they gave us several options of surgery and its expected results. Dr Shah was particularly helpful in letting us know the procedure performed, in detail, and updating us on my aunt’s recovery progress. This helped the family members cope with the situation better and gain trust in the doctors and the hospital.”

Dr Shah said, “Hypertensionis commonly underdiagnosed and undertreated in the UAE. Preventive strategies, regular medical check-ups, better diagnosis and proper treatment compliance are important to reduce incidence of strokes and heart diseases in the country. A visit to the doctor every six months is highly recommended. Moreover, if diagnosed early, it can be controlled through diet and medication.”

The pioneering procedure and technique required a multi-disciplinary approach and coordinated efforts of Mafraq Hospital and SKMC clinical teams and administrative team. “It demonstrates how SEHA hospitals are at the forefront of new and innovative procedures, and are leaders in the GCC in the management of such dangerous conditions”, said Dr Shah

Mafraq Hospital and SKMC are owned and operated by the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC (SEHA) and, as such, collaborate often on cases. “Both Mafraq Hospital and SKMC are owned by SEHA which means we have access to specialists at each of our hospitals; we work together to ensure quality patient care and successful outcomes for all our patients, no matter which SEHA hospital the patient enters.” Dr Mohammad Yaman, Chief Medical Officer, Mafraq Hospital, concluded.

Emirate:  Abu Dhabi

Date: Dec 15, 2013

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