Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, a part of the M42 group, has successfully introduced a treatment for “continuous infusion” to address advanced Parkinson’s disease, making it the first medical center in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to offer this advanced treatment option and opening up new therapeutic possibilities for patients in the region.
The treatment of “continuous infusion” serves as an advanced therapeutic alternative for those patients who are not eligible for deep brain stimulation surgery or prefer to avoid surgical solutions, with eligibility expanding to include all patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease.
This treatment involves continuous subcutaneous infusion of a drug mixture of “carbidopa and levodopa,” which are the gold standard for treating the disease through a precise pump that works continuously throughout the day, ensuring stable drug concentration in the body and precise and continuous control over symptoms.
This approach represents a significant leap in patient comfort, with the need for periodic follow-ups reduced to just once every six months, compared to the intensive visits required for deep brain stimulation surgeries, reflecting on the long-term comfort and stability of the patient.
A specialized team of elite neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, and supporting medical professionals oversee the implementation of this treatment in a comprehensive system that provides precise and continuous care around the clock.
Dr. Georges Pascal Habre, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, emphasized that the introduction of continuous infusion treatment for Parkinson’s disease in the UAE and the GCC countries represents a pivotal milestone in advancing patient care and improving their therapeutic outcomes in the region, noting the increasing prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases necessitates innovative therapeutic solutions tailored to meet each patient’s individual needs.
Dr. Shefam Om Meetal, a neurology consultant at the Neurology Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, underscored the importance of this achievement and the hospital’s commitment to providing a comprehensive range of advanced therapeutic options for Parkinson’s patients, from traditional oral drug treatments, through deep brain stimulation surgeries, to this modern treatment option, ensuring a precise and integrated treatment plan for each patient according to their specific health condition, with continuous care and support provided at different treatment stages.
The continuous infusion system resembles an insulin pump mechanism, consisting of a small device the size of a mobile phone connected to a thin tube implanted under the skin to continuously pump medications day and night, maintaining the drug concentration in the body and significantly alleviating movement disorders and imbalances.
This revolutionary innovation provides patients with a high level of stability and independence, significantly enhancing their quality of daily life. The simple device design and ease of use facilitate patient and caregiver adaptation alike.
Parkinson’s disease is one of the fastest spreading neurological disorders worldwide, with estimates indicating a doubling of the number of affected individuals by 2040, with statistics showing that 1% of people over the age of 60 are affected by the disease, with increasing incidence rates among younger age groups under 50.
Since the start of deep brain stimulation surgery implementation at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi in 2019, the hospital has successfully performed 100 procedures of this kind.
Through a multidisciplinary approach combining neurology, surgery, rehabilitation, and supportive medical specialties, the hospital continues to establish new standards in developing advanced treatments that enhance health outcomes and improve quality of life for patients in the region.