A S U

As part of its community outreach efforts, Ain Shams Specialized Hospital at Ain Shams University, and in celebration of the first anniversary of the establishment of its Center for Muscular and Peripheral Neurological Diseases, held an awareness day on muscular dystrophy at the Ain Shams University Guest House. The event, titled "Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and International Quality Standards," aimed to raise awareness about the disease, its diagnosis, and integrated care according to the latest international standards.

The event was held under the auspices of Prof. Ali Anwar, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Chairman of the Board of Directors of University Hospitals; Prof. Tarek Youssef, Executive Director of University Hospitals; Prof. Hesham Anwar, Director of Ain Shams Specialized Hospital; and Prof. Haitham Abdel-Azim, Deputy Director of the Hospital.

The event was organized by Ain Shams Specialized Hospital and the Center for Muscular and Peripheral Neurological Diseases, with the participation of a select group of professors and physicians from Ain Shams University across various medical specialties.

Prof. Nagia Fahmy, Professor of Neurology and Director of the Neuromuscular Diseases Center at Ain Shams University, began her address by expressing her gratitude to the hospital administration, headed by Prof. Hesham Anwar, for their continuous support and efforts in establishing the Neuromuscular Diseases Center and their role in providing specialized and comprehensive care for patients with muscular dystrophy.

She then presented a comprehensive scientific overview of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, explaining that it is a genetic disease resulting from a gene mutation present at birth and affecting the body's muscles. She emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, given its pivotal role in improving patients' quality of life and effectively managing the disease

The awareness day also saw the participation of several specialist physicians. Dr. Reham Hazem, Professor of Chest Diseases at Ain Shams University, spoke about chest rehabilitation and its importance for patients with muscular dystrophy. She was followed by Dr. Mona Rayan, Professor of Cardiology, who stressed the importance of regular cardiac function assessments, particularly for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Prof. Ahmed Saeed, Professor of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, reviewed the importance of early intervention in treating peripheral deformities.

Dr. Narmin Salah, Consultant in Medical Genetics, addressed the importance of genetic diagnosis and genetic counseling for patients and their families. Professor Hala Abdelhadi, Professor of Physical Medicine, Rheumatology, and Rehabilitation, explained the importance of physical therapy for patients with muscular dystrophy.

Dr. Ahmed Abdel Latif, Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine, Rheumatology, and Rehabilitation, presented the principles of functional assessment for patients with muscular dystrophy. Professor Noha El-Sharnouby, Professor of Anesthesiology, General Care, and Clinical Nutrition, discussed the importance of therapeutic nutrition for patients with muscular dystrophy. The scientific sessions concluded with a lecture by Dr. Hossam El-Doleify, Consultant Anesthesiologist in the Armed Forces, who discussed the precautions that must be followed when anesthetizing patients with muscular dystrophy.

The awareness day was organized in collaboration with several civil society organizations, including the Muscular Dystrophy Patients Association and the Life Association, to support patients and their families and to strengthen the integration between the medical sector and the community.

The event included a video presentation about the establishment of the Muscular and Neurological Diseases Center at Ain Shams University, as well as honoring the center's staff and presenting them with certificates of appreciation for their outstanding efforts.

The event was not limited to scientific and awareness-raising aspects; it also included entertainment for the children with the disease and their families, along with the distribution of gifts and meals, supported by local NGOs, in a heartwarming atmosphere aimed at bringing joy to their hearts and fostering a spirit of support and solidarity.