www.womanthismonth.com September 2016 71 Flamenco Vivo Flamenco dancer, choreographer and singer Luis de la Carrasca held a performance at the Cultural Hall. Performers on stage Luis de la Carrasca Nina, Colin & Tracey Jraia, Elena, Ana & Julia Lisel & Mohammed Viviane, Anna & Steve Len & Hanane Bahrain Gastroenterology and Hepatology Center (BGHC), led by Dr Najah Zayyani at Bahrain Specialist Hospital, conducted two major studies into Crohn’s disease and its prevalence amongst the Bahraini population. Data was collected over 20 years on a sample of 500-plus Bahraini Crohn’s sufferers and researchers in both Bahrain and the US analysed the information. The findings were presented at the 2016 Digestive Disease Week (DDW) in San Diego, an annual meeting attended by medical professionals from around the globe. The 15,000 participants present and share groundbreaking findings, and build on their knowledge of the fast-paced and ever-changing field of gastroenterology. It is a great forum for professionals to learn about advancements in research and technology. Not much is published from the MENA region, and far less from the GCC area. The first Bahrain study, ‘Increasing incidence of Crohn’s disease in all age groups in the Kingdom of Bahrain’, is a retrospective investigation of 525 cases. It revealed an increase in cases from 1990 to 2015 following the global trend, reaching levels similar to those in the US and Europe. The second study illustrated the clustering of the disease among certain Bahraini families, signifying a possibility of common source exposure in their environment. Also clusters of the disease among family members, particularly first-degree relatives, points to the role of genetics. Recent research conducted at BGHC, points to a possible link between Crohn’s and exposure to a zoonotic infection responsible for a similar disease in cattle which may lead to chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract manifesting as Crohn’s disease. The plan is to conduct a study treating Crohn’s patients with a novel combination of antibiotics to control the infection, hopefully offering a complete cure. Call 17 812-000. showcase Local studies have been presented on the international stage. BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL HOPE FOR CROHN’S SUFFERERS Dr Najah, with Dr David Graham, Professor of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, and Dr Kasim Ardati, CEO, Bahrain Specialist Hospital
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