Журнал «Боль. Суставы. Позвоночник» Том 12, №4, 2022
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Звернення заступника головного редактора проф. Г. Реша
Рубрики: Ревматология, Травматология и ортопедия
Разделы: От первого лица
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Invited by Prof. Nataliia Grygorieva, it is my pleasure to write an editorial for this highly esteemed journal. As early as many years ago, I was motivated by Prof. Vladyslav Povoroznyuk, the outstanding medical doctor, scientist, visionary, and, above all, friend, to actively participate in editing this professional journal and have been acting as co-editor ever since. Therefore, I have been following all issues for several years. I have always been trying to contribute articles drawn up by my working group in Vienna. It was also Vladyslav who taught me to understand the diverse cultural heritage of Ukraine. He pointed out to me its ancient Greek roots which are also my roots. Whatever is said about this country at present is difficult for me to understand from the standpoint of this region’s history, mainly because for me the history of this region starts in antiquity and the colonization of the Greeks. Until today, many names of villages but also other terms bear witness to this. The great view of an entire cultural heritage should, in fact, be above low pseudo-geopolitical thinking.
In many cities and at many universities which have been covered by the media now because of inhuman and brutal destruction I held lectures as well as got to know and appreciated highly intellectual people.
We are faced with the worst situation since World War II and nobody really understands why. The events leave us perplexed but not speechless.
In these times, humanity must not be left behind. Austria, the country where I was born, always takes the side of peace and will always be available to help find peaceful solutions to conflicts. This is the way Austria interprets its neutrality.
Our thoughts are with the suffering Ukrainian people. We extend solidarity, assistance, and aid. We are thinking of all of those who fear for their families, friends, and home country. Among them are many of our fellow students and colleagues. The scientific community in Ukraine is seriously affected, the lives of many students and scientists are in danger or they have to seek refuge. Together we want to maintain the valuable and fruitful exchange in medical research with Ukraine as best as possible which has enriched our lives for decades. Students and scientists must know that they are welcome at any time.
In conclusion, let me mention a few medical facts.
Care for osteoporosis patients during times of crisis not war but also the COVID-19 pandemic is challenging. Due to catastrophic circumstances and various restrictions, the management of bone disease and fractures caused by osteoporosis has necessarily changed. An IOF-NOF-ESCEO global survey reported an increase in telemedicine consultations if technical possible during different crises. DXA scans are delayed or not performable and treatment decisions were mainly based on clinical risk factors. Fracture care is almost impossible Moreover, outpatient units were temporarily closed, FLS services ceased and virtual fracture liaison clinics were established.
More than 40 % of clinicians worldwide reported difficulties in arranging appropriate osteoporosis medication alone during the COVID-19 crisis. Around 20 % of respondents reported delays in providing intravenous or subcutaneous medication.
We observed a decline in dispensing of parenteral and oral anti-osteoporotic drugs in Austria only during the first COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, one can imagine that during the war a growing incidence of osteoporosis and all consequences are to be expected.
We share the conviction with the Austrian Academy of Sciences that “science, especially in times of conflict, can contribute to peace, stability and peaceful co-existence of people and associations”. We consider an international exchange of scientists, even under the most difficult conditions, an important foundation for peace in Europe.
Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Journal Pain, Joints, Spine
Heinrich Resch
MD, Professor of Internal Medicine
Medical Department (Rheumatology/Bone Diseases & Gastroenterology), KH Barmherzige Schwestern,
St. Vincent Hospital, Vienna Academic Teaching Hospital, Medical University Vienna