title: Rheumatologic services in Central Asian countries: current state of development of rheumatology in Central Asia.
abstract: Rheumatologic and public health services of Central Asia's republics have suffered hugely as a result of social and economic declines following the dissolution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and transition of these republics to market economies. Between 1990 and 2000 there was a mass outflow of highly skilled rheumatologists and teachers and researchers in rheumatology to countries abroad, leading to significant deprivation of rheumatological service in Central Asian countries. During this time, there was continued growth of various rheumatic diseases (RDs) including rheumatic fever, and musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders. The medical and social burden of RDs imposed on society was strongly underestimated until recent times. There is an urgent need to define the epidemiology of RDs and their impact on the quality of life of people afflicted by these conditions, and to improve the diagnostics and treatment of these conditions.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medical Science, St. Marianna University, Kawasaki, Japan.
authors.forename: Nazgul A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Omurzakova
authors.forename: Yoshihisa
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yamano
authors.forename: Guli M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Saatova
authors.forename: Surayo M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Shukurova
authors.forename: Mavliuda I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Mirzakhanova
authors.forename: Ryskul B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Kydyralieva
authors.forename: Aynagul S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Jumagulova
authors.forename: Erkin M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Mirrakhimov
authors.forename: Askar Sh
authors.initials: ASh
authors.lastname: Seisenbaev
authors.forename: Kusuki
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nishioka
authors.forename: Toshihiro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nakajima
mesh_terms: D001209:Asia, Central; D006296:Health Services; D006801:Humans; D011634:Public Health / Q000639:trends*; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D012219:Rheumatology / Q000639:trends*