When the last Sars patients were released from hospitals around the world, it seemed the terrible ordeal the victims had endured was finally at an end. Having beaten the disease, the patients who had recovered could look forward to rebuilding their lives.
But for some this has not been the end of their suffering. It has now emerged that a number of former Sars patients in Hong Kong and the mainland have developed a rare bone disease. Avascular necrosis causes bones such as the hip to die and collapse. It is a painful condition, which is difficult to treat in its more advanced stages. And it may have arisen as a result of the drugs they received when infected with the virus.
The bone disease can be caused by the heavy use of steroids, which along with other drugs formed a key part of the treatment given to Sars victims. Even at the time, the use of steroids was controversial as it was known that side effects could occur. So far only around 12 former Sars patients in Hong Kong have been found to suffer from the bone disease.
More disturbing is the revelation by a mainland doctor who has conducted tests at several Beijing hospitals that it has afflicted between a third and a half of health workers who recovered from Sars. Help is needed for the victims.
In Hong Kong, the Hospital Authority is seeking funds for the scanning of former Sars patients to help detect the bone disease. It is essential the screening process is put into place, as early diagnosis and treatment is important. In Beijing, a study of former Sars victims - forming part of an attempt to devise alternative remedies and to recommend drug dosages - is set to be extended.
The emergence of the bone disease is a depressing legacy of the outbreak. It raises questions about the treatment of Sars as we prepare for the possibility of the virus returning this winter.
