Faculty of Medicine
Clinical and epidemiological research on chronic diseases
Laboratory Director: Khadidja TERKI
Description
1. Laboratory Presentation
Chronic diseases (CDs) are pathologies that are not caused by a pathogen, are non-contagious, and are not the result of trauma. They result from the accumulation and interaction of a set of determinants and risk factors throughout life. They are characterized by their multifactorial origin and shared risk factors, which allow for common prevention strategies. They are defined by a long latency period and chronicity. These diseases are responsible for functional complications and disabilities—often incurable—and require numerous treatment options, or even systematic, long-term care. The WHO defines them as long-term conditions that generally progress slowly and impact the patient's quality of life.
In practice, the concept of chronic disease often refers to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, etc. They are responsible for high mortality rates but can be detected increasingly early or even prevented.
The origin of chronic diseases is generally common and multifactorial. Risk factors are widespread and multiple. The WHO classifies them into three categories:
1. Common and modifiable risk factors, which allow for effective prevention. These explain the majority of deaths from chronic diseases affecting both sexes at all ages worldwide (unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, etc.). The environment, in all its components, is currently considered the most incriminated risk factor.
2. Risk factors not currently modifiable (under research): genetic mutations.
3. Non-modifiable factors: (sex, age, etc.).
The incidence of chronic diseases is increasing. They constitute the leading causes of death globally. The burden they impose and the resulting costs are not inevitable. They hold a prominent place in various health indicators.
The WHO is sounding the alarm regarding the global health and economic burden of chronic disease morbidity, which is evolving particularly in poor, underdeveloped, and middle-income countries. In these regions, Communicable Diseases (CDs) are gradually giving way to non-communicable diseases and certain chronic pathological states (heart disease, stroke). The mistake made in these countries is focusing on communicable diseases while underestimating non-communicable ones.
Chronic diseases have significant economic impacts. The increasingly heavy burden imposed by chronic diseases on the healthcare system is becoming unsustainable given their resurgence. They hinder economic growth and reduce a country's development potential.
We are currently witnessing an epidemiological transition marked by the emergence of new diseases, the re-emergence of others, the association of communicable and non-communicable diseases, and above all, the progression of certain conditions toward chronicity (e.g., Hepatitis B).
In Algeria, the health system is suffering the consequences of an epidemiological transition, which has modified the population's morbid profile. Today, we see a double morbidity characterized by the persistence of communicable diseases and the emergence of chronic diseases affecting nearly 60% of the population. This situation is fueled by a demographic transition characterized by an aging population, as well as a socio-economic and epidemiological transition marked by the high frequency of certain CDs, which even affect young subjects (hypertension, stroke, chronic renal failure, etc.). All these factors weigh heavily on health expenditures and the increased need for patient care, particularly for chronic diseases requiring long and costly management.
The effects of chronic diseases are increasingly felt in Algeria. It is vital that the growing importance of CDs be anticipated and understood, that emergency measures be taken, and that professionals and the general public be provided with the most recent and accurate knowledge and data. This will enable the formulation of decisions and actions to combat CDs and the adoption of new approaches.
The idea of creating a clinical and epidemiological research laboratory is a dynamic element. It will serve as a crossroads for all scientific expertise. It will facilitate exchange between health professionals, as well as training and development in clinical and epidemiological fields. It will enable communication and coordination between different disciplines and the concentration of efforts.
The laboratory's projects and work will aim to increase knowledge of risk factors, pathophysiological determinants, management methods, and the consequences and complications of chronic pathologies; this requires the implementation of multidisciplinary skills.
Research Axes
1. Epidemiology and risk factors of chronic diseases (CDs) and cancers.
2. Clinical study of chronic and inflammatory diseases and cancers.
3. Clinical and epidemiological study of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
4. Training in clinical epidemiology (methodology and biostatistics) and monitoring the evolution and determinants of chronic diseases.
Objectives
1. Study the epidemiology of chronic diseases and identify at-risk populations.
2. Establish a database for CDs (Creation of hospital and population-based registries for chronic diseases).
3. Conduct clinical studies and establish consensus for the management of CDs.
4. Identify acute exacerbations and complications of chronic diseases.
5. Develop prevention strategies.
6. Design programs to meet planning and healthcare needs.
7. Study the quality of life of patients living with chronic diseases and cancers.
Keywords: chronic diseases, epidemiology, risk factors, clinical, research, Algeria.
Chronic diseases (CDs) are pathologies that are not caused by a pathogen, are non-contagious, and are not the result of trauma. They result from the accumulation and interaction of a set of determinants and risk factors throughout life. They are characterized by their multifactorial origin and shared risk factors, which allow for common prevention strategies. They are defined by a long latency period and chronicity. These diseases are responsible for functional complications and disabilities—often incurable—and require numerous treatment options, or even systematic, long-term care. The WHO defines them as long-term conditions that generally progress slowly and impact the patient's quality of life.
In practice, the concept of chronic disease often refers to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, etc. They are responsible for high mortality rates but can be detected increasingly early or even prevented.
The origin of chronic diseases is generally common and multifactorial. Risk factors are widespread and multiple. The WHO classifies them into three categories:
1. Common and modifiable risk factors, which allow for effective prevention. These explain the majority of deaths from chronic diseases affecting both sexes at all ages worldwide (unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, etc.). The environment, in all its components, is currently considered the most incriminated risk factor.
2. Risk factors not currently modifiable (under research): genetic mutations.
3. Non-modifiable factors: (sex, age, etc.).
The incidence of chronic diseases is increasing. They constitute the leading causes of death globally. The burden they impose and the resulting costs are not inevitable. They hold a prominent place in various health indicators.
The WHO is sounding the alarm regarding the global health and economic burden of chronic disease morbidity, which is evolving particularly in poor, underdeveloped, and middle-income countries. In these regions, Communicable Diseases (CDs) are gradually giving way to non-communicable diseases and certain chronic pathological states (heart disease, stroke). The mistake made in these countries is focusing on communicable diseases while underestimating non-communicable ones.
Chronic diseases have significant economic impacts. The increasingly heavy burden imposed by chronic diseases on the healthcare system is becoming unsustainable given their resurgence. They hinder economic growth and reduce a country's development potential.
We are currently witnessing an epidemiological transition marked by the emergence of new diseases, the re-emergence of others, the association of communicable and non-communicable diseases, and above all, the progression of certain conditions toward chronicity (e.g., Hepatitis B).
In Algeria, the health system is suffering the consequences of an epidemiological transition, which has modified the population's morbid profile. Today, we see a double morbidity characterized by the persistence of communicable diseases and the emergence of chronic diseases affecting nearly 60% of the population. This situation is fueled by a demographic transition characterized by an aging population, as well as a socio-economic and epidemiological transition marked by the high frequency of certain CDs, which even affect young subjects (hypertension, stroke, chronic renal failure, etc.). All these factors weigh heavily on health expenditures and the increased need for patient care, particularly for chronic diseases requiring long and costly management.
The effects of chronic diseases are increasingly felt in Algeria. It is vital that the growing importance of CDs be anticipated and understood, that emergency measures be taken, and that professionals and the general public be provided with the most recent and accurate knowledge and data. This will enable the formulation of decisions and actions to combat CDs and the adoption of new approaches.
The idea of creating a clinical and epidemiological research laboratory is a dynamic element. It will serve as a crossroads for all scientific expertise. It will facilitate exchange between health professionals, as well as training and development in clinical and epidemiological fields. It will enable communication and coordination between different disciplines and the concentration of efforts.
The laboratory's projects and work will aim to increase knowledge of risk factors, pathophysiological determinants, management methods, and the consequences and complications of chronic pathologies; this requires the implementation of multidisciplinary skills.
Research Axes
1. Epidemiology and risk factors of chronic diseases (CDs) and cancers.
2. Clinical study of chronic and inflammatory diseases and cancers.
3. Clinical and epidemiological study of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
4. Training in clinical epidemiology (methodology and biostatistics) and monitoring the evolution and determinants of chronic diseases.
Objectives
1. Study the epidemiology of chronic diseases and identify at-risk populations.
2. Establish a database for CDs (Creation of hospital and population-based registries for chronic diseases).
3. Conduct clinical studies and establish consensus for the management of CDs.
4. Identify acute exacerbations and complications of chronic diseases.
5. Develop prevention strategies.
6. Design programs to meet planning and healthcare needs.
7. Study the quality of life of patients living with chronic diseases and cancers.
Keywords: chronic diseases, epidemiology, risk factors, clinical, research, Algeria.
Laboratory Members
TERKI KHEDIDJA
DIRECTRICE LABORATOIRE