Tag: Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University

As part of the continuing celebration of the 95th anniversary of S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University and the 90th anniversary of Professor S.K. Kaishybayev’s legacy, the Department of Neurology at KazNMU hosted an educational seminar focused on spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in adolescents and adults. The event took place on June 12–13 and was held within the framework of a cascade training initiative aimed at improving practical healthcare, in alignment with the Roadmap for Enhancing Neurological Care for the Adult Population of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan (No. 03324, dated January 23, 2025).

The seminar was organized with the support of the “Association of Neurologists” of Kazakhstan and the Institute of Continuing Professional Education at KazNMU.

Understanding Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

Spinal muscular atrophies (SMA) comprise a group of inherited neuromuscular disorders characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the anterior horns of the spinal cord and brainstem motor nuclei, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. While SMA typically presents in infancy or childhood, there are adult-onset forms that emerge between the ages of 30 and 60 and progress slowly, primarily affecting proximal muscle groups. Diagnosis is confirmed through genetic testing. Notably, despite the physical decline, patients with SMA retain normal intellectual function.

Seminar Highlights

The seminar was led by Dr. S.T. Turuspekova, Head of the Department of Neurology at KazNMU, together with Prof. G.A. Mukhambetova, Assoc. Prof. R.B. Nurzhanova, Dr. N.A. Zharkynbekova (Head of the Department of Neurology, Psychiatry, Neurorehabilitation and Neurosurgery, South Kazakhstan Medical Academy), and Dr. B.D. Myrzalieva (Senior Lecturer, Department of Neurology, Kazakh-Russian Medical University).

Key topics discussed during the seminar included:

• Epidemiology and diagnostic approaches to SMA
• Common misdiagnoses masking SMA cases
• Advances in pathogenetic therapy
• Recent data on treatment response evaluation
• Intrathecal drug administration and its therapeutic advantages
• The importance of continuity in care and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment

The program also featured detailed case studies, video and photo materials from the personal archives of the speakers, and hands-on training in the functional assessment of SMA patients. Participants practiced using standardized tools such as RULM, HFMSE, and the 6MWT. A live demonstration was conducted with a real patient who had given prior consent to participate in the training.

Participant Feedback

A total of 25 neurologists from various regions across Kazakhstan—including Kokshetau, Astana, Kostanay, Kyzylorda, Shymkent, Zhetysu, Aktobe, Taraz, Semey, Shu, Petropavlovsk, and Almaty—attended the seminar. The attendees praised the high level of professionalism and expertise of the speakers and emphasized the importance of such educational events in raising awareness and enhancing care standards for patients with SMA across the country.

The Department of Nervous Diseases at S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University continues its series of educational events dedicated to the university’s 95th anniversary and the 90th anniversary of the memory of Professor S.K. Kaishibayev. On June 17, 2025, a master class was held in the city of Aktau as part of the cascade training method for practical healthcare professionals. The event was implemented in accordance with the Roadmap for Improving Neurological Care for the Adult Population of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2025–2027 (No. 03324 dated January 23, 2025). The session was supported by the “Association of Neurologists” of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Health Department of the Mangystau Region, and the Mangystau Regional Multidisciplinary Hospital.

The master class was conducted by Professor G.A. Mukhambetova and Associate Professor R.B. Nurzhanova from the Department of Nervous Diseases at KazNMU. During the event, participants were introduced to the key diagnostic criteria for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), as well as the possibilities for comprehensive treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term monitoring of adult patients with SMA using international clinical assessment tools, including the Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM), Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE), and the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). The educational program aimed to enhance the qualifications of physicians working with patients suffering from rare neurological diseases. Particular focus was given to modern approaches in evaluating motor function, planning therapy, and monitoring treatment effectiveness.

The management of adult patients with SMA is gaining increasing importance in today’s neurological and multidisciplinary practice. This growing relevance is driven by several factors. Advances in early diagnosis and the introduction of effective disease-modifying therapies—such as nusinersen, risdiplam, and onasemnogene abeparvovec—have significantly improved life expectancy, particularly for individuals with SMA types I and II. As a result, more patients are living into adulthood, necessitating a transition in care from pediatric to adult services.

However, adult healthcare systems have not always been fully prepared for this shift. Historically seen as a pediatric disorder, SMA often leaves adult patients “in the gap” following adolescence, without structured continuity of care between pediatric and adult neurologists. This can lead to disruptions in medical supervision, deterioration in clinical condition, and the loss of previously achieved functional progress.

In adults, the clinical course of SMA tends to differ from that in children. Disease progression is slower but still marked by a steady decline in function, along with orthopedic complications, respiratory impairments, and decreased endurance. There is often a psychological and emotional burden due to social isolation and reduced quality of life. These unique challenges call for a systematic and holistic monitoring approach, including the use of validated international functional scales, regular assessment of respiratory function, digestive health, nutritional status, pain levels, and psychosocial adaptation. Effective care requires the involvement of a multidisciplinary team including neurologists, pulmonologists, orthopedists, nutritionists, psychologists, and other specialists.

Access to treatment remains a critical issue, with many adult patients still facing barriers due to age, disease stage, or insufficient physician awareness. Nonetheless, adults have the same right to full-scale care and therapy as pediatric patients. Social and vocational rehabilitation is also vital. Given the chronic nature of SMA, support must go beyond medical treatment to include assistance with education, employment, accessible environments, personal development, and mental well-being.

Participants in the master class emphasized that the training marked a significant step forward in strengthening expert care for adults with SMA in Kazakhstan. “We not only mastered international assessment tools,” one attendee shared, “but also discussed how to apply them in real-world clinical settings. This will allow us to more accurately track disease progression and tailor treatment strategies to each patient.” The knowledge gained from the session is expected to be incorporated into the practice of specialized medical centers and form the basis for a multidisciplinary approach to adult SMA care across the country.

On April 7, 2025, in celebration of World Health Day, the S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University (KazNMU) once again demonstrated its role as a national leader in promoting a culture of wellness and active living. In a vibrant and uplifting series of events, the university brought together students, faculty, and healthcare professionals in a shared commitment to health — not only as a field of study, but as a lived, everyday practice.

From the early hours of the morning, Karagaily Park and the square in front of the Rector’s Office were filled with energy, music, and movement. Participants of all ages and roles within the university community — from enthusiastic students to professors and staff — came together in a dynamic flashmob-style morning workout. This lively gathering created a powerful atmosphere of unity, motivation, and vitality. With every synchronized stretch and coordinated movement, the event sent a strong message: that health is born in motion, that energy arises from community, and that wellness is a habit, not a coincidence.

The initiative didn’t stop in the central locations. Across all university clinics, healthcare professionals stepped out of their usual settings and into open public spaces to participate in morning workouts of their own. Dressed in scrubs, lab coats, and sportswear, they proved by example that even those who care for others must care for themselves first. These outdoor activities weren’t just symbolic — they were sincere efforts to model a lifestyle that prioritizes health as a conscious, daily choice. By doing so, they reminded the public that medical professionals are not only caregivers but also role models in the ongoing pursuit of wellness.

At KazNMU, the message is clear: health is not just something we talk about — it’s something we embody. Sport is more than just physical movement; it is a path toward resilience, clarity, and sustainability, both personally and professionally. This understanding is deeply rooted in the university’s philosophy, where education and healthy living go hand in hand. The World Health Day celebration served not only as an opportunity to raise awareness but also as an invitation to make movement a meaningful and lasting part of everyday life.

This day also served as a reminder that, in a world increasingly dominated by screens and sedentary routines, the simple act of moving our bodies together can be revolutionary. It is a way of reclaiming energy, reconnecting with ourselves, and reinforcing a shared commitment to a better, healthier future. Each participant, through their presence and effort, contributed to something greater — a collective spirit that transcends a single day or event.

KazNMU extends its sincere gratitude to everyone who joined this initiative, who inspired others by showing up, and who proved that change begins with small, consistent actions. The hope is that this celebration will spark a new tradition — one that replaces passivity with purpose, and routine with ritual. Let this morning’s workout be more than a memory; let it be the beginning of a movement — one that continues to grow with each step, stretch, and smile.

Today, KazNMU didn’t just host an event. It set a rhythm. A rhythm of responsibility, of unity, of proactive care for the body and mind. The university reminded everyone that health is not seasonal or situational — it is the foundation of everything else we strive for. Through shared movement and mutual support, KazNMU painted a vivid picture of what a healthy nation can look like — one step, one heartbeat, one community at a time.

As World Health Day comes to a close, what remains is the uplifting energy of participation, the joy of movement, and the shared hope that this momentum will carry forward into every day that follows. May this event be remembered not only as a celebration but as a call — a personal victory over inertia, and a collective step toward a future where health is lived, not just learned.

Department of Nervous Diseases of Asfendiyarov KazNMU continues its series of educational events for healthcare practitioners dedicated to the 95th anniversary of our esteemed university and the 90th anniversary of Professor S.K. Kaishibaev’s memory.

On February 20, a webinar on the topic “The Role of Adjuvants in Pain Syndrome Therapy” was held for neurologists, general practitioners, therapists, and residents. The webinar was conducted by the Head of the Department of Nervous Diseases at KazNMU, Chief Neurologist of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Turupekova S.T.

The definition of pain provided by experts from the International Association for the Study of Pain is as follows: “An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage.”

Pain can occur not only due to tissue damage but even in the absence of any damage, highlighting the significant role of psychological factors in the formation and maintenance of pain.

Pain syndromes occupy a predominant position in the structure of neurological and rheumatological diseases. Pain is the most common reason for patients seeking emergency medical care—accounting for 52% of cases. However, 30% to 80% of patients do not receive adequate pain relief.

Back pain remains a leading cause in the structure of non-infectious diseases regarding years of life lost due to persistent health deterioration. It is one of the most common complaints among working-age individuals. Throughout life, dorsalgia occurs in 70–90% of the population in developed countries and is noted annually in 20–25% of people. Dorsalgia, or back pain, is a clinical syndrome caused by various factors. Pain can result from diseases and injuries of the discs (disc protrusion, herniation) and intervertebral joints (facet joint osteoarthritis), among other conditions.

The number of people experiencing back pain has risen dramatically in recent decades, making it the most common complaint worldwide. Most domestic and international studies indicate no clear link between the severity of degenerative-dystrophic morphological changes in the spine and the presence or intensity of back pain. Notably, MRI findings of intervertebral disc pathology are often observed in healthy individuals, and clinical studies have repeatedly shown that detecting pathological changes in intervertebral discs does not necessarily predispose individuals to back pain over time. Importantly, inadequate or delayed treatment of acute pain can lead to its transformation into chronic pain and the development of pain behavior, perpetuating and sustaining the pain cycle, ultimately leading to patient maladaptation.

What is an Adjuvant?

The term translates to “helping” or “supporting.” In other words, it refers to a substance or combination of substances used to enhance a response. Adjuvant therapy can have two meanings:

1. Serving as assistance or support: auxiliary.

2. Enhancing the effectiveness of medical treatment.

The first use of adjuvant therapy was by American oncologist Emil Frei in the early 1970s. He administered a course of postoperative chemotherapy to a patient with bone sarcoma. The experiment was successful, and today adjuvant therapy is part of treatment protocols for many oncological diseases.

In modern medicine, adjuvant medications are an integral part of pain syndrome therapy, helping to increase treatment effectiveness, reduce the dosage of primary analgesics, and minimize side effects. During the event, Saule Turuspekova provided a detailed explanation of the mechanisms of action of adjuvants, their role in comprehensive pain management, and their application for various pathological conditions.

Key questions discussed included:

• What groups of drugs are considered adjuvants, and how do they work?

• When and for whom should adjuvant therapy be prescribed?

• Current scientific data and clinical guidelines on the use of adjuvants.

The webinar was attended live by 80 specialists from various regions, and a recording of the webinar is also available for viewing.

The webinar was held with informational support from Unipharm and the MedQ Kazakhstan platform.

On January 22, 2025, doctors at the University Clinic of the Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University (KazNMU) successfully performed a remarkable corneal transplant surgery, giving two patients a new chance at better vision. The donor corneas were harvested from a deceased 55-year-old man, whose family made the generous decision to donate his organs and save multiple lives.

The surgeries were conducted as part of a masterclass for local ophthalmologists and medical residents, offering them an opportunity to learn advanced surgical techniques in corneal transplantation. Marat Suleimenov, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at KazNMU, explained the significance of this case, highlighting the rarity of local donors. “Unfortunately, since 2015, we have had limited access to donor materials due to a lack of public awareness and the reluctance to give consent for organ donation,” Suleimenov said. He emphasized that this successful procedure was a result of the family’s willingness to donate not only the corneas but also the heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs. These additional organ transplants were carried out in collaboration with the Kazakh Research Institute of Cardiology and Internal Diseases and the A.N. Syzganov National Scientific Center of Surgery. Through their decision, the donor’s family contributed to saving several lives.

Currently, Kazakhstan faces a significant shortage of donor materials, forcing local clinics to rely on imported corneas from the United States. This situation has made it difficult to meet the growing demand for transplants. As Suleimenov pointed out, nearly 1,000 patients in Kazakhstan are currently in need of corneal transplants, 25% of whom are children. The surgeries performed with local donor organs highlighted the importance of raising awareness about organ donation within the country.

The masterclass provided during the surgeries not only helped the patients but also played a key role in training local medical professionals. By observing the procedures firsthand, ophthalmologists and residents gained valuable experience that will allow them to apply these techniques independently in the future. This training is seen as a crucial step in improving the overall level of ophthalmic care and reducing reliance on foreign expertise.

The successful transplants would not have been possible without the ongoing support of the Qazaqstan Khalqyna Foundation, which has played a vital role in funding similar procedures. To date, the foundation has helped facilitate 243 corneal transplants, providing many patients with the gift of restored vision. However, much work remains, as the current demand far exceeds the number of available donor organs.

Organ donation in Kazakhstan is still a sensitive issue, with many families hesitant to give consent due to a lack of awareness or cultural beliefs. Medical professionals and public health advocates are calling for comprehensive public awareness campaigns to address these issues and encourage more families to consider donation. By educating the population on the life-saving potential of organ transplants, they hope to create a culture of acceptance and cooperation.

This recent case also demonstrated the efficiency of Kazakhstan’s medical system in coordinating organ transplants across multiple institutions. The seamless collaboration between different hospitals ensured that the donated organs were quickly allocated to patients in critical need, maximizing their impact. It also showcased the country’s potential to expand its organ transplant program through increased public participation.

KazNMU Rector Marat Shoranov emphasized the importance of such partnerships and innovative practices for the future of Kazakhstan’s healthcare system. He noted that collaboration with international organizations and local initiatives would help improve both the quality and accessibility of medical services. Shoranov expressed hope that the success of this case would inspire more families to give consent for organ donation and help close the gap between the number of patients in need and the availability of donor organs.

The recent corneal transplant surgeries serve as a powerful example of how organ donation can save lives and improve the quality of life for many individuals. The two patients who received new corneas now have the chance to restore their vision and lead more fulfilling lives. At the same time, the other recipients of the donor’s heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs have received life-saving transplants, highlighting the profound impact of one family’s decision.

As Kazakhstan continues to develop its organ transplant capabilities, medical professionals remain optimistic that increased public awareness, ongoing support from organizations like the Qazaqstan Khalqyna Foundation, and improved training for local doctors will lead to a more sustainable and effective transplant system. The hope is that, in the future, cases like this will become more common, ensuring that those in need of transplants can receive timely and life-changing medical interventions. The success of this operation is a step toward that vision, demonstrating the power of organ donation to create new beginnings.