News &amp; Updates

A new medication has been approved for the treatment of insomnia. Lemborexant (Dayvigo™, Eisai), is a hypnotic agent belonging to the class of drugs known as dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs).

New medication available to help Malaysians deal with insomnia

22 Jun 2023

The relationship between the gut and brain has become increasingly obvious in recent times. Dr. Ryan Tee Chun Keat, a consultant psychiatrist, and Dr. Tan Yu Peng, a consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist, discuss the bidirectional link between the gut and the brain in what is known as the gut-brain axis.

While the gut and the brain are two distinct entities, they are intimately connected. This relationship is not only important for managing emotions and stress, but also for digestion. Due to the microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that reside in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, each individual has a unique gut microbiome (environment). These microbiomes vary based on diet, lifestyle, and other factors, and they can affect various aspects of health, including appetite, weight, and even mood.

The relationship between the gut and brain has become increasingly obvious in recent times. Dr. Ryan Tee Chun Keat, a consultant psychiatrist, and Dr. Tan Yu Peng, a consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist, discuss the bidirectional link between the gut and the brain in what is known as the gut-brain axis.

Pregnancy-associated cancers pose elevated mortality risk

Individuals diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy or postpartum appear to have increased overall 5-year mortality, although this is only true for specific cancer sites, according to a study.

Pregnancy-associated cancers pose elevated mortality risk

Tuberculosis isn't as common as it once was, or is it?

Professor Dr James Koh, head of the Division of Medicine, School of Medicine, International Medical University, gives a refresher on tuberculosis (TB) and reminds HCPs to always be on the lookout for the disease.

Tuberculosis isn't as common as it once was, or is it?

Survey reveals ED awareness prevalent, rarely discussed nor treated

While erectile dysfunction (ED) knowledge is widespread, many are reluctant to act on their condition, reveals a new survey.

Survey reveals ED awareness prevalent, rarely discussed nor treated

Dr Eni Juraida Abdul Rahman, consultant paediatrician and paediatric haematologist and oncologist, talks about kidney cancer in children, specifically Wilm’s tumour, and how proper treatment can bring about remission in most patients.

Kidney cancer is a rare illness among children as it only makes up 7 percent of all childhood cancers. Among the subtypes of kidney cancer in children, Wilms’ tumour is the most prevalent form. These usually afflict children under the age of 5. They are caused by mutations in kidney cells that emerge typically after birth and commonly affect only one kidney. Nonetheless, it can be discovered in both kidneys in 5 to 7 percent of instances, and most of the cases are sporadic.

Dr Eni Juraida Abdul Rahman, consultant paediatrician and paediatric haematologist and oncologist, talks about kidney cancer in children, specifically Wilm’s tumour, and how proper treatment can bring about remission in most patients.

SGLT2 inhibitors score big, this time in gout

Patients initiated on gliflozins or flozins – also called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors – for type 2 diabetes (T2D) who were previously on metformin had reductions in the incidents of gout of up to 60 percent compared with other second-line agents in a recent study.

SGLT2 inhibitors score big, this time in gout

22 Jun 2023

Vasomotor symptoms precede weight gain in women

Frequent vasomotor symptoms (VMS) appear to be associated with subsequent weight gain in middle-aged women, according to a study.

Vasomotor symptoms precede weight gain in women

Does 25(OH)D serum level affect renal function?

Increased serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) show a significant association with genetically predicted chronic kidney disease (CKD), increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), reports a Europe study. However, 25(OH)D appears to have no causal effect on renal function.

Does 25(OH)D serum level affect renal function?

Cannabis use in SG often begins during adolescence

21 Jun 2023 by

Use of cannabis among Singaporeans usually starts during teenage years, primarily because of peer influence, reveals a study. Later in life, these users may progress to other illicit drugs such as heroin.

Cannabis use in SG often begins during adolescence