News & Updates

Approaches to diagnosis and management of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis

Invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis are two of the most common mould infections, and a growing problem worldwide, particularly amongst those who are immunocompromised. Despite recent advances in the clinical understanding of these mould infections, the mortality rate can increase significantly if these infections are left untreated. Therefore, there is a need for early diagnosis and timely therapeutic intervention. However, diagnosis remains a major challenge owing to atypical or insidious clinical presentation in patients. In this symposium, Professor Cornely shares his insights on the diagnosis and management of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis and his recommendations for optimising patient outcomes, including his preferred evidence-based treatment options.

Nirmatrelvir–ritonavir combo averts hospitalization in high-risk COVID patients

Treatment with nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir appears to reduce the incidence of hospitalization in a highly vaccinated population of high-risk COVID-19 patients in Malaysia, as shown in a study.

Prof Katalin Karikó: mRNA technology a versatile tool to transform the future of medicine

At an honorary degree conferment ceremony held at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and an interview with MIMS Doctor, Professor Katalin Karikó, a pioneer of mRNA technology, suggested that recent advances in mRNA research can provide a versatile tool for combating various diseases.

mRNA vaccines against respiratory infections in children: What’s new?

Despite the striking mortality burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), no active vaccines are currently available to prevent RSV in children, says Dr Sherlock Lai, medical director, Moderna Singapore, at SiPPAC 2023.

Children should stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines

Uptake of COVID-19 vaccine among children 12–17 years of age is high (~80 percent) in Singapore, but for the 5–11-year age group, it is less than 30 percent. This could have been driven in part by vaccine hesitancy among parents. [Front Pediatr 2022;10:994675]

Study supports extended DOAC treatment for venous thromboembolism

For patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) who are prescribed to undergo anticoagulation beyond 6 months, continued direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) treatment is associated with a lower risk of VTE recurrence compared with continued warfarin, as reported in a study.

Vaccination reduces risks of long-COVID and death

COVID-19 vaccination can reduce the risk of long COVID if given before SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Findings suggest that vaccination before infection confers only partial protection in the post-acute phase of the disease. Hence, reliance on vaccination as a sole mitigation strategy may not optimally reduce long-term health consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Cumulative febrile, respiratory illness tied to poor brain development in infants

Cumulative febrile and respiratory illnesses among infants are significantly associated with negative neurodevelopmental and growth outcomes, suggests a recent study.