News & Updates

Lipid profile tied to outcomes in lung squamous cell carcinoma

Among patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) appear to aggravate the risk of worse outcomes, a recent study has found.

Original New Drug Application Approvals by US FDA (01 - 15 October 2022)

New drug applications approved by US FDA as of 01 - 15 October 2022 which includes New Molecular Entities (NMEs) and new biologics. It does not include Tentative Approvals. Supplemental approvals may have occurred since the original approval date.

Antidepressant med may double as sleep apnoea treatment

The antidepressant reboxetine demonstrates therapeutic potential in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), with a recent study showing that the drug helps lower disease severity.

AZD7442 (tixagevimab–cilgavimab) prevents COVID-19 in high-risk populations

Though most COVID-19 safe management measures have been lifted in Singapore, the pandemic continues to adversely impact the lives of immunocompromised patients at high risk of severe infection. 

“It has been an absolute misery for these patients and their families,” said Dr Leong Hoe Nam, Infectious Disease Specialist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Singapore. “The virus is an unseen enemy that may strike unexpectedly. The strike may kill, or if not, maim the individual. Patients isolate themselves for fear of getting infected while their family members fear bringing the illness back home.” 

Immunocompromised patients are those with suppressed immunity resulting from health conditions, including solid organ and haematological cancers, end-stage kidney and liver disease, organ or bone marrow transplants, and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, or those on active treatment with immunosuppressive medications. [Expert Rev Vaccines 2022;1-17; BMJ 2021;374:n2098]

Unilateral pleural effusion mars diaphragmatic function, causes hyperactivity

Unilateral pleural effusion impairs the ipsilateral hemidiaphragm function and sets off compensatory hyperactivity of the contralateral hemidiaphragm, which resolves postdrainage, suggest the results of the second PLeural Effusion And Symptom Evaluation (PLEASE-2) study.

Wearing of e-mask prevents droplet dispersal during bronchoscopy

Use of the novel endoscopic mask (e-mask) during bronchoscopy results in a substantial decrease in the generation of airborne particles without increasing complications, according to a study.

Seropositive non-CTD ILD not linked to improved outcomes, treatment response

Seropositivity in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) without connective tissue disease (CTD) does not seem to contribute to improved outcomes or treatment response, a study has shown.