Ann Acad Med Singap
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Ribonucleic acid (RNA) therapeutics hold great potential for the advancement of dermatological treatments due to, among other reasons, the possibility of treating previously undruggable targets, high specificity with minimal side effects, and ability to include multiple RNA targets in a single product. Although there have been research relating to RNA therapeutics for decades, there have not been many products translated for clinical use until recently. ⋯ This article aims to provide insight on (1) the wide-ranging possibilities of RNA therapeutics in the field of dermatology as well as (2) how key challenges can be addressed, so as to encourage the development of novel dermatological treatments. We also share our experience on how RNA therapeutics have been applied in the management of hypertrophic and keloid scars.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Feb 2024
Defining breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) prevalence and risk factors: A pragmatic approach to lymphedema surveillance.
We presented the key findings from Singapore's Changi General Hospital Breast Centre's lymphedema surveillance strategy that used patients' reported symptoms, standard arm circumference measurements and clinical assessment in the diagnosis of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Our secondary aim was to highlight and discuss important elements of a surveillance strategy that can be implemented to track this outcome measure of breast cancer treatment for future research. ⋯ Our study showed that our rates of BCRL were comparable to international rates and highlighted similar patient profiles who were at risk of developing the disease. Having a comprehensive lymphedema surveillance strategy is paramount in paving the way for future studies.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Feb 2024
Effect of drug interactions with non-vitamin-K oral anticoagulants on thromboembolic events in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
Few real-world studies have investigated drug-drug interactions (DDIs) involving non-vitamin-K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). The interactions encompass drugs inducing or inhibiting cytochrome P450 3A4 and permeability glycoprotein. These agents potentially modulate the breakdown and elimination of NOACs. This study investigated the impact of DDIs on thromboembolism in this clinical scenario. ⋯ For patients with NVAF receiving NOACs, the concurrent use of cytochrome P450 3A4/ permeability glycoprotein inducers increases the risk of thromboembolic events.