Comparative overview of ST-elevation myocardial infarction epidemiology, demographics, management, and outcomes in five Asia-Pacific countries: a meta-analysis.

The aim of this study is to gain insight into the differences in demographics of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients in Asia-Pacific, as well as inter-country variation in treatment and mortality outcomes. Systematic review of published studies and reports from known registries in Australia, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia that began data collection after the year 2000. Supplementary self-report survey questionnaire on public health data answered by representative cardiologists working in these countries.

Palbociclib and beyond for the treatment of HR + HER2- metastatic breast cancer: an Asian-Pacific perspective and practical management guide on the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors.

Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer amongst women worldwide including in Asia where the incidence rate is rapidly increasing. Even with treatment, around 30% of patients with early breast cancer progress to metastatic disease, with hormone receptor positive (HR+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-) breast cancer the most common phenotype. First-line endocrine therapy targeting the estrogen receptor signaling pathway provides a median progression-free survival or time to progression of 6-15 months in HR + HER2- metastatic breast cancer.

COVID-19 pandemic: Practical considerations on the organization of an allergy clinic-An EAACI/ARIA Position Paper.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has evolved into a pandemic infectious disease transmitted by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Allergists and other healthcare providers (HCPs) in the field of allergies and associated airway diseases are on the front line, taking care of patients potentially infected with SARS-CoV-2. Hence, strategies and practices to minimize risks of infection for both HCPs and treated patients have to be developed and followed by allergy clinics.

All together to Fight COVID-19.

Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), named a pandemic by the WHO, is the current global health crisis. National and international collaboration are indispensable for combating COVID-19 and other similar potential outbreaks. International efforts to tackle this complex problem have led to remarkable scientific advances.

Two successful deliveries of healthy children by a young woman diagnosed and treated during induction and relapsed therapy for acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Introduction: Acute promyelocytic leukemia is an oncologic emergency. The limited cases reported in the literature have led to poor understanding of the safety of management of acute promyelocytic leukemia during pregnancy.

Case Report: Herein is an acute promyelocytic leukemia case of a 22-year-old young pregnant woman who had various social problems.

White Paper 2020 on climate change, air pollution, and biodiversity in Asia-Pacific and impact on allergic diseases.

Air pollution, climate change, and reduced biodiversity are major threats to human health with detrimental effects on a variety of chronic noncommunicable diseases in particular respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The extent of air pollution both outdoor and indoor air pollution and climate change including global warming is increasing-to alarming proportions particularly in the developing world especially rapidly industrializing countries worldwide. In recent years, Asia has experienced rapid economic growth and a deteriorating environment and increase in allergic diseases to epidemic proportions.

Drug hypersensitivity reactions in Asia: regional issues and challenges.

There are geographical, regional, and ethnic differences in the phenotypes and endotypes of patients with drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) in different parts of the world. In Asia, aspects of drug hypersensitivity of regional importance include IgE-mediated allergies and T-cell-mediated reactions, including severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), to beta-lactam antibiotics, antituberculous drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and radiocontrast agents. Delabeling of low-risk penicillin allergy using direct oral provocation tests without skin tests have been found to be useful where the drug plausibility of the index reaction is low.

Pan-Asian adapted ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for the management of patients with early breast cancer: a KSMO-ESMO initiative endorsed by CSCO, ISMPO, JSMO, MOS, SSO and TOS.

In view of the planned new edition of the most recent version of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of primary breast cancer published in 2015, it was decided at the ESMO Asia Meeting in November 2018, by both the ESMO and the Korean Society of Medical Oncology (KSMO), to convene a special face-to-face guidelines meeting in 2019 in Seoul. The aim was to adapt the latest ESMO 2019 guidelines to take into account the ethnic and geographical differences associated with the treatment of early breast cancer in Asian patients. These guidelines represent the consensus opinions reached by experts in the treatment of patients with early breast cancer representing the oncology societies of Korea (KSMO), China (CSCO), India (ISMPO) Japan (JSMO), Malaysia (MOS), Singapore (SSO) and Taiwan (TOS).

Understanding the Financial Needs Following Diagnosis of Breast Cancer in a Setting with Universal Health Coverage.

Background: A diagnosis of cancer negatively impacts the financial wellbeing of affected individuals as well as their households. We aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the financial needs following diagnosis of breast cancer in a middle-income setting with universal health coverage.

Materials And Methods: Twelve focus group discussions (n = 64) were conducted with women with breast cancer from two public and three private hospitals.

Using Patient Profiles To Guide The Choice Of Antihistamines In The Primary Care Setting In Malaysia: Expert Consensus And Recommendations.

H1-antihistamines are recognized to be effective for conditions such as allergic rhinitis and chronic spontaneous urticaria. However, management of such conditions in the real-world primary care setting may be challenging due to diverse patient-specific considerations, the wide range of antihistamines available, choice of other treatment modalities, and the complexity of interpreting specialist treatment algorithms. Despite regular updates to international guidelines, regional/national surveys of healthcare professionals show a clear gap between guidelines and real-world practice, particularly at the primary care level.

Drug Coated Balloon-Only Strategy in De Novo Lesions of Large Coronary Vessels.

Objectives: We analyzed the efficacy of drug coated balloons (DCB) as a stand-alone-therapy in de novo lesions of large coronary arteries. DCBs seem to be an attractive alternative for the stent-free interventional treatment of de novo coronary artery disease (CAD). However, data regarding a DCB-only approach in de novo CAD are currently limited to vessels of small caliber.

Real-world experience of first-line afatinib in patients with EGFR-mutant advanced NSCLC: a multicenter observational study.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, side-effects and resistance mechanisms of first-line afatinib in a real-world setting.

Methods: This is a multicenter observational study of first-line afatinib in Malaysian patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients' demographic, clinical and treatment data, as well as resistance mechanisms to afatinib were retrospectively captured.

Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and its associated factors among third trimester Malaysian pregnant women.

Background: Despite perennial sunshine, vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among Malaysians especially pregnant women. This study determines the vitamin D status and its associated factors among third trimester pregnant women attending government health clinics in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Methods: Information on socio-demographic characteristics, obstetrical history, and sun exposure were obtained through face-to-face interviews.

ReGeneraTing Agents (RGTA): A new option for healing and improving treatment outcomes for traumatic and burn injuries of the hand.

CACIPLIQ20 significantly improved the outcomes of severe burn injuries of the hand. Healing was accelerated, with little or no scarring, allowing for greater mobility over the joints and maintained suppleness. Functional recovery was achieved in all cases.

Standards of Practice in Acute Ischemic Stroke Intervention International Recommendations.

After five positive randomized controlled trials showed benefit of mechanical thrombectomy in the management of acute ischemic stroke with emergent large-vessel occlusion, a multi-society meeting was organized during the 17th Congress of the World Federation of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology in October 2017 in Budapest, Hungary. This multi-society meeting was dedicated to establish standards of practice in acute ischemic stroke intervention aiming for a consensus on the minimum requirements for centers providing such treatment. In an ideal situation, all patients would be treated at a center offering a full spectrum of neuroendovascular care (a level 1 center).

Resistance towards metronidazole in Blastocystis sp.: A pathogenic consequence.

Blastocsytis sp. is a protozoan parasite that has been linked to common gastrointestinal illnesses. Metronidazole, the first line therapy, was reported to show frequent inefficacy.

The efficacy and tolerability of scalp cooling in preventing chemotherapy-induced alopecia in patients with breast cancer receiving anthracycline and taxane-based chemotherapy in an Asian setting.

Background: Scalp cooling has been shown in several studies to be an effective method in preventing chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA). Data on the use of scalp cooling in Asian countries are limited, and evidence for its use and efficacy among our patients are not available.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of scalp cooling among breast cancer patients in our study population.

Current state of acute stroke care in Southeast Asian countries.

Acute stroke care systems in Southeast Asian countries are at various stages of development, with disparate treatment availability and practice in terms of intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular therapy. With the advent of successful endovascular therapy stroke trials over the past decade, the pressure to revise and advance acute stroke management has greatly intensified. Southeast Asian patients exhibit unique stroke features, such as increased susceptibility to intracranial atherosclerosis and higher prevalence of intracranial haemorrhage, likely secondary to modified vascular risk factors from differing dietary and lifestyle habits.

ReGeneraTing Agents (RGTA) are a new option to improve amputation outcomes in the recovery of severe hand injuries.

CACIPLIQ20 was used to accelerate the healing process and stimulate the viability of flaps and skin grafts, thereby improving amputation outcomes. An excellent range of motion was achieved with hardly any contracture or scarring. Pain relief and reduced sensitivity was noted, while healing of bone and tendon also improved, resulting in functional recovery.

A clinician's reference guide for the management of atopic dermatitis in Asians.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin condition among Asians. Recent studies have shown that Asian AD has a unique clinical and immunologic phenotype compared with European/American AD.

Objective: The Asian Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Expert Panel on Atopic Dermatitis developed this reference guide to provide a holistic and evidence-based approach in managing AD among Asians.

Standards of practice in acute ischemic stroke intervention: International recommendations.

This article was first published in JNIS. Cite this article as: Pierot L, Jayaraman MV, Szikora I, et al. Standards of practice in acute ischemic stroke intervention: international recommendations.