News & Updates

Depression tied to cold-induced blood pressure elevation

Individuals with depressive symptoms are more susceptible to cold-induced increase in their blood pressure (BP) compared to nondepressive counterparts, suggests a Japan study.

Successful mass recall of losartan in SG hinges on timely intervention, coordination

Singapore has completed a mass medical recall of the tainted angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) losartan due to reported elevated levels of potentially carcinogenic nitrosamine impurities. Its success has been credited to timely intervention, cross-departmental coordination, effective communication, and judicious resource allocation, according to a recent study.

Risk-taking seems lower among people born preterm

Individuals born preterm appear to have a lower propensity for risk-taking behaviours, particularly in sexual and criminal domains, a new study has found.

Varenicline–lorcaserin combo falls short of preventing weight gain after quitting smoking

Treatment with the combination of varenicline and lorcaserin does not appear to benefit people who have long ceased cigarette smoking in terms of suppressing increases in weight and waist circumference, according to the results of a phase II trial.

Triple-drug combo reduces HbA1c in T2D

Adding evogliptin, a novel dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, to dapagliflozin and metformin significantly reduced HbA_1c level in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2D), according to a study presented at EASD 2022.

Spirulina improves visual memory and vocabulary in mild cognitive impairment

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of Spirulina maxima extract has found significant improvements in visual learning and memory as well as enhanced vocabulary in over 60-year-olds with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

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]