News &amp; Updates

The Academy of Medicine Malaysia (AMM) and the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), recently organized a Liver Cancer Awareness Day in conjunction with World Cancer Day 2024. The public event was aimed at bringing the university closer to the community.

Liver cancer focus of this year’s World Cancer Day awareness event at UKM

MHAS highlights age-related muscle loss in rapidly aging Malaysia, urges for prevention

Malaysia is facing a significant demographic shift, with forecasts indicating that by the year 2040, around 15 percent of the population will be aged 65 and above. This growing segment of the population faces a critical challenge—age-related muscle loss, which is detrimental to the pursuit of healthy aging. Presently, one in three adults over the age of 60 suffers from reduced muscle mass, adversely affecting their strength and overall health.

MHAS highlights age-related muscle loss in rapidly aging Malaysia, urges for prevention

New biologic treatment for MS promises to improve patients’ QOL

Ocrelizumab, a humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, is now available in Malaysia. The molecule is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). It targets CD20 marker on B lymphocytes and is an immunosuppressive drug.

New biologic treatment for MS promises to improve patients’ QOL

Alcohol use disorder linked to suicide mortality in men, women

People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) have greater odds of dying by suicide, and this association is consistent in men and women, according to the results of a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Alcohol use disorder linked to suicide mortality in men, women

Lung cancer in HK in 2002–2021: Increasing burden, survival improves but remains low

The University of Hong Kong’s (HKU) comprehensive analysis of lung cancer trends in Hong Kong between 2002 and 2021 reports an increase in crude incidence, a decline in age-standardized incidence, and an increase in survival rates, which, however, remained <40 percent at 5 years.

Lung cancer in HK in 2002–2021: Increasing burden, survival improves but remains low

Older patients with focal structural epilepsy at risk of postictal dysphagia

Older patients with focal structural epilepsy are more likely to experience swallowing problems after seizures, according to a study.

Older patients with focal structural epilepsy at risk of postictal dysphagia

Vitamin B6 best bet against antipsychotic-induced akathisia

20 Mar 2024 by

Mirtazapine, biperiden, and vitamin B6 are all beneficial in the treatment of antipsychotic-induced akathisia (AIA), with vitamin B6 having the best efficacy and tolerability profile, according to the results of a meta-analysis.

Vitamin B6 best bet against antipsychotic-induced akathisia

‘Planet-friendly’ foods help improve cardiovascular health in teens

Eating “planet-friendly” foods may result in better cardiovascular (CV) health in adolescents, according to a study involving European participants.

‘Planet-friendly’ foods help improve cardiovascular health in teens

Clinical nutrition knowledge lacking in some paediatricians

20 Mar 2024 by

Physicians in a tertiary paediatric specialist hospital in Singapore report gaps in their nutritional knowledge, particularly regarding special diet, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and gastrointestinal allergy, according to a recent study.

Clinical nutrition knowledge lacking in some paediatricians

20 Mar 2024

Plant-based diet may lower risk of insomnia