Background: The field of medicine is constantly changing. Notable changes occur in the patterns of clinical practice, business of medicine, shift in demographics/generation of the health care workforce, emergence of sub-specialization; and advances in research and technology. These changes can affect the way young physicians establish their practice and this is an area not addressed by the medical education and training. Purpose: There is little data in the literature regarding the experience of young physicians in establishing clinical practice. This study was undertaken to answer the central question: Among physicians in the field of Internal Medicine with or without subspecialty who graduated from training in 2013 to 2018, what were the issues and challenges that they faced as they established their clinical practice in the urban or mixed setting? Methodology: Qualitative research-case study; Key informant interview was conducted among junior Internal Medicine consultants who satisfied the inclusion criteria. Data analysis used thematic analysis consisting of reading, writing notes, describing, and classifying transcripts according to categories and themes. Results: After a comprehensive analysis of narratives, five emergent themes surfaced: “Tough Days” (Period of figuring out the system; Need for Self-introduction; Few patients and Feelings of frustration and depression); “Torn and Divided” (Unpredictable work schedule and workload; Lack of time for issues outside career); “Temporary Debt” (Large start-up cost; Expensive maintenance); “Difficult but Tolerable” (Family support; Call-a-colleague; Debt of gratitude to mentors) and lastly “Dreams and To-do’s”. Conclusions Our respondents have experienced substantial challenges in starting clinical practice. Learning the ways of the healthcare business, effectively promoting oneself to the community, dealing with the emotional turmoil of having few patients, coming up with a strategic schedule and area of practice, and looking for funds and paying it back, were the challenges and experiences of these young medical specialists as they establish their careers in the urban and/or rural setting.
Private Practice

Introduction : Multiple myeloma (MM) causes generalized bone loss leading to lytic bone lesions and pathologic fractures. The increased osteoclast activity and reduced osteoblast function favors bone resorption and decreased bone formation. Vitamin D is vital in regulating calcium homeostasis and osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Defi ciency of Vitamin D among MM patients may complicate bone mineralization problems and fractures. Objective: General Objective:To determine the status of Vitamin D in patients with multiple myeloma Specific Objective: To determine the levels of Vitamin D, intact parathyroid hormone and ionized calcium among MM patients. Methodology : This is a prospective, cross-sectional study which included patients who were 18 years old and above, male or female, diagnosed with MM at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital, with or without treatment. Excluded in the study were those with Vitamin D and calcium supplementation. Eligible subjects were extracted blood for Vitamin D assay, intact parathyroid hormone and ionized calcium. Results: A total of 22 patients with MM were included in the study. Sixteen patients (72.7%) had hypovitaminosis D. Among these sixteen patients, seven (31.8%) had Vitamin D defi ciency (Vitamin D levels <20 ng/mL [50 nmol/L]) and nine (40.9%) had Vitamin D insuffi ciency (levels of 21-29 ng/ mL [52.5-72.5 nmol/L]). Only 6 (27.3%) of them were found to have normal serum Vitamin D (levels of >29 ng/mL [>72.5 nmol/L]). The mean age (p=0.069), intact PTH (p=0.062) and ionized calcium (p=0.188) of the three groups of patients did not differ Conclusion : This study found a high incidence of Vitamin D defi ciency among MM patients seen at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital. Vitamin D defi ciency was independent of age, intact PTH and ionized calcium. It was more common in male subjects. Patients with hypovitaminosis D are at risk of having secondary hyperparathyroidism. Recommendation Vitamin D status should be determined among patients with MM. Early recognition and treatment of hypovitaminosis D will prevent the risk of having secondary hyperparathyroidism that can complicate skeletal-related events.
Multiple Myeloma ; Calcifediol ; Vitamins

Introduction : Monoclonal antibodies have revolutionized the treatment of immune-mediated infl ammatory diseases (eg, rheumatoid arthritis [RA], Crohn’s disease [CD], and psoriasis) as well as malignant diseases. Currently, there are about 100 monoclonal antibodies and even more are expected in the coming years. Knowledge of not only their mechanism of action but also their adverse event profi le is tantamount. One of the distinctive side effects of these drugs is the potential for non-allergic and allergic infusion reactions caused by cytokine release. These adverse reactions should be monitored and managed immediately for patient welfare and safety. General Objective : To determine the prevalence of infusion reaction among patients given monoclonal antibodies at outpatient infusion units of a University Hospital, from July 2015 to July 2017. Methodology : This is a two-year retrospective study at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital (USTH), a tertiary teaching hospital. A chart review of patients seen at the USTH Benavides Cancer Institute (BCI) and Joint and Bone Center (JBC) were gathered. Patients who received monoclonal antibodies namely rituximab, infl iximab, bevacizumab, tocilizumab, belimumab, brentuximab, pembrolizumab, trastuzumab, pertuzumab, nimotuzumab and eculizumab from July 2015 to July 2017 were included in the study. Results : Majority of patients were in the 61 to 70 years age group (25.7%); the median age of the population was 53 years and the majority were females (64.9%). The most common indication for monoclonal antibody infusion is rheumatoid arthritis (28.4%). More than one-fourth of the patients did not receive premedications (28.4%) but a good number (25.7%) received at least two drugs: paracetamol plus diphenhydramine plus corticosteroids followed by 17.6% who received paracetamol plus diphenhydramine. The authors found a signifi cant difference in the occurrence of infusion reaction between those that were given premedications compared to those who were not given premedications (p=0.032). The most common monoclonal antibodies administered were rituximab (28.4%); tocilizumab (23%); and infl iximab (14.9%). However, only rituximab (9.5%), infl iximab (2.7%) and bevacizumab (1.4%) had infusion reactions. The overall incidence rate of infusion reaction to monoclonal antibodies was 14%. The onset was within 2 hours with most infusion reactions occurring in the fi rst cycle. Ninety percent were classifi ed as grade 2 infusion reactions. Management of these reactions included rescue medications and brief interruption of infusion. No hospitalization nor recurrence of infusion reaction on the resumption of infusion occurred. Conclusions The prevalence rate of infusion reaction to monoclonal antibodies was 14% in this present single-center two-year retrospective study. All adverse events were graded mild to moderate (grade 2) in severity, and were all accordingly managed successfully in the outpatient setting.
Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Prevalence

Introduction: Multiple myeloma remains to be an incurable hematologic entity, but with the advent of novel agents more patients experience significantly longer survival. In a third world country like the Philippines, autologous bone marrow transplant after chemotherapy for newly diagnosed cases which is the standard of care is difficult to comply. The management paradigm for myeloma has shifted over the years, hence this study.

Objective: Determine the clinical profile and treatment outcome of Filipino multiple myeloma patients diagnosed and managed at a tertiary institution from January 2013 to December 2018.

Methodology: Retrospective, observational and cross-sectional study of eligible symptomatic myeloma patients.

Results: Data for six years were retrospectively collected from a single tertiary institution. The clinical characteristics at diagnosis, treatment and survival rates of 109 active myeloma patients were described. The median age was 61 years (range, 28-83), with 51.4% being female. Median overall survival was 49.5 months (95% CI 42.7-56.2). The frontline treatments of patients were also analyzed. The combined deep response (complete and very good partial) of our patients at 31.7% was higher than of Asian Myeloma Network Study at 30.9%. None of them yet underwent autologous bone marrow transplantation as of date. Novel agents, especially bortezomib was used in 35.7% and significantly affected overall and progression-free survivals when used as a first line treatment.

Conclusion: This retrospective analysis demonstrated the paradigm shift in the treatment modality of myeloma and the survival outcomes has significantly improved, especially on the best response to chemotherapy. Short of the ideal management in a third world country like the Philippines, we can now set our new standard of care based on the treatments available including novel agents like bortezomib, and the best practices that our institution offers.

Rationale: COVID-19 is a new, rapidly emerging zoonotic infectious disease. Addressing the cytokine storm and coagulopathy associated with this disease can minimize its severity and complications. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) can be potentially used to remove these deleterious cytokines and procoagulant proteins. Objective: This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of TPE as an adjunctive treatment for COVID-19 patients. Research Design and Methodology: A systematic search of databases was conducted utilizing PubMed and Cochrane databases to identify relevant literature until December 31, 2020. All publications were included if they use TPE in COVID- 19 patients. The exclusion was applied in publications written in language other than English, review papers, or on-going clinical trials. No restrictions on age, sex, or clinical setting were applied. The eligible studies were reviewed in full text independently by two authors. Methodological quality and risk of bias assessment were done. The findings from the individual studies were summarized. Results: A total of 21 studies were included. Overall risk of bias was high within and across the studies. All studies reported marked improvement of clinical status and laboratory results after receiving the TPE. The use of TPE among COVID-19 patients resulted in no serious or life-threatening adverse events. Conclusion The available studies on the use of TPE for COVID-19 patients is still limited and evidence is of low certainty. However, based on the available data, it has an encouraging result to be used as effective and safe adjunctive treatment in COVID-19 patients.
COVID-19 ; Cytokine Release Syndrome

Introduction: Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare and aggressive hematologic malignancy derived from the precursors of plasmacytoid dendritic cells. This malignancy presents with various noticeable cutaneous lesions and usually occurs in elderly males. Cutaneous manifestations usually precede leukemic dissemination to the lymph nodes, bone marrow, and peripheral blood which is associated with poor prognosis. Case presentation: We present a case of a 60-year-old Filipino male with a four-month history of multiple hyperpigmented, reddish brown, firm, fixed, non-tender cutaneous nodules on the extremities, trunk, chest, and face. Two large masses was also noted on the left arm and left upper back..Tissue biopsy of the cutaneous mass showed Immunohistochemical stain findings positive for LCA, CD68, CD4, CD56, and CD123 which are compatible with BPDCN. Patient was initially asymptomatic with relatively normal blood count and was treated supportively but serial blood count monitoring showed worsening with progression to acute myelogenous leukemia. Patient was then started on the 7+3 protocol of cytarabine and idarubicine which provided flattening of the cutaneous nodules and improvement of blood counts. However, due to complications of the disease and the treatment, the patient succumbed to severe pulmonary infection and sepsis. Discussion: Due to the varied, non-specific cutaneous manifestations and the similarity in the morphology of the skin lesions with other cutaneous conditions along with the rarity of this disease, there is difficulty in establishing the diagnosis of BPDCN as well as standardizing its treatment. Immunohistochemical stains play an important role in confirming the diagnosis as well as ruling out other differential diagnoses to tailor appropriate treatment. Conclusion Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) generally has a poor prognosis owing to the rapidity of its spread to the bone marrow and peripheral blood. Early diagnosis is essential to initiate early therapy and prevent progression.
Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 disease has strained our healthcare system. Convalescent plasma is an adjunct treatment used in emerging infectious diseases in past epidemics. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the outcome and clinical course of COVID-19 patients who received convalescent plasma (CP) transfusion at Cardinal Santos Medical Center. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort analytical study of 75 patients who received convalescent plasma. RESULTS: Median time from admission to CP transfusion was 3 days. Majority of patients received additional therapies including dexamethasone (100%), antibiotics (100%), remdesivir (95%), hemoperfusion (88%), tocilizumab (65%), or combinations of these. Among the survivors, the median length of stay (LOS) was 15 days while non-survivors had a median LOS of 6 days. One patient (1.33%) had a mild transfusion reaction. Four patients (5.33%) developed deep vein thrombosis despite anticoagulation. There was improvement in the inflammatory markers (LDH p value 0.04, CRP p value 0.00, Ferritin p value 0.0001). There was improvement in the pulmonary parameters - increase in mean PaO2, mean SaO2, and mean PFR; and decrease in mean FiO2 and mean RR post-treatment. Median LOS is 14 days for the CP group vs 11 days for the non- CP group. Mortality rate among the CP group was 25.33% while the non-CP group was 26.67%. LOS and mortality rate did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in mortality and length of hospital stay in patients given CP vs controls. CP when combined with other treatment modalities might have a role in the improvement of inflammatory markers and pulmonary status.
COVID-19 ; Plasma