1.Hypercalcaemia and Leprosy: A rare association
Kartini K Rahim ; Agnes Heng ; Felix Yap BB
Malaysian Journal of Dermatology 2011;27(-):13-13
Case summary
A 62 year old gentleman was admitted to medical ward for 2 months history of generalized body weakness, anorexia,
vague abdominal pain, fatigue and multiple erythematous, non-pruritic, scaly patches and plaques scattered throughout
his body associated with nasal stuffiness. These lesions were hypoaesthetic.
Blood investigations revealed a high corrected calcium level at 3.24 mmol/L which explained his acute medical complaints.
Slit skin smear revealed Bacteriological Index (BI) of 1.2 and Morphological Index (MI) of 3.9. Skin biopsy confirmed the
diagnosis of Borderline Lepromatous Leprosy.
Institution of systemic steroids, vigorous intravenous fluid infusion and the implementation of multi-drug therapy for his
leprosy resulted in a relatively swift decrease in reduction of calcium level.
Conclusion
This case report highlights the rare but important association of hypercalcaemia with leprosy. However, other granulomatous
diseases such as sarcoidosis and tuberculosis have higher association with hypercalcaemia.
2.Consensus Guidelines in Usage of Biologics in Dermatology during COVID-19 Pandemic: Biologic Advisory Group Malaysia
Steven Kim Weng Chow ; Siew Eng Choon ; Chan Lee Chin ; Noor Zalmy Azizan ; Pubalan Muniandy ; Henry Boon Bee Foong ; Agnes Yoke Hui Heng ; Benji Tze Yuen Teoh ; Felix Boon Bin Yap ; Wooi Chiang Tan ; Peter Wee Beng Ch&rsquo ; ng ; Kwee Eng Tey ; Latha Selvarajah ; Suganthi Thevarajah
Malaysian Journal of Dermatology 2020;45(2):2-10
The aim of this Biologic Advisory Group (BAG)
Malaysia consensus guideline is to provide
clinicians managing cutaneous diseases with
biologics relevant parameters to consider prior to
initiating or stopping or continuing any biologic
treatment in the current landscape of the COVID-19
pandemic. Besides reviewing the medical literatures
on COVID-19 and evidences related to other
human coronavirus or influenza, expert opinions
and clinical experiences are shared and debated in
formulation of this biologic consensus guideline.