Medical ethics is a system of moral principles that apply values and judgments to the practice of medicine. As a scholarly discipline, medical ethics encompasses its practical application in clinical settings as well as work on its history, philosophy, theology, and sociology. The medical profession has long subscribed to a body of ethical statements developed primarily for the benefit of the patient. A physician must recognize responsibility to patients first and foremost, as well as to society, to other health professionals, and to self. This paper presents some information regarding medical ethics, including the values and principles of ethical conduct. Later the requirements of consent form is presented to guide the researchers before conducting a study.
Ethics, Medical ; Ethics

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is a rare cause of prosthetic joint infection. The diagnosis is challenging especially in cases of latent tuberculosis. QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT®) is an interferon-gamma relative assay (IGRA) which is highly specific and sensitive for detection of MTB infection. We report a case of 76-year-old lady diagnosed with tuberculous prosthetic joint infection following total knee replacement. Histological examination of abnormal synovial tissue taken intraoperatively reveals chronic granulomatous lesion and raised suspicion of tuberculous infection in otherwise asymptomatic patient. The tuberculin skin test, MTB acid-fast stain and tuberculosis polymerase chain reaction were negative. The diagnosis dilemma was solved with positive result of QuantiFERON TB Gold Test. The patient was treated with anti-tuberculous drug without any surgical intervention. At five months follow-up, patient was clinically well with no symptoms and signs of infection
Interferon-gamma ; latent tuberculosis ; mycobacterium tuberculosis ; total knee replacement ; tuberculosis

Mucosal melanomas are malignant tumors from melanocytes found in epithelium of nasal, oral, reproductive and gastrointestinal mucosa of the body.1,2 As early as 1869, cases of mucosal melanomas have been described as rare and aggressive but insidious in nature.3 The mean age of diagnosis in some studies is 60 - 70 years old,1-7 with early detection proving to be a challenge due to non-specific early stage symptoms.1,4 They generally have poor prognosis, high tumor recurrence and high prevalence of tumor metastasis in around 23 - 50%.4,5 Treatment may involve surgical excision, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.6 However, adequate and appropriate treatment can only be initiated once the diagnosis and staging are established through proper imaging and histopathologic support.4 We present one such case.
malignant melanoma

Introduction: Various studies in primary care and hospitalized patients have discouraged routine use of chest x-ray (CXR) in medical examination. Purpose: The study aims to determine the prevalence of abnormal routine CXR and cost of one CXR at a public health clinic and discuss the rationale of CXR in routine medical examination. Methodology: Data of patients who visited Klinik Kesihatan Bandar Kota Bharu (KKBKB), a public health clinic, from 1 January until 31 December 2010 were examined. The study used cross-sectional design. All patients who came for medical examination and CXR at KKBKB were included. Cost analysis was performed from the perspective of provider. Findings: About 63.1% of 8315 CXR films in KKBKB were produced as part of routine medical examination. Prevalence of abnormal CXR was 0.25%. The cost of producing one CXR ranges from RM15.87 to RM32.34. Discussion: Low yield from CXR screening and high cost of CXR are the main concern. CXR screening would also lead to unnecessary radiation; and false-positive screening resulting in physical risk, unwarranted anxiety and more expenditure. CXR screening is appropriately reserved for high-risk patients and those with relevant clinical findings.

Background: Cost-effectivenessstudiesareimportant for chronic diseases such as psoriasis, which may cause significant financial burden and negatively affect the patient's quality of life. Objectives: This study evaluated which among the treatment options, namely topicals phototherapy (TP), topicals + systemic (TS), and topicals + biologics (TB), is the most cost-effective for the management of moderate to severe psoriasis at the Rizal Medical Center's Psoriasis Center Methods: A total of 65 moderate to severe psoriasis patients seen at the Rizal Medical Center's Psoriasis Center in 2021 were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. Chart review was conducted to account all direct costs of treatment. The effectiveness in relation to the overall cost was assessed using the psoriasis area severity index (PASI) and the dermatological life quality index (DLQI). Results: Our study showed that TS is the most cost-effective treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis with the lowest cost per PASI75 and DLQI<5 improvement valued at Php335.36, followed by TP valued at Php 762.87, and lastly by TB at Php 19,058.03. Despite TB incurring the highest cost, all patients in this treatment group showed the highest mean difference of PASI and DLQI. Conclusions Our findings suggest that topical with systemic medication is the most cost-effective treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis
Psoriasis ; Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

Psoriasis is a systematic immune-mediated inflammatory disease where there is an increased cell turnover of the skin leading to scaling, drying, and erythema. The occurrence of pemphigus foliaceus, an autoimmune blistering disease (AIBD) characterized by flaccid bullae and erosions, is rare when concomitantly present with psoriasis. Treatment options for these diseases may overlap. We report a case of a 44-year-old female who presented with both psoriasis and pemphigus foliaceus successfully treated with methotrexate.
Pemphigus ; Methotrexate

Objective: To determine the prevalence of eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic nasal polyps in Filipino patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery. Methods: Design: Retrospective Chart Review. Setting: Tertiary Government Training Hospital. Participants: A consecutive sample of adult patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis at the Rizal Medical Center from 2015-2019. Results: Out of 66 patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery during the study period, 36 (54.55%) had an eosinophilic endotype while 30 (45.45%) had a non-eosinophilic endotype. Conclusion The slight predominance of eosinophilic nasal polyps found in our sample may suggest a contrasting trend compared to our Asian neighbors, who have a predominantly non[1]eosinophilic endotype – Indonesia (90.47%), Thailand (81.9%), South Korea (66.7%) and China (53.6%). However, this predominance is still lower than the 78-88% eosinophilia reported among Caucasians. Larger series may confirm these preliminary findings
Chronic rhinosinusitis ; Paranasal Sinuses ; Sinusitis ; Nasal Polyps

A 51-year-old hypertensive and diabetic male patient, admitted due to acute kidney injury on top of chronic kidney disease, was referred to the dermatology service. He presented with a 3-month history of multiple discrete pruritic papules with keratotic plugs over the extensor aspects of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, initially managed as a case of scabies infestation but medications given provided no relief. Histopathologic analysis of a skin biopsy revealed findings of acquired perforating collagenosis. Resolution of lesions and pruritus were noted after starting on a topical corticosteroid ointment on the lesions, as well as hemodialysis to address the renal failure. Subsequent consults showed no recurrences and only a minor sequela of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

A 51-year-old hypertensive and diabetic male patient, admitted due to acute kidney injury on top of chronic kidney disease, was referred to the dermatology service. He presented with a 3-month history of multiple discrete pruritic papules with keratotic plugs over the extensor aspects of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, initially managed as a case of scabies infestation but medications given provided no relief. Histopathologic analysis of a skin biopsy revealed findings of acquired perforating collagenosis. Resolution of lesions and pruritus were noted after starting on a topical corticosteroid ointment on the lesions, as well as hemodialysis to address the renal failure. Subsequent consults showed no recurrences and only a minor sequela of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Collagen Diseases ; Skin Diseases

Although melanoma only accounts for 1% of skin cancers, it is responsible for most skin cancer deaths. Glioblastoma multiforme, a high-grade astrocytoma, is the most aggressive and devastating primary brain tumor. These two diseases remain to be the biggest therapeutic challenge in both specialties of dermatology and neuro-oncology. A 53-year-old Filipino male who presented with a 2-year history of generalized dark brown and black patches on the body developed weakness and numbness of the left extremities. Biopsy and immunohistochemical staining of the skin revealed nodular melanoma with adjacent regressing melanoma. Biopsy of the intracranial mass showed glioblastoma multiforme. One month after the partial excision of the intracranial mass, the patient expired due to brain herniation. Nodular melanoma and glioblastoma multiforme may occur concomitantly in a patient. A review of the literature suggests a shared genetic predisposition. Its existence carries a poor prognosis and requires early detection to start aggressive treatment.
Melanoma ; Glioma ; Glioblastoma ; Association