1.Allergic Contact Dermatitis in a private practice Dermatology Clinic in Ipoh: A Seven-Year Retrospective Study
Henry BB Foong ; Elizabeth M Taylor ; N Ibrahim
Malaysian Journal of Dermatology 2007;19(-):47-49
Patch testing has been accepted as the most important investigative technique of assessing allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and identifying the contact allergens. The epidemiology of ACD differs in
different geographic region as the environmental allergens vary in different populations. In this study 59.8% of the patients had a positive patch test reaction to one or more allergens. The prevalence of ACD was 64.7% in women and 51.4% in men. The commonest causes of ACD were nickel (30.4%), fragrance mix (18.16%) and balsam of Peru
(6.73%).
2.Economic Burden of the Inadequate Management of Allergic Rhinitis and Urticaria in Asian Countries Based on the GA²LEN Model.
Kanokvalai KULTHANAN ; Supinda CHUSAKUL ; Marysia Tiongco RECTO ; Ma Teresita GABRIEL ; Derrick Chen-Wee AW ; Narayanan PREPAGERAN ; Alson WONG ; Jern Lin LEONG ; Henry FOONG ; Vo Thanh QUANG ; Torsten ZUBERBIER
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research 2018;10(4):370-378
PURPOSE: Across Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, (referred to as Asia) approximately 30–53 million individuals of the 151 million employed suffer from allergic rhinitis (AR) and urticaria. It is estimated that approximately 90% of patients with these allergic conditions are insufficiently treated, impacting the socioeconomic burden in terms of absence from work and decreased productivity. This study aims to estimate the socioeconomic burden of allergies in Asia and the cost savings that their adequate management can provide. Due to the limited availability of regional data, this study focused AR and urticaria in selected countries. METHODS: Published literature, information from statistical bureaus, clinician surveys and extrapolation of selected data from the European Union were used to determine the socioeconomic costs of AR and urticaria. RESULTS: Many patients in Asia suffer from perennial allergies and experience symptoms of AR and urticaria for up to 298 days per year. An estimate of the indirect costs of patients insufficiently treated for AR and urticaria amounts to USD 105.4 billion a year, which equates to USD 1,137–2,195 per patient due to absenteeism and presenteeism. Adherence to guideline-approved treatment can lead to estimated savings of up to USD 104 billion. CONCLUSIONS: The current study suggests that within Asia, the socioeconomic impact of AR and urticaria is similar to that seen in the European Union in spite of the lower wages in Asia. This is due to the mainly perennial allergens prevailing in Asia, whereas the sensitization patterns observed in the European Union are dominated by seasonal exposure to pollen. These results underline the need for governmental initiatives to increase public awareness on the prevention and treatment of these and other allergic diseases as well as greater research funding and large-scale studies to reduce their growing socioeconomic burden in coming years.
Absenteeism
;
Allergens
;
Asia
;
Asian Continental Ancestry Group*
;
Cost Savings
;
Efficiency
;
European Union
;
Financial Management
;
Hong Kong
;
Humans
;
Hypersensitivity
;
Income
;
Malaysia
;
Philippines
;
Pollen
;
Presenteeism
;
Rhinitis, Allergic*
;
Salaries and Fringe Benefits
;
Seasons
;
Singapore
;
Thailand
;
Urticaria*
;
Vietnam
3.A clinician's reference guide for the management of atopic dermatitis in Asians
Steven CHOW ; Chew Swee SEOW ; Maria Victoria DIZON ; Kiran GODSE ; Henry FOONG ; Vicheth CHAN ; Tran Hau KHANG ; Leihong XIANG ; Syarief HIDAYAT ; M Yulianto LISTIAWAN ; Danang TRIWAHYUDI ; Srie Prihianti GONDOKARYONO ; Endang SUTEDJA ; Inne Arline DIANA ; Oki SUWARSA ; Hartati Purbo DHARMADJI ; Agnes Sri SISWATI ; Retno DANARTI ; Retno SOEBARYO ; Windy Keumala BUDIANTI ;
Asia Pacific Allergy 2018;8(4):e41-
BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin condition among Asians. Recent studies have shown that Asian AD has a unique clinical and immunologic phenotype compared with European/American AD. OBJECTIVE: The Asian Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Expert Panel on Atopic Dermatitis developed this reference guide to provide a holistic and evidence-based approach in managing AD among Asians. METHODS: Electronic searches were performed to retrieve relevant systematic reviews and guidelines on AD. Recommendations were appraised for level of evidence and strength of recommendation based on the U.K. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guidelines. These practice points were based on the consensus recommendations discussed during the Asia Pacific Meeting of Experts in Dermatology held in Bali, Indonesia in October 2016 and April 2017. RESULTS: The Expert Panel recommends an approach to treatment based on disease severity. The use of moisturizers is recommended across all levels of AD severity, while topical steroids are recommended only for flares not controlled by conventional skin care and moisturizers. Causes of waning efficacy must be explored before using topical corticosteroids of higher potency. Topical calcineurin inhibitors are recommended for patients who have become recalcitrant to steroid, in chronic uninterrupted use, and when there is steroid atrophy, or when there is a need to treat sensitive areas and pediatric patients. Systemic steroids have a limited role in AD treatment and should be avoided if possible. Educational programs that allow a patient-centered approach in AD management are recommended as an adjunct to conventional therapies. Recommendations on the use of phototherapy, systemic drugs, and emerging treatments are also included. CONCLUSION: The management of AD among Asians requires a holistic approach, integrating evidence-based treatments while considering accessibility and cultural acceptability.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
;
Asia
;
Asian Continental Ancestry Group
;
Atrophy
;
Calcineurin Inhibitors
;
Consensus
;
Dermatitis, Atopic
;
Dermatology
;
Eczema
;
Humans
;
Indonesia
;
Phenotype
;
Phototherapy
;
Skin
;
Skin Care
;
Steroids
;
Venereology
4.Bringing the Treatment of Atopic Eczema Into a New Era with Janus Kinase Inhibitors: A Position Statement By the Persatuan Dermatologi Malaysia
Noor Zalmy Azizan ; Adawiyah Jamil ; Chang Choong Chor ; Dawn Ambrose ; Henry Foong Boon Bee ; How Kang Nien ; Rajalingam Ramalingam ; Sabeera Begum Bt Kader Ibrahim ; Sharifah Rosniza Binti Syed Nong Chek ; Tan Wooi Chiang ; Wong Hoi Ling
Malaysian Journal of Dermatology 2022;49(Dec 2022):2-11
Abstract
Atopic eczema (AE) is a complex, chronic and recurrent inflammatory pruritic skin condition that
impacts the quality of life and exerts an economic toll on patients and their families. One of the factors
contributing to AE is the immune dysregulation of the Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators
of transcription (JAK-STAT) inflammatory pathway. This has prompted the conduct of various large
clinical trial programs to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAK-i) for AE.
The overall and significant benefit of these drugs from clinical studies resulted in regulatory approvals
for JAK-i to treat moderate-to-severe atopic eczema. The objective of this position paper was to
evaluate the safety, efficacy and role of upadacitinib, baricitinib and abrocitinib in managing AE and
update the current recommended treatment algorithm within the 2018 Malaysian Clinical Practice
Guidelines for the Management of Atopic Eczema. The Persatuan Dermatologi Malaysia recommends
that these JAK-i can be considered as an option for systemic therapy in severe AE.
Dermatitis, Atopic--therapy
;
Janus Kinase Inhibitors
5.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.