1.Osteoporosis Management after the Occurrence of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: A 13-Year Experience at a Tertiary Center
Chun Ho WONG ; Kimberly Hang TSOI ; Jingya Jane PU ; Nancy Su JIANG ; Stacey Sheung Yi CHAN ; Connie Hong Nin LOONG ; Xincheng ZOU ; Carol Ho Yi FONG ; Eunice Ka Hong LEUNG ; Alan Chun Hong LEE ; Chi Ho LEE ; Kathryn Choon Beng TAN ; Yu Cho WOO ; Yu-xiong SU ; David Tak Wai LUI
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;40(6):974-990
Background:
We investigated osteoporosis management strategies and clinical outcomes following the occurrence of medicationrelated osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).
Methods:
We retrospectively studied individuals diagnosed with MRONJ during osteoporosis treatment who were managed in the Osteoporosis Center or the Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Unit at Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong between 2010 and 2022. We examined subsequent osteoporosis management plans, fracture events, and bone mineral density (BMD).
Results:
Thirty-six individuals were included (mean age, 78.5 years; 94.4% women). The estimated prevalence of MRONJ was 0.26%. All patients had been exposed to bisphosphonates, and seven had also received denosumab before MRONJ. Following MRONJ, only 14 individuals continued anti-osteoporosis treatment, a decision influenced by a higher fracture probability at MRONJ onset. The most common regimen was a teriparatide-raloxifene sequence (n=8): three patients achieved stable BMD, four achieved improving BMD, and one exhibited a mixed response. The patient with a mixed BMD response had also been treated with denosumab. Six patients sustained incident fractures after MRONJ, and these patients had lower BMD T-scores than their counterparts. Two patients experienced MRONJ recurrence, which was associated with the resumption of bisphosphonate or denosumab therapy after MRONJ. These patients had higher BMD T-scores than those who did not experience MRONJ recurrence.
Conclusion
MRONJ is challenging because high fracture risk necessitates discontinuation of antiresorptive agents. Teriparatide followed by raloxifene may be a reasonable regimen. Individualised decisions in osteoporosis management after MRONJ are required to balance fracture risk reduction with minimising MRONJ recurrence.
2.Looking back, looking forward: lessons from COVID-19 communication measurement, evaluation and learning (MEL)
Oxana Onilov ; Dexin Gong ; Kimberly Chriscaden ; Jargalan Tsogt ; Maria Socorro Melic ; Rosemarie Urquico ; Anna Biernat ; Anna Postovoitova ; Lieke Visser ; Nancy Wong ; Rosemarie North ; Olivia Lawe-Davies
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response 2024;15(1):01-08
Problem: Communication is an integral component of an emergency response, including to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Designing effective communication requires systematic measurement, evaluation and learning.
Context: In the Western Pacific Region, the World Health Organization (WHO) responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by using the Communication for Health (C4H) approach. This included the development and application of a robust measurement, evaluation and learning (MEL) framework to assess the effectiveness of COVID-19 communication, and to share and apply lessons in real time to continuously strengthen the pandemic response.
Action: MEL was applied during the planning, implementation and summative evaluation phases of COVID-19 communication, with evidence-based insights and recommendations continuously integrated in succeeding phases of the COVID-19 response.
Lessons learned: This article captures good practices that helped WHO to implement MEL during the COVID-19 pandemic. It focuses on lessons from the evaluation process, including the importance of planning, data integration, collaboration, partnerships, piggybacking, using existing data and leveraging digital media.
Discussion: Despite some limitations, the systematic application of MEL to COVID-19 communication shows its value in the planning and implementation of effective, evidence-based communication to address public health challenges. It enables the evaluation of outcomes and reflection on lessons identified to strengthen the response to the current pandemic and future emergencies.
3.Harnessing the power of mobile and messaging apps for risk communication and intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons from the Western Pacific
Fernan Talamayan ; Lieke Visser ; Babatunde Olowokure ; Nancy Wong ; Wenyajing Zhang
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response 2024;15(3):09-13
Problem: The spread of mis- and disinformation on mobile and messaging apps during the COVID-19 pandemic not only fuelled anxieties and mistrust in health authorities but also undermined the effectiveness of the overall public health response.
Context: Mobile and messaging apps help users stay informed and connected to their families, friends, colleagues and communities. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, these apps were also one of the primary channels where mis- and disinformation were circulated.
Action: Recognizing the importance of including mobile and messaging apps in risk communication and emergency response strategies, the World Health Organization (WHO) and some countries in the WHO Western Pacific Region independently piloted initiatives to reach messaging app users, meet their evolving information needs, and streamline health ministry communication.
Outcome: The enhanced use of mobile and messaging apps enabled consistent and timely communication and improved coordination during the COVID-19 pandemic. Leveraging their features also helped identify and potentially fill crucial information gaps, mitigating the harms of mis- and disinformation and fostering stronger trust in health authorities.
Discussion: The findings from the work carried out by WHO and countries in the Western Pacific Region identified some promising innovative communication interventions using mobile and messaging apps. While these interventions should be further explored and evaluated, they have demonstrated that interventions need to be proactive, flexible, and able to adapt to changes in mis- and disinformation content being shared through messaging apps.
4.Congenital Glaucoma from Sturge-Weber Syndrome: A Modified Surgical Approach.
Nancy Shi Yin YUEN ; Ian Yat Hin WONG
Korean Journal of Ophthalmology 2012;26(6):481-484
Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare congenital neurocutaneous disorder that causes congenital glaucoma. Previous experiences have shown that drainage procedures are often required to control associated glaucoma. The conventional surgical approach in trabeculectomy carries a significant risk of intraoperative expulsive hemorrhage. Here, we describe a modified approach of the conventional trabeculectomy technique, which may lower the risk of expulsive hemorrhage. A viscoelastic device was employed to maintain a steady intraocular pressure throughout the procedure. Details of the surgical technique and material used are described. One patient with congenital glaucoma associated with SWS underwent a successful trabeculectomy using the modified technique. Postoperative intraocular pressure was successfully reduced and no intraoperative complications occurred. We describe a successful case of trabeculectomy in a SWS case where a modified technique was applied.
Glaucoma/*congenital
;
Humans
;
Infant, Newborn
;
*Intraocular Pressure
;
Male
;
Sturge-Weber Syndrome/*complications/diagnosis/surgery
;
Trabeculectomy/*methods
;
Visual Acuity


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