Curious about Traditional Chinese Medicine? Get the Details from an Expert

WORDS DR ONG SIEW SIEW

FEATURED EXPERT
DR ONG SIEW SIEW
Clinician-in-Charge and Senior Chinese Medicine Practitioner
Chinese Medicine Centre
IMU Healthcare
YES, TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE IS LEGITIMATE  

Traditional Chinese medicine, often abbreviated as TCM, is a legitimate practice recognized the Ministry of Health Malaysia.

Indeed, under the Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) Act 2016 [Act 775], the TCM industry is going through an important transition towards greater uniformity and credibility among the practitioner community and the services they offer.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE USES DIFFERENT PRINCIPLES FROM WESTERN MEDICINE

The foundation of traditional Chinese medicine is this belief that every person has a unique body constitution pattern, signifying the intricate equilibrium of opposing elements.

These opposing elements must co-exist harmoniously for a person to be in good health.

Traditional Chinese medicine aims to restore this equilibrium and regulate the body’s dynamic energy, which can be affected by various factors such as diet, stress, chronic illnesses, and more.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE PRACTITIONERS CAN HELP WITH MANY AILMENTS

For example, they can help to relieve chronic pain, support the immune system, improve sleep quality, and much more. Some practitioners also specialize in certain areas of health such as the heart, lungs, digestion or the reproductive system.

Two patients with a similar ailment may receive different therapies because each of them presents a unique imbalance that requires rectification.

As the treatment evolves and the patient’s constitution undergoes changes, the prescription and treatment may require modification. Therefore, it is highly advisable to maintain continuity of treatment with the same practitioner, who can closely monitor your progress.

WHILE THEY ARE FUNDAMENTALLY DIFFERENT, WESTERN & TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE CAN GO HAND IN HAND

This is as long as both parties are well-informed.

It’s essential to take any oral medications from the two disciplines at least 4 hours apart to minimize the risk of interactions.

In contrast, for external treatments such as acupuncture, cupping or moxibustion, the likelihood of unwanted interactions is minimal.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE IS NOT SPIRITUAL OR RELIGIOUS 

Many people of different backgrounds seek help from TCM practitioners.

Indeed, for your first visit, it will be similar to any other medical appointment. The practitioner will take note of your medical history and perform some diagnostic techniques to check the body’s constitution.

It can be helpful to bring along medical records such as blood test results and any imagings like scans or X-rays to provide more background.

You can also list out your medications and supplements and discuss your daily routines and lifestyle.

All this information will help the practitioner to understand more about you and your needs, so that an effective treatment plan can be formulated.

In this way, a TCM practitioner assesses a patient’s condition using traditional Chinese medicine diagnostic principles and utilizes a personalized combination of treatment methods. These are all grounded in scientific and non-spiritual principles to address any imbalances in the body.

ALWAYS LOOK FOR A REGISTERED TCM PRACTITIONER

From March 2024, all licensed TCM practitioners will be registered with the T&CM Council and issued an Annual Practising Certificate (APC). This will make it easy to verify the authenticity of a registered TCM practitioner.

Kidney Problems & Alternative Medicine

Kidney Problems & Alternative Medicine

May 8, 2022   Return

Words Pank Jit Sin

Dr Suryati Yakob

Consultant Nephrologist,

Department of Nephrology, Hospital Selayang

 

Complementary and alternative medicine or CAM is a broad term which encompasses the likes of yoga, acupuncture, Ayurveda, aromatherapy, Reiki, hypnosis, homeopathy, herbal medicine, meditation, massage therapy and chromotherapy. Evidently, those involving external manipulations rarely cause kidney complications. It is usually the ingested herbal remedies or supplements which cause kidney damage.

Speaking at the 15th Annual Dialysis Meeting 2018, Dr Suryati Yakob said that herbal remedies and supplements may cause acute kidney injury, nephrolithiasis, rhabdomyolysis, Fanconi syndrome, urothelial carcinoma and chronic kidney disease. These conditions arise from factors related to the herbal ingredients themselves either the intrinsic toxicity of the herbs, incorrect identification, adulteration or contamination by heavy metals. Sometimes, complications arise from overdosage or drug-herb interaction. Finally, patient factors such as their existing clinical condition, gender and age also contribute to their risk of kidney injury from herbal ingestion.

Perhaps the most infamous herbal ingredient is aristolochic acid (commonly found in the flowering plant family of Aristolochiaceae or birthworts), which causes kidney disease (nephropathy) and is linked to cancers of the urinary tract, liver and others.

A Case of Mistaken Identity

One of the problems involved in herbal remedies is in the acquisition and composition of its ingredients. While pharmaceuticals are heavily regulated, and the entire processing chain is documented and mostly automated, the same may not be true for herbal remedies and supplements.

Herbal remedies are commonly traded by their generic names and not scientific names. This opens up the possibility of accidental substitution, especially when raw ingredients are hard to come by or are expensive.

An infamous example of this occurred in the 1990s, when Belgians taking a herbal preparation for weight loss began showing symptoms of kidney failure. Instead of containing the plant Stephania tetrandra, the herbal pills contained derivatives of Aristolochia fangchi which was responsible for the kidney damage.

In another case, Caulis aristolochiae manshuriensis (guan mu tong) which was inadvertently used in place of Lardizabalaceae (mu tong) in a traditional Chinese medicine formula, leading to kidney poisoning (nephrotoxicity) in patients.

Dr Suryati acknowledged that CAM is used widely all over the world and by people from all walks of life. While local data is missing, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the bulk of people consuming CAM fall within the 40- to 69-year age group. However, she noted that many of the ingredients used in CAM do not have an established safety profile. She called for stricter laws in monitoring the production and use of herbal medication and supplements. With the current lack of government oversight on these products, it may be best to avoid them. HT

Telemedicine 4.0: Bringing Malaysia to par with Digital Health

Telemedicine 4.0: Bringing Malaysia to par with Digital Health

May 8, 2022   Return

WORDS PANK JIT SIN

The fourth conference on Digital Health, aptly named Telemedicine 4.0: Revolution in Healthcare, will be held from 20 to 21 June in Petaling Jaya. In conjunction with the conference, Digital Health Malaysia (DHM) will be collaborating with the International Conference on Bio-Sensing Technology (ICBTS) to host a Digital Health Week from 16 to 21 June.

The conference will address concerns and topics pertaining to the fourth industrial revolution. The conference aims to create a vision of the future of healthcare in Malaysia in the current 4th Industrial Revolution or (4IR). It further aims to educate stakeholders to understand the current trends in technology and its implementation in healthcare. Perhaps the most important aim of the conference is to create a common digital health platform, thereby bringing all stakeholders together in a setting where ideas and collaborations can be sparked and nurtured.

Conference chairperson Prof. Dr. Wong Chee Piau, paediatric neurologist at Ara Damansara Medical Centre, said the event is open to everyone with an interest in health and digital health. At the rate things are developing, it would seem that all doctors in every specialty should pay attention and have a healthy interest in digital health. According to Wong, the field of clinical medicine is evolving and changing at a tremendous rate. The traditional model of healthcare—one which is reactive and episodic ie, treating patients when they are sick—is quickly transforming to one that is preventive and involves continuous monitoring of patients.

The implementation of a solid digital roadmap is important for the future of the country and requires concerted effort from all sectors, be it public or private, educationists or service providers, and payors as well as patients themselves. Wong called for innovators or researchers in IT and medicine; hospital administrators; public and private organizations; policymakers and the general public who are interested to learn about Digital health, to attend the conference. For further information, visit http://digitalhealthmalaysia.org/.

The race is on
Digital Health is still at its infancy in Malaysia and we must catch up soon. With proper execution and buy in from all stakeholders, we will be able to prevent diseases before they become a problem. Digital Health also allows clinicians to practice medicine with more precision either via genetic testing or sensors. With it, we can quickly move towards the preventive model of healthcare. Logically, prevention comes with a reduction in cost and expenditure—an aim much sought after by governments worldwide. HT

What is the 4th Industrial Revolution?
The term was coined by Klaus Schwab in 2015. He was then the executive chairman of the World Economic Forum. Schwab considers this era to be filled with breakthroughs in fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, quantum computing, biotechnology, the Internet of things, fifth generation wireless technology (5G), 3D printing and fully autonomous or self-driving vehicles. 

 

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A NEW WAY OF DETECTING HEART BLOCKAGES

A NEW WAY OF DETECTING HEART BLOCKAGES

May 7, 2022   Return

WORDS HANNHA MAY-LEE WONG

 

Coronary artery disease happens when plaque accumulates in the walls of the arteries, the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart.

Over time, plaque build-up can make the arteries stiff and narrow, decreasing blood flow to the heart. A complete blockage in these blood vessels can lead to a life-threatening heart attack. Hence, early diagnosis of coronary artery disease can save lives.


INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND (IVUS) TECHNOLOGY

This is a diagnostic tool for coronary artery disease. How it works is that it uses sound waves to generate detailed imaging and cross-sectional views of the blood vessels found in the heart.

Consultant cardiologist Datuk Dr. Tamil Selvan Muthusamy further explains that IVUS technology enables doctors to view a patient’s heart from the inside-out. He shares that it would give doctors the information they need to recommend the most effective treatment plan for their patients.

Datuk Dr Rosli Mohd Ali adds that IVUS is more than a diagnostic tool. It is also used to guide stent procedures to treat coronary artery disease.

He says, “It is also an important tool to help doctors achieve better procedural results. With IVUS, doctors can get a clear look of the final stent expansions, reduce the chances of post-procedure complications thus achieving better long-term outcomes as shown in numerous studies,” he says.

Datuk Dr. Tamil Selvan & Datuk Dr Rosli Mohd Ali are Consultant Cardiologists at the Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur (CVSKL).

Kidney vs Other Medications?

Kidney vs Other Medications?

May 3, 2022   Return

Dr Rafidah Dato’ Abdullah   Consultant Physician & Nephrologist, Head, Department of Medicine, Hospital Sultan Hj Ahmad Shah

HealthToday recently caught up with Dr Rafidah Dato’ Abdullah, who came down to Klang in April for the National Kidney Foundation Malaysia’s 12th Patient Forum for Kidney Failure Patients. In her talk, she shares some valuable insight on the subject of our kidneys and the usage of medications.

Painkillers

Uses

To treat all kinds of aches and pains.

Worsen the kidneys?

“OF COURSE!” says Dr Rafidah. Even common over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin can be harmful to the kidneys if they are taken at high dosage or in high frequency (such as daily).

Dr Rafidah advises patients with kidney diseases to see a doctor if they experience frequent pain. “It is better to identify and address the cause of the pain instead of simply relying on painkillers,” she adds. If painkillers are necessary, such as when the patient suffers from gout, they must be taken based on the dosage and frequency prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.

Antibiotics

Uses

To treat infections caused by bacteria. Note that antibiotics have no effect on viruses, so there is no point taking them when one has a cold, the flu or other viral infections.

Worsen the kidneys?

MAYBE. “Certain antibiotics can affect the kidneys,” says Dr Rafidah. “However, antibiotics in general are prescribed for a short duration of time – rarely more than 2 or 3 weeks. Thus, it is rare to encounter complications.”

The best solution is to take antibiotics in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Incorrect use of antibiotics can harm the kidneys and also give rise to strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that either require the use of more potent (and expensive) antibiotics with more potential side effects, or, worse, they cannot be eliminated using any currently available antibiotics!  

Diabetes medications

Uses.

To manage diabetes and other existing health conditions such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels.

Worsen the kidneys?

NO. “Many people believe that diabetes medication can damage the kidneys, but this is not true,” says Dr Rafidah. In fact, if a patient has both diabetes and kidney disease, good blood glucose management is essential to control both diseases!

The misperception often arises when a patient with both kidney disease and diabetes is told to reduce the dosage or stop taking certain diabetes medications when the kidney problem reaches an advanced stage.

“We do not do this because these medications are damaging the kidneys,” she explains. “We do this because the kidneys are damaged to such an extent that we now want to reduce the stress on the kidneys.”

To conclude, diabetes medications are fine as long as they are taken correctly, as advised by a healthcare professional.

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Healthy Herbs

Healthy Herbs

May 2, 2022   Return

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Most of us have taken herbs for medicinal purposes at least once in our lives. Herbs are an integral aspect of many cultures since the dawn of civilization, with records of their uses by the Chinese and Egyptians dating as far back as 3,000 BC. Today,

the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to four fifths of people worldwide use herbs for their basic health needs.

We have heard a lot about garlic, turmeric and more. Let’s shine the spotlight on some other herbs that, while may not be as ‘popular’ as the aforementioned herbs, still contain a whole lot of goodness.

Basil

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In addition to being a popular flavouring in pizza and pasta, basil may relieve stomach spasms, loss of appetite, intestinal gas, kidney conditions, fluid retention, head colds, warts and worm infections. Some people also use basil to treat insect bites.

Basil is also used to improve blood circulation and start the flow of breast milk in mothers after they give birth. Due to is fragrance basil is  sometimes used as a gargle.

Ivy

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For ages, people have been using the English ivy as medicine for various ailments such as breathing difficulties caused by excessive mucus in the airways. This is due to its expectorant properties ie, it helps people with mucus in their airways to cough it up.

Ivy is also used to relieve liver, spleen and gallbladder problems as well as burns, calluses, gout/ joint pain and swelling due to inflammation..

Mint

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Often used as a breath freshener, mint can also make digestion easier while preventing indigestion and inflammation. It can also soothe headaches and migraines, travel-related nausea, fatigue and fever..

Rosemary

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Some people use rosemary to relieve digestion problems like heartburn, intestinal gas, liver and gallbladder ailments and loss of appetite.

Rosemary is also used to relieve gout, cough, headache, high blood pressure and memory loss. When rosemary oil is applied to the skin, it works to prevent insect bites.

References:

1. Institute for Traditional Medicine. Available at www.itmonline.org

2. Organic Facts. Available at www.organicfacts.net

3. University of Maryland Medical Center. Available at http://umm.edu

4. WebMD. Available at www.webmd.com

5. World Health Organization. Available at www.who.int

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Positively Complementary

Positively Complementary

May 1, 2022   Return

E_Dr Lesley

Dr Lesley Braun PhD   Director, Blackmores Institute, Adjunct Associate Professor, National Institute of Complementary Medicine (University of Western Sydney)

When Dr Lesley Braun’s grandfather was in his mid-80s, the man had to undergo surgery often due to his diabetes and heart condition. Seeing his health struggles, Dr Lesley recommended him some gingko pills.

“The result was amazing,” she recalls with a smile. “Within 1 month, he could walk 3km without cramping, and his memory improved.”

However, she found that there was considerable scepticism about the benefits of complementary medicine in the medical community. This, and the benefits that she witnessed firsthand in her grandfather, spurred Dr Lesley to make it her personal crusade to champion the benefits of complementary medicine to healthcare professionals as well as members of the public. Today, she is one of Australia’s most respected authorities in science-based complementary medicine.

Dr Lesley was in Malaysia last June to participate in the first Asian Blackmores Institute Symposium, and we managed to sit down with her for a chat.

Complements for good health

What is complementary medicine? “The term has different meanings in different parts of the world,” says Dr Lesley. To members of the complementary medicine profession such as herself, however, the phrase usually encompasses the following nutrition science: food supplements, herbal medicines and even traditional systems such as yoga and meditation.

Complementary medicine has long been used as a means to support or boost one’s health. It can also support a patient’s recovery rate after undergoing treatments with modern medicine. Dr Lesley offers an example: zinc.

Zinc is a zinger

Certain high blood pressure or hypertension medications, such as ACE inhibitors and angiotensin-2 receptor antagonists or thiazide diuretics, may reduce the zinc level in the patient when taken long-term. To avoid zinc deficiency and subsequent health complications, the patient can turn to zinc-rich foods or zinc supplement pills.

But what about safety?

Dr Lesley says, “Complementary medicine has been used for many generations such as garlic being used by the ancient Egyptians for treating infections.”

These days, complementary medicine is intensively researched in scientific laboratories using the same methods as other forms of medical research. We are discovering the benefits of natural remedies, as well as their potential side effects and how well they work (or do not work!) when taken alongside certain modern medications.

The quality of the products has also improved. Dr Lesley points out that reputable producers often practise stringent quality control and make a conscious effort to source for high quality ingredients from all over the world.

Furthermore, there are rules set in place by the government to ensure that the complementary medicines and therapies do meet a certain standard of quality and safety.

Credible or quackery?

In the past, complementary medicine was dismissed by many as scientifically unproven and even unsafe. Dr Lesley believes that times are changing.

“Every time I give a lecture at a university, there would be a long line of students with questions afterwards,” she says. This is a good sign that members of the modern medical community are increasingly open-minded regarding and even accepting of complementary medicine.

As the Director of Blackmores Institute, she and her colleagues work closely with researchers from the modern medical community as well as those from the complementary medicine community. One of the more current researches is with a geneticist on the possible uses of various combinations of vitamins to manage migraine.

Clearly, complementary medicine has come a long way from the days of our grandparents, and with increasing interest from the scientific community in this area, things will certainly be exciting in the coming days!

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Good for the Brain

Good for the Brain

April 29, 2022   Return

Yuen Kah Hay   Professor, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia  

Our brain is a complex organ, and we still have much to learn about how it works. What we do know, however, is that our brain undergoes changes as we age, changes that can affect its ability to function normally.

While some of these changes are due to the natural consequences of ageing, we may develop conditions that can also affect our brain. According to Prof Yuen Kah Hay, our brain consumes more energy than any other organ in the body, roughly 20% of our total energy requirements. Our brain is nourished by a massive network of blood vessels. “Therefore, any damage to the blood vessels can lead to degeneration of brain tissues, possibly leading to neurodegenerative disorders such as cognitive dysfunction, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease,” he says. He adds that hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and diabetes are just some of the conditions that can damage the fine blood vessels in our brain.

Controlling the risk factors of such conditions would be very helpful to maintain our brain health, and thus, Prof Yuen recommends living a healthy lifestyle comprising a balanced diet and regular physical activity. If we need a little extra help, neuroprotective supplements such as tocotrienols can be helpful.

How can tocotrienols help?

Prof Yuen mentions that tocotrienol is a member of the vitamin E family essential for maintaining the health and functions of our nervous system. Thus, tocotrienol supplementation will benefit the elderly as well as those who are younger but have risk factors that can lead to neurological problems such as stroke and dementia.

White matter lesions

The benefits of tocotrienol can be seen in studies on white matter lesions (WMLs). These are lesions that are formed in the white matter region of the brain, often due to small blood vessel disease and other conditions that can cause degeneration of nerve fibres in that region.

Prof Yuen mentions a recent study on 121 human volunteers with WMLs. It is found that, in patients who were not given tocotrienol supplements, the mean lesion volume of the WMLs increased after 1 year, and further increased after 2 years. Those given tocotrienol supplements do not show any significant changes in their lesions, suggesting that tocotrienols are neuroprotective in nature.

Recent studies have shown that WMLs are closely associated with cognitive decline and dementia. Hence, tocotrienols have the potential to be used in the preventive treatment of such neurodegenerative disorders. Moreover, their neuroprotective activity may help reduce injury of the brain tissues during an ischaemic stroke.

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Did you know?

Our very own palm oil is one of the richest sources of tocotrienols. Tocotrienols from our palm oil are extracted in a concentrated form and formulated into soft gelatin capsules with specified dose strengths (50, 100 or 200 mg per capsule), to provide optimal benefits when taken as a supplement.

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Arthritis & Massage

Arthritis & Massage

April 29, 2022   Return

Arthritis does not recognise age or origins; it causes disability and morbidity in millions across the world. Statistics show that more women are at risk of this disorder, and there are also more women who suffer from arthritis compared to men. There are many  types of arthritis  with varying causes and symptoms, but the one thing that they all have in common is pain.

Arthritis has been and is being extensively researched for a better understanding of its root causes and elimination strategies. While there is no absolute cure for arthritic conditions, some treatments and measures do help provide symptomatic relief. One such measure that can help to provide temporary and timely relief is massage therapy.

Massage has been in existence since centuries and has been one of the oldest techniques of pain management. It has traditionally been used for improving circulation and flexibility, reducing inflammation, pain stress and anxiety. It can slow down the degeneration process, ease the pain, increase the level of comfort and improve mobility. Therefore, it can be a great complement to any arthritic pain management and lifestyle improvement programs.

The compression, friction, kneading and vibration motions in massage therapy provide much needed positive support and comfort   arthritis patients such as:

Circulatory Problems:

Massage therapy improves blood circulation and flow to the affected areas. This helps to provide much needed nutrition and oxygen to the arthritic joint or muscle. It also helps to clean the affected area’s tissues of the arthritic inflammation’s by-products (e.g. lactic acid). All these effects result in better mobility and reduced inflammation.

Muscle Stiffness:

Muscles around an arthritic joint or bone usually tighten in order to provide protection to the affected tissue, resulting in muscle stiffness. Massage therapy aids in release the muscular tension and relaxing them, leading to improved mobility.

Pain:

Massage therapy also releases endorphins, which are natural pain killers produced by our body.

Mobility Issues:

Due to its effects on reduction of inflammation and pain, massage therapy enables the arthritic patient to have improved mobility, leading to a slower rate of tissue degeneration.

General Ill-health:

Massage therapy can trigger our body to produce less cortisol ( “the stress hormone”) and more serotonin ( “the feel-good” or “happiness” neurotransmitter). Massage therapy also lowers the level of Substance P (commonly known as “the pain neurotransmitter”), thus reducing pain and improving sleep.

 

There are various types of massages that can be used. It ultimately dependson the type and degree of discomfort or pain experienced. Some common types  are:

  • Swedish massage, which incorporates long strokes of muscles and tissues.
  • Hot stone massage involves the placement of hot smooth rounded stones on the back as one lies  on her stomach.
  • Ayurvedic massage, involving the use of  certain medicinal oils.
  • Deep tissue massage. The therapist places additional pressure deep into the tissues of affected areas.
  • Anma is the Japanese-style kneading action on muscles without the use of oils.
  • Lomilomi, a Hawaiian technique combining diet and meditation  along with massage.
  • Thai massage is carried out in various yoga-like body positions.
  • Myofascial release massages and relaxes the fascia, a band of connective fibers (mainly collagen) that is located under the skin to join and stabilize internal organs, muscles and tissues.
  • Shiatsu is a Japanese massage that applies pressure to specific points of the body using fingers and palms in a continuous rhythmic motion.
  • Trigger point massage applies a combination of pressure and vibration on certain points on the body .

When deciding on the massage therapy that is most suited to you, remember that arthritic joints are extremely sensitive to pressure and touch. Talk to your doctor and a qualified message therapist for more information.

 

References:

Arthritis Foundation. Available at www.arthritis.org

American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA); Available at www.amtamassage.org

Lorig K., Holman H., Sobel D., Laurent D., Gonzalez V. and Minor M. (2013). Understanding and Managing Common Symptoms, Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions: For Ongoing Physical and Mental Health Conditions (4th ed.). Canada: Bull Publishing Company.

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New Hope for People with Psoriasis

New Hope for People with Psoriasis

April 28, 2022   Return

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Dr Peter Ch’ng Wee Beng   Consultant Dermatologist, Peter Skin Specialist, Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur

People with psoriasis know that this condition is no mere skin disease. Their skin forms red patches with thick, silvery scales, and these plaques are accompanied by itch, irritation and even joint pain. The joint pain may prevent the person from working or going to school, and the negative reaction of others to their appearance can hurt their self-esteem.

Psoriasis is actually an auto-immune disease, caused by the  immune system attacking healthy skin cells under the assumption that these skin cells are the ‘enemies’.

Consultant dermatologist Dr Peter Ch’ng explains that, in addition to the symptoms described above, about 30% of patients with psoriasis may develop psoriatic arthritis. Just like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis causes inflammation of the joints, making movement difficult and even painful. Sometimes, the affected joints may become permanently deformed.

Treating psoriasis can be challenging

“The most challenging part of treating patients with psoriasis,” says Dr Peter Ch’ng, “is how some patients, especially those with severe psoriasis, may not respond adequately to treatment. There are also patients who cannot tolerate the current conventional therapy due to side effects, or they suffer from health conditions that make these available treatments unsuitable or even dangerous for them (contraindication).”

Therefore, there are always people living with psoriasis who find that current available treatments still cannot help them achieve symptom-free outcomes.

A new option for clear skin

More treatment options are always better when it comes to psoriasis, and the dream of having clear skin is more achievable than ever, thanks to the introduction of secukinumab in Malaysia this year.

Secukinumab is the bioengineered version of an antibody that binds specifically to a protein in the body called IL-17A. IL-17A is thought to play a role in the development of symptoms in both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Secukinumab stops the activity of IL-17A, thus helping to reduce the symptoms as well as inflammation to a very effective degree.

Dr Peter Ch’ng explains, “Secukinumab has demonstrated superior efficacy outcome compared to current treatments.” He elaborates that eight out of 10 patients are able to achieve clear or almost clear skin after receiving this treatment. Furthermore, more than 80% of patients with psoriatic arthritis found that secukinumab managed to stop the progression of their joint damage.

But is the drug safe? Dr Ch’ng says, “This drug was studied in clinical trials involving more than 4,000 patients, and the safety profile was found to be similar to other biologic treatments in the market.”

He also says that the most common side effects are upper respiratory tract infections, with symptoms such as sore throat and stuffy nose (nasopharyngitis, rhinitis). However, patients should not worry: if their physician deems that they are suitable to receive secukinumab, there would be a thorough discussion on the safety and precautions before treatment is initiated.

References:

  1. NHS Choices. Psoriasis. Retrieved on July 19, 2016 from http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Psoriasis/Pages/Introduction.aspx.
  2. Gladman, D.D., et al. (2005). Psoriatic arthritis: epidemiology, clinical features, course, and outcome. Ann Rheum Dis; 64:ii14-ii17 doi:10.1136/ard.2004.032482
  3. Papp, K.A., et al. (2013). Efficacy and safety of secukinumab in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II dose-ranging study. Br J Dermatol.; 168(2):412-21. doi: 10.1111/bjd.12110. Epub 2013 Jan 18.
  4. Novartis International AG. (2015). Novartis presents new data showing that the majority of patients are able to maintain clear or almost clear skin with Cosentyx across 3 years. Retrieved on July 19, 2016 from https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-presents-new-data-showing-majority-patients-are-able-maintain-clear-or
  5. Novartis International AG. (2015). Novartis reports landmark Phase III results for AIN457 (secukinumab) showing rapid and significant efficacy in psoriatic arthritis patients. Retrieved on July 19, 2016 from https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-reports-landmark-phase-iii-results-ain457-secukinumab-showing-rapid-and
  6. PI RD 09 DEC 2015; APPR 28 APR 2016
  7. Drugs.com. Secukinumab side effects. Retrieved on July 19 from https://www.drugs.com/sfx/secukinumab-side-effects.html

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