Ma. Lorna Fernandez Frez

University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital | PGH · Department of Medicine

Objectives We conducted an economic evaluation of interleukin inhibitors (ILIs) guselkumab, ixekizumab (IXE), secukinumab (SEC), and ustekinumab to a methotrexate (MTX) comparator for biologic-naive adult Filipino patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis. Methods A 1-year decision tree and 5-year Markov model were used to estimate...

Importance: A clear dosing regimen for methotrexate in psoriasis is lacking, and this might lead to a suboptimal treatment. Because methotrexate is affordable and globally available, a uniform dosing regimen could potentially optimize the treatment of patients with psoriasis worldwide. Objective: To reach international consensus among psoriasis...

Background Reports on COVID-19 skin manifestations and associated clinical outcomes are limited. Like viral diseases, cutaneous findings may be present and can help in confirmation and prognostication among those suspected or diagnosed with COVID-19. Objective To determine COVID-19 cutaneous manifestations and their association with disease severi...

Introduction. Non-Langerhans cell histiocytoses (non-LCH) are a group of rare diseases with varied clinical manifestations and overlapping features seen among the subtypes. Here, we present a case of Rosai-Dorfman disease with features of necrobiotic xanthogranuloma. Case. A 45-year-old female presented with a 10-year history of an enlarging neck m...

Introduction. Harlequin ichthyosis (HI) is a rare type of autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis. There are approximately 200 documented cases worldwide, with less than five published reports in the Philippines. Despite its rarity, current literature suggests a better prognosis for these patients. Case description. We describe a preterm male new...

Objective. To determine the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use and its association with quality of life (QOL) among Filipino adult psoriasis vulgaris patients. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in an outpatient dermatology department of a tertiary hospital, using a semi-structured, interview-guided questionn...

While many patients with psoriasis are candidates for topical agents, long-term treatment effects are unclear. This systematic review evaluated global findings from clinical trials and real-world studies of topical calcipotriol and the two-compound formulation of calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate for mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis (inc...

Background Tinea imbricata, a rare form of tinea corporis caused by Trichophyton concentricum , is endemic to the T’boli tribe in the Southern Philippines. Temporary remissions and limited access to antifungal medications make its treatment a pressing public health concern. Anecdotal reports about the use of S. alata leaf decoction as treatment exi...

Background. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), also known as pattern hair loss, is the most common type of hair loss in men and women. Due to very limited therapeutic options, search for other effective and safe drugs is necessary. Objectives. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a potential treatment option, topical adenosine, for AGA...

Introduction:Morphea, is a rare autoimmune disease presenting with fibrotic changes in the dermis and subcutis. It is a benign condition associated with significant atrophy and sclerosis leading to disfigurement, flexure contractures, and impaired function. Ultraviolet A1 and photochemotherapy are highly effective treatment options but are not read...

Objectives. To assess the efficacy and safety of excimer laser in combination with topical standard therapies for treatment of plaque-type psoriasis in comparison to excimer laser alone, standard topical treatment alone, or placebo. Methods. A literature search using Medline, Cochrane and HERDIN was conducted. Data were analyzed using mean differen...

Background: Psoriasis is a T helper 1 cell-mediated chronic inflammation. Statins have been found to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects targeting T helper 1 cells and thus, are being investigated as treatments for psoriasis. Aims: To investigate the efficacy and safety of atorvastatin as adjunctive treatment for mild to moderate...

Background: International consensus statements on the management of scalp psoriasis are available, but no such recommendations exist for Asia. Methods: The Asia Scalp Psoriasis Study Group (ASPSG) met in May 2011 to review the epidemiologic pattern of scalp psoriasis in Southeast Asia and to develop Asia-specific recommendations for its manageme...

Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) has been reported to enhance the experimental metastatic behaviour of melanoma cells in the mouse model. alpha-MSH production and MSH receptor (melanocortin 1 receptor gene) expression have been detected in cultured normal human melanocytes and metastasized melanomas. The exact role of MSH in the metastatic beha...