ABSTRACT
@#Wound healing is a complex process that includes haemostasis and inflammation, followed by a proliferation period and repair and finally remodelling. Ocular surgeries, particularly in glaucoma cases, aim at minimal fibrosis to preserve the function of trabeculectomy as an alternative pathway for aqueous drainage. Hence, it is important to find an agent to modulate the wound healing process. This review presents compilation of wound modulation agents that have been tested in vitro, in vivo, or clinically on patients undergoing ocular surgeries, particularly for glaucoma. We identified agents into four groups, mostly for glaucoma filtration operations: anti-metabolites, anti-growth factors, mechanical barriers and rho kinases. The effect of these agents is highlighted in this review. In conclusion, despite recognized drawbacks of antimetabolites, they are still regarded as the gold standard and the most efficient treatment as anti-scarring agents use in ocular surgeries. More studies are needed to inquire agents that efficient yet has minimal adverse effects both in short and long term.
ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: Substance abuse is a major social and health bane worldwide, including Malaysia, inflicting extensive morbidity and mortality. Our study aims to review the request and results of urine drugs of abuse testing conducted at the Pharmacology Laboratory of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kelantan, Malaysia, over a period of 11 years. Methods: Data for urine drugs of abuse testing requested and their results performed at the Pharmacology Laboratory between January 2009 and December 2019 was retrospectively extracted. Data on patient demographics, types of drugs requested, and types of drugs tested positive were analysed. Testing was performed using the enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique. Results: The absolute number and percentage of positive cases for amphetamine type stimulant (ATS) drugs has steadily risen over the past decade making it the current drug of abuse of most concern. Opiate abuse, although still seen, remained static. The peak age range for abusing drugs falls between 25–34 years with a male predominance; an alarming finding was of positive cases observed among neonates and children below the age of 12. Majority of requests came from the Psychiatric and Emergency Departments. Conclusion: Over the past eleven years, ATS abuse has superseded opiate in being the most abused drug type, detected even at young ages. Therefore, societal awareness and education on the dangers of ATS abuse, and intensive detection of ATS use must be implemented.