Ryner Lai, MBBS

Ryner Lai, MBBS

Dr Ryner Lai (MBBS) is a medical graduate from Queen Mary, University of London. He is a medical writer who is passionate about the power of medical research to transform the lives of patients.

All articles by Ryner Lai, MBBS

Blood test

Immunosuppression as a Therapeutic Strategy in ITP Examined

The incidence of many rare diseases is rising rapidly, especially in the Western world, and advancements in therapeutics have not quite caught up. In the United States, for example, billions of dollars are being spent annually for treating autoimmune disorders and conducting trials to find future solutions.  Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is one such disease; it…

Emphysema of the lungs, CT scan

Acute Exacerbations of COPD May Impact Lung Density Estimates in AATD

Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may affect emphysema measurements obtained using computed tomography (CT)-derived 15th percentile lung density (PD15) by temporarily raising or lowering it in patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), although this impact is minimal, according to a study published in ERJ Open Research. AATD is characterized by early-onset emphysema;…

Woman taking spirometry test

Inhaled Pirfenidone Shows Promise in Treating Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Inhaled pirfenidone is a promising and well-tolerated treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), according to a study published in Thorax. AP01 is an inhaled formulation of pirfenidone designed to expedite delivery to lung tissue; crucially, it also aims to decrease systemic exposure and reduce some of the adverse events associated with the oral formulation of…

3D Mast Cell

Engraftment of SM Bone Marrow Cells in Mice Models Aids Prognosis

In a letter to the editor of Leukemia, researchers reported that the engraftment of bone marrow cells from patients with indolent systemic mastocytosis into NOD-SCID-IL-2Rγ−/− (NSG) mice expressing human membrane-bound stem cell factor (NSGSCF mice) correlated with the World Health Organization (WHO) category and prognosis of their disease.  Systemic mastocytosis is characterized by the abnormal…

Wilson Disease

Cardiac Abnormalities Sporadically Reported in Patients With WD

Wilson disease is characterized by the abnormal buildup of cooper in the body, resulting primarily in hepatic and neurological symptoms. Nevertheless, the long-term pathological accumulation of copper can affect various systems in the body, including the cardiac system.  There is general consensus that the clinical effects of prolonged copper accumulation in the body is poorly…

Hemoglobin molecule

New Study Will Investigate Efficacy of Pegcetacoplan in Patients With PNH

Researchers will conduct a real-world effectiveness study of pegcetacoplan in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). This study is sponsored by Swedish Orphan Biovitrum.  Pegcetacoplan is a relatively new drug used to treat patients with PNH; because of its novelty, there is a need for ongoing investigations to ensure it is as safe and effective…

Blood transfusion

Case Report: 71-Year-Old Woman With Refractory Hemolytic Anemia

Clinicians presented the case of a 71-year-old woman who was diagnosed with refractory hemolytic anemia in The New England Journal of Medicine.  The patient had a 7-month history of fatigue and dyspnea, which worsened on exertion. She was on breast cancer follow-up and had diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis.  Blood investigations revealed anemia, and a peripheral…

Next post in CAD News Briefs