12th July 2026, A/Prof Chee L Khoo
We don’t see many acute pancreatitis in our rooms but the incidence of acute pancreatitis is gradually increasing (1). Many will develop further episodes and some will develop chronic pancreatitis. Although most patients with acute pancreatitis have its mild form, some develop moderate or severe acute pancreatitis, both of which include serious complications and an increased risk for death.…
27th May 2025, A/Prof Chee L Khoo
Hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG) causes and contribute to a number of serious medical conditions including pancreatitis, cardiovascular disease, MAFLD and worsening of type 2 diabetes. The efficacy and treatment options are complicated. Apart from treating any secondary causes, our treatment options are quite limited. Marine-derive omega-3 fish oils, fenofibrate and the new icosapent ethyl are all we have in our tool kit.…
12th December 2024, A/Prof Chee L Khoo
Back in August this year, when we last highlighted the benefits of the new pure eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), icosapent ethyl (Vazkepa®), in reducing cardiovascular outcomes in patients with high triglycerides and high cardiovascular risk, we foreshadowed that it will be available on the PBS for patients with established cardiovascular disease. It is now on PBS Authority and there isn’t much of a launch of the drug which is a pity as many of our patients who may benefit from icosapent ethyl who should be on it aren’t because most of us (including me) are still confused as to who will benefit and who is eligible.…
24th August 2024, A/Prof Chee L Khoo
Last fortnight we looked at the effects of hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG) on atherosclerosis. We explored the source and metabolism of triglycerides (TG). We saw how important lipoprotein lipase was in regulating plasma TG. Triglyceride levels are closely related to plasma triglycerides rich lipoprotein (TRL) and TRL remnants. All three components penetrate through the endothelium into the subendothelial space where atherosclerotic inflammation occur.…
11th August 2024, A/Prof Chee L Khoo
Treating the CV risk factors like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia and smoking have led to significant reductions in cardiovascular disease and mortality. However, up to 25% of first-time patients with myocardial infarction are SMuRF-less. We explored the issue last fortnight. Essentially, SMuRF-less patients are patients who do not have the usual standard modifiable risk factors (SMuRF).…
11th February 2024, A/Prof Chee L Khoo
Hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG) often accompanies hypercholesterolaemia but that is often ignored as it is considered to be a minor villain. Older clinical trials on lipid lowering agents excluded subjects with HTG and that is partly why the significance of HTG is often ignored. The interplay between HTG and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is real but extremely complicated.…
28th May 2023, Dr Chee L Khoo
Hypertriglyceridaemia has always played second fiddle to hypercholesterolaemia for a long time. Studies after studies have demonstrated the cardiovascular benefits of cholesterol lowering therapy. You might know that most of these clinical trials excluded patients with hypertriglyceridaemia. Does that mean that hypertriglyceridaemia doesn’t matter? We know hypertriglyceridaemia inflict oxidative damage to vital metabolic systems and organs.…