Gut microbiota exists in a symbiotic relationship with the host, carrying an important role in development of the host's immune, metabolic and brain systems in early life. Capability of gut microbiota in promoting healthy development during childhood mainly depends on its composition.

Renowned paediatric nutrition experts Prof Yvan Vandenplas and Dr Sanjeev Ganguly discussed the role of probiotics, HMOs such as 2'FL, and optimized proteins in the growth and health of infants, as well as immune system development, in a dinner symposium sponsored by Nestle Nutrition Institute and chaired by A/Professor Anne Goh, President of the Singapore Paediatric Society.

Prof Dennis Black provides an overview of the anti-fracture efficacy and safety data of alendronate for the treatment of osteoporosis, shared updates on the latest clinical updates presented at ASBMR 2018, and shared the latest innovative buffered formulation of alendronate.

Atrial fibrillation is the most prevalent arrhythmia in elderly people worldwide, and NOAC therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke and all-cause mortality in patients with AF. Prof. Fox shares his expert insights on how to select the right NOAC for the right patient.

Prof. Austin Stack and A/Prof Jimmy Teo discuss hyperuricaemia, metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, and the role of urate-lowering therapy. They also review the selective non-purine xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor, febuxostat, in the treatment of hyperuricaemia.

A/Prof Cheong Pak Yean discusses the appropriate use of antibiotics in upper respiratory tract infection. Dr. Reuben Wong presents a clinically useful management algorithm for chronic cough and other symptoms due to laryngopharyngeal reflux disease. Dr. Tan Nam Guan presents several cases showcasing the multiple ENT presentations of reflux disease.

Prof. Patricia Conway and Dr. Jose Saavedra discussed the role of gut microbiota in modulating the infant's developing immune system, and dietary interventions that have shown favourable outcomes in infants.

Nutrition experts Dr Lisa Renzi-Hammond and Dr Ardythe Morrow discuss the role of lutein and 2'-fucosyllactose in optimizing cognitive performance, gut health, and immune function in babies

(1) Updates from Cochrane Review on available uterotonics agents with focus on Carbetocin; (2) An anaesthesiologist's perspectives on the clinical implications of the haemodynamic effects of Oxytocin and Carbetocin; (3) Upcoming clinical trial that will compare 3 uterotonic agents, Carbetocin, Oxytocin and Syntometrine

Prof. Michael R. McClung discusses the various therapeutic options for osteoporosis, with emphasis on denosumab, a first-line anti-osteoporotic drug with a novel mechanism of action.

Prof. Bernhard Baune highlights the importance of functional recovery for patients with depression and the role of vortioxetine (Brintellix®, Lundbeck) in achieving global functional recovery.

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in breast milk promote paediatric gut health and immunity. Learn about HMOs and how infant formulas with 2'-fucosyllactose HMO may help close the health gap between breast-fed and formula-fed babies.

LAI antipsychotics can help improve adherence to schizophrenia therapy to minimize relapse episodes. Prof. Nagesh Pai discusses the benefits and clinical considerations of LAI antipsychotics, with a focus on aripiprazole once-monthly (Abilify Maintena®).

Rasagiline (Azilect®, Lundbeck) is an irreversible monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitor for the treatment of Parkinson's. It has been available in Europe and the United States for around a decade. With the approval of rasagiline in Singapore, Prof. Fabrizio Stocchi presents the pivotal clinical trials of the drug and its role in the overall management of Parkinson's.