Singapore medical journal
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Evidence-based medicine (EBM) aims to combine the best available scientific evidence with clinical experience and individual judgment of patient needs. In the hierarchy of scientific evidence, systematic reviews (along with meta-analyses) occupy the highest levels in terms of the quality of evidence. ⋯ Systematic reviews could be used to present current concepts or serve as review articles and replace the traditional expert opinion or narrative review. This article explains the structure and content of a systematic review.
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Singapore medical journal · Oct 2009
Case ReportsViper bite causing an isolated lower motor neuron-type of facial palsy.
We describe an unusual case of viper (Daboia russelii) bite in a 48-year-old man from the state of Karnataka in southern India. He presented in a hypotensive state with a left lower motor neuron-type of facial palsy, necrosis at the site of the bite and acute renal failure. His laboratory parameters revealed renal failure and deranged coagulation parameters. ⋯ His renal function and coagulation abnormalities improved, and the facial palsy recovered with the treatment. The snake bite located away from the face, the facial palsy occurring a few hours after the venom injection and the rapid recovery following antivenin administration, support that the palsy was a direct result of systemic envenomation. To the best of our knowledge, an isolated lower motor neuron-type of facial palsy as a manifestation of systemic toxicity of a viper bite, has not been previously reported.
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Singapore medical journal · Dec 2008
Comparative StudyComparative study of the impact of past pregnancy outcome on future fertility.
The impact of previous pregnancy outcome on future fertility in Nigeria has not been appreciated, hence the continued neglect of the adoption of safe motherhood measures in this sub-region. The objective of this study was to compare the past pregnancy outcomes among fertile and infertile patients in a Nigerian population. ⋯ Previous mismanaged pregnancies impacted negatively on future fertility. Efforts should be directed towards the prevention of unplanned pregnancies. Motherhood must be made safer in planned pregnancies by prevention of complications, and aggressive and prompt treatment of any complication if and when it occurs.
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Desmoid tumours, also termed aggressive fibromatosis, are rare soft tissue neoplasms derived from fascial or musculo-aponeurotic structures. These tumours are histologically benign, but may behave aggressively. ⋯ Adjuvant or rarely primary radiation has a defined role. We report a 37-year-old man with a large recurrent thoracic desmoid which attained a very large size.
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Singapore medical journal · Apr 2008
Impact of Essentiale L on ethanol-induced changes in rat brain and erythrocytes.
The present study was designed to investigate the effect of Essentiale L, a mixture of polyenylphospholipids from soybeans, on oxidative stress in various brain regions, on erythrocytes (RBC) and on RBC membrane composition in ethanol-administered rats. ⋯ These findings suggest that Essentiale L, a therapeutic adjunct for liver diseases, also has bioprotective effects on nonhepatic tissues and cells.