Ann Acad Med Singap
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Jan 2001
Comparative StudyA prospective evaluation of surgeon performed sonography as a screening test in blunt abdominal trauma.
Sonography has found a role in the evaluation of patients with abdominal injury. However, the accuracy of sonography as performed by non-radiologists remains controversial. This study aims to determine the accuracy of focused abdominal sonography for trauma when performed by surgeons. ⋯ In conclusion, our initial experience suggests that local surgeons can perform a focused sonographic examination for trauma with acceptable accuracy. Although sonography lacks the sensitivity of diagnostic peritoneal lavage and the accuracy of CT scan, the diagnostic algorithm for abdominal trauma should include sonography as a screening test.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Jan 2001
Comparative Study Clinical TrialAntibiotic sensitivity of Propionibacterium acnes isolates from patients with acne vulgaris in a tertiary dermatological referral centre in Singapore.
To study the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) isolates to selected antibiotics from patients with acne vulgaris in Singapore and determine if resistance increases with prolonged use of antibiotics. ⋯ Antibiotic resistance in P. acnes isolates in Singapore follows similar patterns to studies conducted in Europe. Resistance to erythromycin was most commonly seen, and this is associated with cross-resistance to clindamycin. Among the tetracycline group of drugs, the average MICs to tetracycline was higher than that for doxycycline, which in turn was higher than that for minocycline. Antibiotic resistance can occur with short-term antibiotic courses, and the rate of resistance increases as the duration of antibiotic consumption increases.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Jan 2001
Clinical TrialEffects of a pulmonary rehabilitation programme on physiologic and psychosocial outcomes in patients with chronic respiratory disorders.
The purpose of this prospective study is to determine the effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation programme (PRP) conducted at our centre for patients with chronic lung disease. ⋯ Patients who completed a comprehensive PRP at our centre showed significant increase in functional capacity, reduction of exertional dyspnoea and improvement in health status.
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Catheter-related spinal epidural abscesses are rare but increasing in incidence. ⋯ It is important to be vigilant and continue to maintain good clinical practice and a high index of suspicion for this procedural-related complication.