Ann Acad Med Singap
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To determine time trends in myopia over a 20-year period in Taiwan, we conducted 5 nationwide surveys pertaining to the ocular refraction of schoolchildren in 1983, 1986, 1990, 1995 and 2000. ⋯ We conclude that the cause of the relative increasing severity of myopia among the schoolchildren was due to the onset of myopia at a very young, and progressively-decreasing, age over the study period. Thus, to reduce the prevalence and severity of myopia, we should pay more attention to the eye care of pre-schoolchildren.
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Myopia is the most common eye disorder especially in Asia. However, the information on myopic progression and ocular growth among preschool children, who undergo rapid changes, is limited. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, incidence of myopia and myopic progression among preschool children in Hong Kong. ⋯ This is the first prospective study to investigate the myopic progression and ocular growth among preschool children. Hong Kong has a high prevalence of myopia even in preschool children. They also experience a significant myopic shift and ocular growth. Further studies on the prevention of myopic development or progression should be targeted on this population.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Jan 2004
Outcome of moderate and severe traumatic brain injury amongst the elderly in Singapore.
In line with other established protocols, our unit has instituted a standardised protocol for the management of moderate and severe traumatic brain injury since 1996 in our neurointensive care unit. ⋯ Age must be considered an independent factor in outcome prediction in the elderly with moderate and severe traumatic brain injury. A more conservative approach in the management of an elderly patient with severe head injury may be reasonable given its dismal outcomes after careful dialogue with the relatives.
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Chickenpox (varicella) in adults can be severe with increased mortality. This study investigated the clinical presentation and outcome of 12 adult chickenpox patients requiring intensive care. ⋯ Patients with varicella infection requiring intensive care carry significant mortality. In our series, old age appears to be associated with increased mortality (P = 0.045).
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Jan 2004
Laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) values in psoriatic lesions treated with narrow band UVB phototherapy. Dermal vascularity may be useful indicator of psoriatic activity.
This study attempts to objectively measure physiological changes in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), an indicator of skin barrier function and laser Doppler perfusion index (LDPI) an indicator of skin vascularity, of psoriatic skin lesions following treatment to narrow-band ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy using the psoriasis severity (PS) score as a measurement of clinical phototherapy response. ⋯ It appears that LDPI and TEWL measurement may not be a good surrogate marker of clinical response to narrow-band UVB phototherapy.