Ann Acad Med Singap
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Dec 2020
Meta AnalysisObesity in COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Obesity has been shown to be associated with adverse outcomes in viral infections such as influenza, but previous studies on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had mixed results. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 and obesity. ⋯ Obesity increased the risk of severe disease, mortality and infection with COVID-19. Higher body mass index was associated with ICU admission and critical disease. Patients who are obese may be more susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, and infected patients should be monitored closely for adverse outcomes.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Dec 2020
Randomized Controlled TrialComparison of Reusable Models in Pericardiocentesis Simulation Training.
Pericardiocentesis is a potentially life-saving procedure. We compared two low-cost models-an agar-based model and a novel model, Centesys-in terms of ultrasound image quality and realism, effectiveness of the model, and learners' confidence and satisfaction after training. ⋯ Centesys achieved greater learner satisfaction as compared to the agar-based model, and was an effective tool for teaching ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis and drain insertion.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Dec 2020
Association of Cord Blood Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Levels with Maternal, Delivery and Infant Factors.
This study examined maternal, delivery and infant factors associated with cord thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations in an Asian population. ⋯ Interpretation of cord serum TSH results may need to take into account mode of delivery and measurement method.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Dec 2020
Interventional Pulmonology and COVID-19: Experience from a Malaysian Tertiary Hospital.
The ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 has presented multiple challenges to global healthcare services, dictating changes in almost every aspect of daily medical practice. Performing aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) in the field of interventional pulmonology can lead to profound formation of aerosols, leading to a high risk of infection among healthcare workers (HCWs). We share our experiences on performing AGPs in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic by focusing on changes in AGP practices. In a pandemic, HCWs ought to adapt to the ever-changing situation and use available resources to provide the best possible healthcare to patients, ensure safety of staff, and continue medical education of future pulmonologists.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Dec 2020
Differences in Utilisation of the General and Paediatric Emergency Departments by Paediatric Patients.
Paediatric patients presenting to the general emergency departments (EDs) differ from those presenting to paediatric EDs. General EDs vary in preparedness to manage paediatric patients, which may affect delivery of emergency care with varying clinical outcomes. We aimed to elucidate the differences in utilisation patterns of paediatric and general EDs by paediatric patients. ⋯ General EDs need to build their capabilities and enhance their preparedness according to the paediatric population they serve so that optimal paediatric emergency care can be delivered, especially for critically ill patients who are most in need of life-saving and timely treatment.