Ann Acad Med Singap
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Sep 2021
ReviewStrategies for a successful hepatic artery anastomosis in liver transplantation: A review of 51 cases.
Hepatic artery reconstruction is a critical aspect of liver transplantation. The microsurgeon faces several challenges when reconstructing the hepatic artery-the donor hepatic artery stalk is short and often a poor match for the usually hypertrophic recipient vessels. Previous inflammation impedes vessel dissection, and recipient vessels have a tendency to delaminate with manipulation. We review 51 consecutive liver transplantations to highlight these problems and propose strategies for a successful reconstruction of the hepatic artery. ⋯ Hepatic artery thrombosis after liver transplantation is poorly tolerated. The challenges of hepatic artery reconstruction in liver transplantation are related to vessel quality and length. The use of microsurgical technique, appropriate recipient vessel selection, minimisation of vessel manipulation with modified instruments, variation in anastomosis techniques, and use of radial artery interpositional grafts are useful strategies to maximise the chances of success.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Sep 2021
Safety and side effect profile of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers: A tertiary hospital experience in Singapore.
Vaccination remains a key strategy to living endemically with COVID-19. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was first granted interim authorisation for use in Singapore in December 2020. With overseas studies published about the safety and side effect profiles of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines focusing mainly on non-Asian populations, we described the side effects of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination experienced by the healthcare workers (HCWs) in a tertiary hospital in Singapore. ⋯ The side effects experienced after Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are generally self-limiting and mild, with no anaphylaxis reported.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Sep 2021
Improved door-to-balloon time for primary percutaneous coronary intervention for patients conveyed via emergency ambulance service.
Early reperfusion of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) results in better outcomes. Interventions that have resulted in shorter door-to-balloon (DTB) time include prehospital cardiovascular laboratory activation and prehospital electrocardiogram (ECG) transmission, which are only available for patients who arrive via emergency ambulances. We assessed the impact of mode of transport on DTB time in a single tertiary institution and evaluated the factors that affected various components of DTB time. ⋯ Arrival via emergency ambulance was associated with a decreased DTB for STEMI patients compared to arriving via own transport. There is a need for public education to increase the usage of emergency ambulances for suspected heart attacks to improve outcomes.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Sep 2021
Parental perception and guideline awareness of children's lifestyle behaviours at ages 5 to 14 in Singapore.
There are limited data on the descriptive lifestyle behaviour of school-age children in Singapore. ⋯ Lifestyle behaviours were suboptimal in Singapore children compared with existing overseas guidelines, indicating a need for an integrated guideline with greater dissemination.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Sep 2021
Association between lung compliance phenotypes and mortality in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in COVID-19 is associated with a high mortality rate, though outcomes of the different lung compliance phenotypes are unclear. We aimed to measure lung compliance and examine other factors associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients with ARDS. ⋯ COVID-19 ARDS patients with higher compliance on the day of intubation and a longitudinal decrease over time had a higher risk of death.