Ann Acad Med Singap
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Monkeypox is a global health emergency. Prior to 2022, there were few reports of monkeypox outside of endemic countries, which were mostly travel-related. Since May 2022, an exponential increase in monkeypox infections in previously non-endemic countries has been reported. ⋯ We summarise the 15 Singapore cases reported to date as of August 2022, and highlight salient clinical clues that may aid physicians in narrowing the broad differential diagnosis of an acute vesicular genital eruption. Although research into vaccination and antiviral strategies is ongoing, monkeypox is currently conservatively managed. Clinical vigilance and a high index of suspicion are required to facilitate early detection and isolation of cases to contain transmission in Singapore.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Aug 2022
ReviewNationwide study of the characteristics of frequent attenders with multiple emergency department attendance patterns.
The burden of frequent attenders (FAs) of emergency departments (EDs) on healthcare resources is underestimated when single-centre analyses do not account for utilisation of multiple EDs by FAs. We aimed to quantify the extent of multiple ED use by FAs and to characterise FAs. ⋯ A nationwide approach is needed to quantify the national FA burden. The multiple comorbidities and higher frequency of ED use associated with FAs who visited multiple EDs and mixed EDs, compared to those who visited a single ED, suggested a higher level of ED burden in these subgroups of patients. The distinct characteristics and needs of each FA subgroup should be considered in future healthcare interventions to reduce FA burden.