Ann Acad Med Singap
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Feb 2020
Bleeding Complications and Adverse Events After Desmopressin Acetate for Percutaneous Renal Transplant Biopsy.
Percutaneous renal biopsy remains critical for the workup of renal allograft dysfunction but is associated with the risk of bleeding. Prophylactic intravenous desmopressin has been proposed to reduce bleeding risk in native renal biopsies, but its efficacy in the renal transplant population is unclear and adverse events such as severe hyponatraemia have been reported. ⋯ Prophylactic desmopressin for renal allograft biopsy may be associated with significant hyponatraemia but its effect on bleeding risk is unclear. Fluid restriction (where feasible) should be recommended when desmopressin is used during renal allograft biopsy. A randomised controlled trial is needed to clarify these outcomes.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Feb 2020
Imaging Features Differentiating Vestibular Ganglion from Intracanalicular Schwannoma on Single-Sequence Non-Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study.
This study aimed to identify imaging features on single-sequence noncontrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that differentiate the vestibular ganglion from small intracanalicular schwannomas. ⋯ Vestibular ganglia may mimic intracanalicular vestibular schwannomas on a single-sequence T2W MRI. However, a fusiform shape and width <1.3 mm increases confidence in the diagnosis of ganglia. Identifying the vestibular ganglion on single-sequence T2W MRI studies may obviate the need for a contrast-enhanced MRI, reducing the risks of contrast administration, additional scanning time and cost.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Feb 2020
Impact of Air Pollution and Trans-Boundary Haze on Nation-Wide Emergency Department Visits and Hospital Admissions in Singapore.
Air pollution is associated with adverse health outcomes. However, its impact on emergency health services is less well understood. We investigated the impact of air pollution on nation-wide emergency department (ED) visits and hospital admissions to public hospitals in Singapore. ⋯ Increased PSI was not associated with increase in total ED visits and hospital admissions, but was associated with increased ED visits and hospital admissions for respiratory conditions in Singapore.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Feb 2020
Multicenter StudyPerspectives on Palliative Care Among Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patients and Their Families in Singapore.
With better medical care, patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) now live longer but face more complex medical and social needs. This study described the perceptions of DMD patients and their families of disease-specific palliative care services in Singapore. ⋯ There is a need to improve awareness and provision of palliative care services for DMD patients in Singapore where discussion of end-of-life care is often considered taboo. Prevention and correction of scoliosis and provision of appropriate ventilatory support may improve quality of life in DMD patients.