Ann Acad Med Singap
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Nov 2009
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) impairs visuospatial perception,whereas post-herpetic neuralgia does not: possible implications for supraspinal mechanism of CRPS.
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) patients show impaired visuospatial perception in the dark, as compared to normal patients with acute nociceptive pain. The purpose of this study is 2-fold: (i) to ascertain whether this distorted visuospatial perception is related to the chronicity of pain, and (ii) to analyse visuospatial perception of CRPS in comparison with another neuropathic pain condition. ⋯ We demonstrated that chronic pain does not always impair visuospatial perception. The aetiology of PHN is limited to the peripheral nervous system, whereas the distorted visuospatial perception suggests a supraspinal aetiology of CRPS.
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This study aims to evaluate the prescription patterns and side effects of oxycodone in a local hospital setting. ⋯ This is the first local audit that profiles oxycodone prescription patterns and its side effects. Prescription of oxycodone was appropriate for the majority of the study population. Patient assessment upon initiation of oxycodone therapy and titration of the drug to patients' pain symptoms was suboptimal. Oxycodone was well tolerated by the study population with minimal side effects. Further quality measures and ongoing education of clinicians will ensure future patients obtain safe and effective analgesia.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Nov 2009
Abnormal progesterone and corticotropin releasing hormone levels are associated with preterm labour.
This study examined whether maternal plasma progesterone and corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) concentrations can predict the likelihood of preterm labour. ⋯ Maternal progesterone and CRH measurements taken early in the third trimester may be of use as biochemical markers of pregnancies at high risk of premature labour.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Nov 2009
Efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy for patients with chronic pain in Singapore.
The use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques to manage chronic pain is relatively new and understudied in Singapore. Using data collected from group CBT programmes carried out at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH), we seek to explore the efficacy of the programme on pain intensity, self-efficacy, attitudes towards pain, and emotional factors. We also examined the efficacy of the longer 6- to 9-day group programme versus an abridged 2-day version called the Pacing Programme covering only some aspects of the full group programme. ⋯ These preliminary results provide some evidence supporting the efficacy of CBT techniques in chronic pain management and contribute to the growing body of evidence for the effectiveness of psychological and behavioural techniques in the management of chronic pain.