Ann Acad Med Singap
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Nov 2006
Study of inherited metabolic disorders in Singapore - 13 years experience.
Recommended by the National Advisory Council of the Disabled, the Ministry of Health of Singapore supported a nationwide study of inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs). When the 5-year project ended, investigations were provided as a diagnostic service. This paper documents our 13-year experience. ⋯ Positive detection rate was 3.5% and 48 IMDs were found. Significant proportion of cases had late-onset IMDs. Early identification of IMDs permits timely management, genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Nov 2006
Case ReportsVisual recovery following emergent orbital decompression in traumatic retrobulbar haemorrhage.
Acute retrobulbar haemorrhage is a potentially sight-threatening condition, and can follow retrobulbar anaesthesia or trauma to the orbit. Acute loss of vision can occur with retrobulbar haemorrhage and is reversible if the condition is recognised and treated early. ⋯ In severe acute retrobulbar haemorrhage, prompt surgical evacuation of the haematoma can reverse visual loss.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Oct 2006
Eye injuries in Singapore--don't risk it. Do more. A prospective study.
The purpose of this study was to characterise and describe the epidemiology of all eye injuries presenting to the National University Hospital (NUH). ⋯ There is a broad spectrum of causes, mechanisms and severity of ophthalmic injuries seen in the hospital, of which work-related trauma makes up a significant proportion. The patients who suffer occupational injuries are a well-defined group: Young, non-Singaporean males, working with power tools in the construction industry are at particular risk. Although preventive strategies are in place for this high-risk group, the lack of awareness and compliance limit their effectiveness. The adequacy and functionality of PPE should be emphasised. In addition, preventive efforts are equally important in domestic, recreational, sports and transport settings. Eye trauma research and prevention can be further aided by a collaborative registry of eye injuries. A long-term islandwide database of all ophthalmic injuries is recommended.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Oct 2006
Case ReportsOrbital metastatic tumour as initial manifestation of asymptomatic gastric adenocarcinoma.
Metastatic orbital tumour from gastric cancer is rare. Patients with metastatic disease may present initially to the ophthalmologist with symptoms from metastases instead of from the primary cancer. ⋯ Early biopsy of unusual orbital tumours is critical as orbital metastases may be the initial manifestation of an asymptomatic primary. Histopathological diagnosis can aid localisation of the primary tumour and allow prompt treatment to be instituted.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Sep 2006
Comparative StudyConstructing multiple choice questions as a method for learning.
Many different strategies exist to try and encourage students to increase their knowledge and understanding of a subject. This study was undertaken to measure the effect of student-based construction of multiple choice questions (MCQs) as a stimulus for the learning and understanding of topics in clinical surgery. ⋯ Construction of MCQs as a learning tool is an unfamiliar exercise to most students and is an unpopular learning strategy. However, students are capable of producing high quality questions, and the challenge for medical faculties is how best to use this initiative to the students' advantage.