Ann Acad Med Singap
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Jan 2001
Comparative Study Clinical TrialAntibiotic sensitivity of Propionibacterium acnes isolates from patients with acne vulgaris in a tertiary dermatological referral centre in Singapore.
To study the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) isolates to selected antibiotics from patients with acne vulgaris in Singapore and determine if resistance increases with prolonged use of antibiotics. ⋯ Antibiotic resistance in P. acnes isolates in Singapore follows similar patterns to studies conducted in Europe. Resistance to erythromycin was most commonly seen, and this is associated with cross-resistance to clindamycin. Among the tetracycline group of drugs, the average MICs to tetracycline was higher than that for doxycycline, which in turn was higher than that for minocycline. Antibiotic resistance can occur with short-term antibiotic courses, and the rate of resistance increases as the duration of antibiotic consumption increases.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Jan 2001
Clinical TrialEffects of a pulmonary rehabilitation programme on physiologic and psychosocial outcomes in patients with chronic respiratory disorders.
The purpose of this prospective study is to determine the effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation programme (PRP) conducted at our centre for patients with chronic lung disease. ⋯ Patients who completed a comprehensive PRP at our centre showed significant increase in functional capacity, reduction of exertional dyspnoea and improvement in health status.
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Catheter-related spinal epidural abscesses are rare but increasing in incidence. ⋯ It is important to be vigilant and continue to maintain good clinical practice and a high index of suspicion for this procedural-related complication.
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Erythema induratum remains one of the rarely encountered tuberculid although tuberculosis is known to be endemic in the developing countries. We report a case of erythema induratum recently encountered in our centre. ⋯ A short review of the distinguishing features of erythema induratum, the associated classical histological spectrum and the usefulness of polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of erythema induratum is given. A search for active foci of tuberculosis is advocated in all cases.
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This paper presents the regulatory perspectives of the clinical drug evaluation process and the role of the newly established Centre for Drug Evaluation in Singapore in this process. It describes the major drug evaluation systems in the developed countries and their similarities and differences. ⋯ Building the capability for the evaluation of new drugs is essential as part of the regulatory infrastructure for a knowledge-based economy in Singapore. To conduct better clinical trials, investigators should develop a good understanding of the clinical drug evaluation process and an appreciation of the regulatory angle.