Ann Acad Med Singap
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Oct 1983
Review Comparative StudyGastritis and duodenitis--a clinical, endoscopic and histological study and review of the literature.
A clinical, endoscopic and histological study of gastritis and duodenitis was carried out in 50 patients. The endoscopic diagnosis of mucosal inflammation was found to be highly reproducible. However there was poor correlation between endoscopic and histological diagnoses of gastritis or duodenitis. ⋯ Gastritis and duodenitis should not be diagnosed by history alone but only by endoscopy or histology. When gastritis or duodenitis is the only pathology demonstrated only symptomatic therapy should be given. The literature on the diagnosis and aetiology of gastritis as well as that of specific varieties of gastritis is reviewed.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Jul 1983
Experiences in the management of chest injuries and a review of current management.
Eleven cases of chest trauma managed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Alexandra Hospital were reviewed. Common manifestations were: rib fractures, haemothorax, pneumothorax, pulmonary contusion and flail chest. Nine patients had fractures on other sites of the body and three patients had associated abdominal injuries requiring laparotomy. ⋯ Respiratory failure in chest trauma is often the result of damage to the parenchyma, atelectasis and infection. Whilst the extent of parenchyma lung damage is dependent upon the severity of the injury and therefore not medically preventable, atelectasis and infection can be avoided. Patients with significant chest trauma should therefore be admitted directly to the Intensive Care Unit and the 'Expectant Therapy' instituted.
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The authors wish to document the experience of the Burns Unit, Singapore General Hospital in the management of burns of the upper limb. Fifty-six patients with post-burn deformity of the upper limb seen during a five year period (July 1978-July 1983) were reviewed. The cases were analysed and there were no significant differences in age, sex and race distribution. ⋯ When both surfaces were burned the prognosis depended upon the burns depth. Digital burns treated surgically had fewer residual contractures. The role of occupational therapy, scar control, splinting and secondary surgery in relation to the rehabilitation of the burned upper limb is discussed in some detail.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Jul 1983
Case ReportsPsychological aspects of spinal cord injuries--an important point in the outcome of rehabilitation.
With modern management of spinal cord injury, the mortality rate has reduced and life expectancy increased, and psychological and social counselling have become an integral part of the total rehabilitation process. Observation and exploration as well as some additional tests form the basis for a proper evaluation of the individual coping mechanism. Typical behaviour patterns are discussed and therapeutic approaches with specific indications, analysed. The most important issue, however, is the willingness of the family and the community to accept the disabled cocitizen as an equal partner in all activities concerned.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Apr 1983
Case ReportsSurgical treatment of the cervical spine in rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect any of the synovial joints in the vertebral column. However, the cervical spine, which is the most commonly involved, is the region where segmental instability can lead to neurological sequelae. ⋯ It is with this knowledge that surgical fusion is offered to a few selected patients. Our own cases are derived from the Medical Research Council Rheumatism Unit at Taplow and the paper will also include experience of Juvenile Chronic Arthritis and ankylosing Spondylitis.