Ann Acad Med Singap
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Jul 2021
Factors influencing protective behaviours during haze episodes in Singapore: A population-based study.
Haze is a recurrent problem in Southeast Asia. Exposure to haze is linked to ophthalmic, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and mortality. In this study, we investigated the role of demographic factors, knowledge and perceived risk in influencing protective behaviours during the 2013 haze in Singapore. ⋯ Knowledge was associated with protective behaviours, suggesting the importance of public education. Efforts should target those of lower education level and smokers. The wearing of N95 masks correlates with uptake of other protective behaviours.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Jul 2021
Outcomes of oesophageal cancer treated with neoadjuvant compared with definitive chemoradiotherapy.
We report outcomes of patients with oesophageal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) plus surgery or definitive chemoradiotherapy (chemoRT) at our institution. ⋯ NACRT plus surgery improved OS and DFS. However, in view of treatment-related complications, careful selection of patients is warranted. With the predominant histology of our cohort being squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), our results may be more relevant for those with SCC.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Jul 2021
New-onset cardiovascular risk factors following liver transplantation: A cohort analysis in Singapore.
The aims of this study were to establish weight change, incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cardiovascular risk factors (CvRF) in liver transplant recipients (LTRs). ⋯ CvRF increased significantly post-LT, and NAFLD occurred in 25.3% of LTRs. Body weight dropped drastically within the first month post-LT, which then returned to baseline level just before the end of first year. This novel finding suggests that nutritional intervention needs to be tailored and individualised, based on events and time from transplant. Although long-term obesity is a significant problem, aggressive oral or enteral nutritional supplements take precedence in the early and immediate post-LT period, while interventions targeted at metabolic syndrome become necessary after the first year.