Singap Med J
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Although very rare, cases of cauda equina tumours migrating several levels have been known to occur. We report two cases of cauda equina schwannomas which migrated from its primary site, one caudally and the other one rostrally as confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging perioperatively. The first patient was a 27-year-old man and the second a 41-year-old man; both presented with back pain. This report aims to remind clinicians that certain tumours attached to the roots in the lumbar spinal canal may migrate.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A randomised controlled trial on beneficial effects of early feeding post-Caesarean delivery under regional anaesthesia.
We prospectively investigated the incidence of ileus, nausea/vomiting, and hospital course of non-labouring women fed immediately after Caesarean delivery under regional anaesthesia. ⋯ This prospective randomised trial showed no increase in ileus with early feeding post-Caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia, with added benefits of earlier intravenous cannulae removal, ambulation, breastfeeding initiation and potential for shorter hospitalisation. Despite increased nausea in those taking solids earlier (but not feeds), maternal satisfaction rated higher in the early-fed group.
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Insomnia is a common complaint associated with psychiatric disorders. Detection and diagnosis of insomnia can be a challenge at the primary care level. Patients often present with various kinds of psychological symptoms. Therefore, a high index of suspicion and careful assessments are crucial in eliciting signs and symptoms and making an accurate diagnosis of primary insomnia or a psychiatric disorder. ⋯ The various psychiatric disorders present in this group of patients highlight the need for careful assessment and recognition of these associations.
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Apert syndrome is characterised by craniosynostosis, associated with maxillary hypoplasia, symmetrical syndactyly of the hands and feet, and other systemic malformations including mental retardation. Apert syndrome and septo-optic dysplasia is rarely described. We describe the classical clinical and radiological findings of this syndrome in a 20-year-old woman. Though early surgical intervention is imperative for optimal outcome, in developing countries, it may not be possible to intervene at the right time due to financial constraints.
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Tobacco consumption is one of the leading preventable causes of death and disease worldwide. Nicotine, a major toxic component of tobacco, has been identified as an important risk factor for lung-related diseases. Increasing evidence demonstrates that oxidative stress plays a crucial aetiological role in the development of lung-related diseases. The present study aims at evaluating the protective role of curcumin and a synthetic analogue of curcumin (BDMC-A) on nicotine-induced oxidative stress. ⋯ The present study suggests that BDMC-A exerts its protective effect by modulating the extent of lipid peroxidation and augmenting the antioxidant defence system.