Singap Med J
-
Comparative Study Observational Study
Chinese patients with Lewy body dementia had shorter survival and developed complications earlier than those with Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Lewy body dementia (LBD) are two common forms of dementia. There are still controversies regarding whether LBD patients have a worse clinical course than AD patients. ⋯ LBD patients had shorter overall survival with earlier occurrence of pre-specified long-term events compared with AD patients. LBD also independently predicted pre-specified long-term events.
-
Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP), a treatment option for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in monochorionic twin pregnancies, is currently the treatment of choice at our centre. We previously reported on our experience of FLP from June 2011 to March 2014. This paper audits our fetal surgery performance since then. ⋯ FLP requires a highly specialised team and tertiary neonatal facility. Continual training improves maternal and perinatal outcomes, ensuring comparable standards with international centres.
-
Observational Study
Factors influencing quality of life of Asian breast cancer patients and their caregivers at diagnosis: perceived medical and psychosocial needs.
We aimed to examine the relative importance of medical and psychosocial needs of Asian breast cancer patients and their caregivers, and to identify the determinants of quality of life (QoL) at the time of diagnosis. ⋯ Patients and caregivers have similar perceptions of needs at diagnosis. A supportive healthcare team can positively influence patients' QoL, highlighting the importance of tailoring support according to needs.
-
Migrant workers comprise about one-fifth of Singapore's resident population and form a substantial and vital component of the nation's workforce. However, limited data is available regarding the barriers that migrant workers face in accessing healthcare from the healthcare providers' perspective. ⋯ Our study identified healthcare providers' perceived barriers to the delivery of healthcare to migrant workers, which corroborate previously published data reported by migrant workers themselves. Further efforts should be directed towards diminishing these barriers and increasing the literacy of migrant health among healthcare workers.