Singap Med J
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Ebstein's anomaly is a congenital malformation characterised by tricuspid valve pathology with right heart enlargement. Cases of Ebstein's anomaly can vary widely in severity, anatomy and presentation. ⋯ Patients may first present to their primary care physicians with cardiac symptoms such as reduced effort tolerance together with an abnormal ECG. ECG changes suggestive of right heart enlargement are important in the initial consideration and eventual formal diagnosis of the condition.
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A 74-year-old woman receiving long-term anticoagulation with warfarin for chronic atrial fibrillation presented with severe acute abdominal pain, diarrhoea and vomiting. Initial laboratory workup revealed a deranged coagulation profile. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated spontaneous distal jejunal intramural haematoma with associated reactive ileus. ⋯ The patient was managed non-operatively with analgesia, cessation of warfarin and reversal therapy with vitamin K. Warfarin therapy was recommenced upon resolution of symptoms and optimisation of coagulation status. The clinical presentation, radiological features and overall management of anticoagulation-induced bleeding are further discussed in this article.
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There is an increasing reliance on informal caregivers to continue the care of patients after discharge. This is a huge responsibility for caregivers and some may feel unprepared for the role. Without adequate support and understanding regarding their needs, patient care may be impeded. This study aimed to identify the needs valued by caregivers and if there was agreement between acute care nurses and caregivers in the perception of whether caregiver needs were being met. ⋯ Although caregivers valued reassurance the most, there was poor agreement between acute care nurses and caregivers in the perception of caregiver needs being met. Hence, more attention should be paid to the caregiver's needs. Further studies can examine reasons for unmet caregiver needs and interventions to improve support for them.
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Our study aimed to review the quit rates of smokers from our inpatient smoking cessation programme in relation to habits and sociodemographic factors, and also to explore the potential usefulness of electronic cigarettes (ECs) by reviewing smoking motivations. ⋯ Smoking motivations such as habitual use and psychological dependence did not influence quit rates and therefore do not support the use of ECs. Instead, a cold turkey method of quitting was shown in our study to contribute to cessation success. We recommend an increased focus on the use of pharmacologic aids as well as involvement of peer/spousal support to aid in such quit attempts.