Singap Med J
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Combining levodopa and virtual reality-based therapy for rehabilitation of the upper limb after acute stroke: pilot study Part II.
This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a combination of levodopa and virtual reality (VR)-based therapy for the enhancement of upper limb recovery following acute stroke. ⋯ Our results suggest that VR-based therapy and pharmacotherapy may be combined for acute stroke rehabilitation. Bedside acquisition of kinematic measurements allows accurate assessment of the quality of limb movement, offering a sensitive clinical tool for quantifying motor recovery during the rehabilitation process after acute stroke.
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Traumatic diaphragmatic injuries (TDIs) are clinically challenging. We aimed to review TDIs treated at a tertiary trauma centre over a 12-year period. ⋯ TDIs showed varying injury patterns with blunt versus penetrating mechanisms of injury, and were associated with significant mortality rates. Preoperative imaging had limited diagnostic use.
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We performed this study to find clinical features and laboratory parameters that could facilitate the process of selecting patients who should receive lumbar punctures from among those who present with headache and fever. ⋯ Using the proposed scoring system, we were able to determine the likelihood of viral meningitis in patients presenting with fever and headache, and to successfully identify those who should receive lumbar punctures.
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Multicenter Study
Management of atherosclerosis risk factors for patients at high cardiovascular risk in real-world practice: a multicentre study.
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a global health burden. However, there are heterogeneities among countries or regions in the risk factors and clinical manifestations of atherosclerotic diseases as well as management patterns. ⋯ Conventional atherosclerosis risk factors were common among Thai patients with established atherosclerotic disease. Even though most of the patients received recommended treatments according to established guidelines, a significant proportion of them were undertreated for atherosclerosis risk factors.
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Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an effective treatment for high-risk or inoperative patients with severe aortic stenosis. Given the unique characteristics of Asian populations, questions regarding mid-term outcomes in Asians undergoing TAVI have yet to be addressed. We evaluated the two-year clinical outcomes of TAVI in an Asian population using Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 definitions. ⋯ Despite the unique clinical differences in Asian populations, this registry demonstrated favourable mid-term clinical and safety outcomes in Asians undergoing TAVI.