Singap Med J
-
Infection following grade IIIB open tibial fracture is common. The primary aim of managing this condition is to achieve control of infection before the bone reconstruction procedure is performed. The outcomes for such patients have not been evaluated in the literature. This study was conducted to examine the outcome of a multi-stage procedure for the treatment of infected grade IIIB open tibial fractures. ⋯ The multi-stage management approach is well-accepted and effective in controlling infection in infected grade IIIB open tibial fractures.
-
Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a life-threatening infection of the perineal and genital areas. We examined the comorbid diseases, treatments and factors affecting mortality in FG. ⋯ Haemodialysis-dependent chronic renal failure and a high leukocyte count at first presentation were found to be the factors affecting mortality in FG patients.
-
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors among health workers (HWs) and non-health workers (NHWs) in a large hospital in Singapore. ⋯ The prevalence of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in NHWs is higher than that in HWs. Health promotion programmes should address this captive and neglected audience in healthcare organisations.
-
Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of risk factors that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Waist circumference (WC), a surrogate indicator of abdominal fat mass, is used to measure central obesity associated with increased risk of hypertension, insulin resistance and type 2 DM, whereas body mass index (BMI) is traditionally used to measure somatic obesity. This study aimed to identify the WC and BMI cut-off points to predict the metabolic risk factors for MS and to determine which is a better predictor. ⋯ WC is a better predictor of metabolic risk factors for developing MS than BMI. Therefore, we propose that metabolic risk factors be screened when WC ≥ 80 cm is found in both genders regardless of BMI.
-
Intellectual disability is known to be associated with a high incidence of psychiatric co-morbidity and problem behaviours. However, there are many challenges in trying to meet the mental health needs of people with an intellectual disability, and these are often not adequately addressed in Singapore's current healthcare system. This article outlines the present service provisions for this area in the country and details the importance of, as well as difficulties in the integration of health and social care measures in service development and delivery.