Singap Med J
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Calcium supplementation and pharmacotherapy are recommended in the preventive management of osteoporosis. Many previous studies report of underdiagnosis and undertreatment of osteoporosis among elderly patients with hip fractures. We undertook this study to determine the dietary calcium levels in our local elderly population who were admitted with hip fractures. ⋯ The dietary calcium intake of our elderly patients with hip fractures is insufficient. They would benefit from dietary education and calcium supplements to prevent deterioration in bone density and subsequent osteoporotic fractures.
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We evaluated the relative position of the greater palatine foramen (GPF) for precise injection of local anaesthetics, for optimal pain control in maxillofacial and dental surgeries. ⋯ The perpendicular distance of the GPF in Indian skulls was about 15 mm, the distance of GPF to incisive fossa was approximately 37 mm, and the GIM angle was 21 degrees.
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This study analysed the complaint rates, profile and trend, and complainant profile of patients' complaints received by the National University Hospital Emergency Medicine Department. An earlier ten-year study (1986-1995) was done on the complaint profile. ⋯ Staff-patient communication and organisation/logistics must be continually improved to reduce complaints, while upholding a good standard of care. These would translate into cost savings for all parties. There must also be appropriate checks and balances particularly where complaints are not valid, so that doctors can practice cost-effective medicine.
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Immunosuppressive therapy has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with paraquat poisoning. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy in the management of lung injury due to paraquat poisoning. ⋯ One out of four patients (95 percent CI 3-5) were successfully treated with immunosuppressive therapy for paraquat poisoning. However, due to significant heterogeneity and publication bias, a large randomised controlled trial will be required to affirm the role of immunosuppression in paraquat poisoning.