Singap Med J
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This study aims to provide demographic and clinical data of elderly people attending one of the hospital emergency departments in Singapore. ⋯ The elderly constituted 12.4% of attendance at the ED but formed 34.5% of admissions. They were more likely to have emergency problems. Understanding the common presenting symptoms and diagnoses of the elderly will help doctors at the ED provide better care. Elderly patients with complex problems who are not hospitalised would probably benefit from further geriatric assessment.
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Benign cephalic histiocytosis (BCH) is a rare, benign, self-healing papular eruption that affects mainly children. The aim of this study was to characterise our Singapore children affected by this condition and to review some of the recent literature on non-Langerhans cell histiocytoses. ⋯ BCH is a benign non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis in which spontaneous resolution is the rule. A small skin punch biopsy is simple, diagnostic and helpful in its management. The management of BCE is expectant and reassurance is sufficient. However the regression and resolution of the lesions may take up to several years.
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The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical performance of serum creatine kinase (CK), CKMB (mass and activity), Troponin T (TnT) and Troponin I (TnI) in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients admitted to the Coronary Care Unit at Tan Tock Seng Hospital between June and July 1998. ⋯ Troponin T and I are superior to CKMB (mass or activity) and CK in the identification of patients with AMI. Combining multiple sampling of the percentage of CKMB with single confirmatory troponin testing may provide a cost-effective testing protocol for suspected AMI patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Combined spinal epidural for labour analgesia--duration, efficacy and side effects of adding sufentanil or fentanyl to bupivacaine intrathecally vs plain bupivacaine.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and side effects of adding sufentanil 10 micrograms, fentanyl 10 micrograms or a control of 1 mL saline to 2.5 mg bupivacaine given intrathecally via combined spinal epidural (CSE) for labour pain relief in the first stage. ⋯ In combined spinal epidural for labour analgesia, adding sufentanil 10 micrograms to intrathecal bupivacaine 2.5 mg provided fast onset and good analgesia for a longer duration compared with adding fentanyl 10 micrograms and with plain bupivacaine. The main side effect was pruritus. Neonatal outcome was similar.
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BACKGROUND OF STUDY: Three hundred and sixty three subjects from various civil service organisations were administered the SCOPE-i (Stress, Coping and Personality Inventory) as part of the Institute of Mental Health's efforts to promote mental health in the workplace. ⋯ These findings have implications on the types of changes in a workplace which employers should make in order to decrease MC and improve physical well-being. In addition, the study shows the usefulness of MI in future studies as a dependent variable.