Singap Med J
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The aetiology of paediatric acute liver failure (PALF) varies widely according to age, and geographic and socioeconomic factors. This study aimed to examine the epidemiology, aetiology and outcome of PALF in Singapore at a single centre. ⋯ The aetiologic spectrum of PALF in Singapore is similar to that in developed Western countries, with indeterminate aetiology accounting for the majority. PALF is associated with poor overall survival; hence, timely LT for suitable candidates is critical to improve survival outcomes.
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This study aimed to characterise neonatal paediatric emergency department (PED) visits, analyse the main paediatric illnesses and establish associations of these demographics with the readmission rates and severity of their presentation. ⋯ Outpatient management of NNJ can be considered. Caregivers should be provided better education regarding normal physiological characteristics of newborns through standardised educational materials. Other potential avenues for parents to seek medical advice, for example hotlines and ChatBots such as the recently piloted 'Urgent Paediatric Advice Line' online service, should be considered.
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Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) has attracted increasing attention, with institutions increasingly adopting this approach over conventional median sternotomy (MS). This study aimed to describe the outcomes of minimally invasive cardiac surgery in our institution as the only centre with an established MICS programme in Singapore. ⋯ In our institution, MICS is a safe, reproducible and efficacious technique that yields superior outcomes compared with conventional MS procedures, in some aspects. The results of this study provide further evidence and support towards adopting the minimally invasive approach to cardiac surgery in a carefully selected group of cardiac patients in Singapore.
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A 15-year pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma experience in a single centre: a Singapore perspective.
Pheochromocytomas (PCC) and paragangliomas (PGL) are rare endocrine tumours. The objective of this study was to describe our experience with these two entities in a Singapore population. ⋯ PCC and PGL can present with a wide range of symptoms. Intraoperative haemodynamic instability was frequent despite good preoperative preparation. Disease recurrences and metastasis occurred in up to one-fifth of the patients. Genetic screening should be offered to patients with PCC and PGL.
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Ramadan fasting, a month-long annual practice for Muslims, can be challenging for those who have diabetes mellitus with or without associated complications or pre-existing comorbidities, as well as healthcare providers involved in their care. Inadequate preparation for this fasting period can result in increased complications. ⋯ Adequate preparation for Ramadan fasting, including pre-Ramadan assessment, optimisation of glycaemic control, structured Ramadan-focused diabetes education, medication adjustment, glucose monitoring and test fasting, can lead to benefits in terms of improvements in metabolic control and reduced risk of fasting-related complications in people with diabetes mellitus. While there are ongoing efforts to reduce risk during this period, larger-scale national programmes are needed to avert complications and assess the long-term effects of Ramadan fasting in the local population.