Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi / Hong Kong Academy of Medicine
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A 10% cross-reactivity rate is commonly cited between penicillins and cephalosporins. However, this figure originated from studies in the 1960s and 1970s which included first-generation cephalosporins with similar side-chains to penicillins. Cephalosporins were frequently contaminated by trace amount of penicillins at that time. ⋯ Skin test for penicillin is not predictive of cephalosporin hypersensitivity, while cephalosporin skin test is not sensitive. Drug provocation test by experienced personnel remains the best way to exclude or confirm the diagnosis of drug hypersensitivity and to find a safe alternative for future use. A personalised approach to cross-reactivity is advocated.
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To evaluate the availability and accessibility of community automated external defibrillators in a territory in Hong Kong. ⋯ The number and accessibility of community automated external defibrillators in this territory are comparable to those in other developed countries. The placement site of community automated external defibrillators is cost-effective. However, the public access defibrillation rate is low.
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To examine the impact of the 21-gene Oncotype DX Breast Cancer Assay on the adjuvant treatment decision-making process for early-stage breast cancer in Hong Kong. ⋯ The Oncotype DX Recurrence Score information impacts the decision-making process for adjuvant therapy for early-stage breast cancer in the multidisciplinary care setting in Hong Kong. A larger-scale study is required to gain more experience, evaluate its impact more thoroughly, and assess its cost-effectiveness.
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To present the 3-year experience of using venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for patients with severe respiratory failure in a single centre in Hong Kong. ⋯ Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is an effective adjunctive therapy and can be used as a life-saving procedure for carefully selected patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome when the limits of standard therapy have been reached.