Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi / Hong Kong Academy of Medicine
-
This review covers the recent literature on fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging, with emphasis on techniques, advances, common indications, and safety. ⋯ Magnetic resonance imaging of the fetal brain is a safe and powerful adjunct to sonography in prenatal diagnosis. It can provide additional information that aids clinical management, prognostication, and counselling.
-
Genetic risk factors and family history play an important role in breast cancer development. This review aimed to summarise the current genetic testing approach to hereditary breast/ovarian cancer. ⋯ Recent advances in molecular genetics testing have identified a number of susceptibility genes related to hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancers other than BRCA1 and BRCA2. The introduction of multi-gene testing for hereditary cancer has revolutionised the clinical management of high-risk patients and their families. Individuals with hereditary breast/ovarian cancer will benefit from genetic counselling/testing.
-
This study aimed to describe the clinical profiles of all patients with carbon monoxide poisoning admitted to a regional hospital in order to enhance the vigilance of health care professionals for delayed neurological sequelae associated with carbon monoxide poisoning and to identify the prognostic factors associated with their development. This study also aimed to assess the impact of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the development of delayed neurological sequelae in these patients. ⋯ Although not statistically significant, this study showed a 100% protective effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy against development of severe delayed neurological sequelae in patients with severe carbon monoxide poisoning. Further study with better study design is warranted. Loss of consciousness, low Glasgow Coma Scale score, intubation requirement, elevated troponin and higher creatine kinase levels were possible prognostic factors for development of delayed neurological sequelae in patients with severe carbon monoxide poisoning. A well-defined treatment protocol, appropriate follow-up duration and neuropsychiatric tests together with a hospital-based hyperbaric chamber are recommended for management of patients with severe carbon monoxide poisoning.