Ann Acad Med Singap
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Catheter-related spinal epidural abscesses are rare but increasing in incidence. ⋯ It is important to be vigilant and continue to maintain good clinical practice and a high index of suspicion for this procedural-related complication.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Jan 2001
Comparative StudyA prospective evaluation of surgeon performed sonography as a screening test in blunt abdominal trauma.
Sonography has found a role in the evaluation of patients with abdominal injury. However, the accuracy of sonography as performed by non-radiologists remains controversial. This study aims to determine the accuracy of focused abdominal sonography for trauma when performed by surgeons. ⋯ In conclusion, our initial experience suggests that local surgeons can perform a focused sonographic examination for trauma with acceptable accuracy. Although sonography lacks the sensitivity of diagnostic peritoneal lavage and the accuracy of CT scan, the diagnostic algorithm for abdominal trauma should include sonography as a screening test.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Jan 2001
Clinical TrialEffects of a pulmonary rehabilitation programme on physiologic and psychosocial outcomes in patients with chronic respiratory disorders.
The purpose of this prospective study is to determine the effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation programme (PRP) conducted at our centre for patients with chronic lung disease. ⋯ Patients who completed a comprehensive PRP at our centre showed significant increase in functional capacity, reduction of exertional dyspnoea and improvement in health status.
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Erythema induratum remains one of the rarely encountered tuberculid although tuberculosis is known to be endemic in the developing countries. We report a case of erythema induratum recently encountered in our centre. ⋯ A short review of the distinguishing features of erythema induratum, the associated classical histological spectrum and the usefulness of polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of erythema induratum is given. A search for active foci of tuberculosis is advocated in all cases.
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This paper presents the regulatory perspectives of the clinical drug evaluation process and the role of the newly established Centre for Drug Evaluation in Singapore in this process. It describes the major drug evaluation systems in the developed countries and their similarities and differences. ⋯ Building the capability for the evaluation of new drugs is essential as part of the regulatory infrastructure for a knowledge-based economy in Singapore. To conduct better clinical trials, investigators should develop a good understanding of the clinical drug evaluation process and an appreciation of the regulatory angle.