Singap Med J
-
We present a profile of deaths over two years in the medical departments of a children's hospital. The findings would help us better understand the individual dying experience of these patients. Service gaps and ways to optimise provision of supportive care were identified in the process. ⋯ More efforts could be made to improve the care of dying children and their families. The Paediatric Palliative Service could assist in advance care planning at the end of life.
-
Lower back pain due to degenerative disc disease is a common problem that requires surgical treatment, such as posterolateral fusion and posterior instrumentation (PLF), posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). This retrospective study aimed to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of these techniques. ⋯ Surgical techniques such as PLF, PLIF and TLIF are equally suitable for treating degenerative disc disease, with no differences observed in complications and clinical outcomes. However, in our study, the best radiological outcome was found in patients treated with TLIF.
-
Comparative Study
Risk scoring system for prediction of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with pre-existing renal impairment undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.
Baseline renal impairment is the most recognised risk factor for development of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) post percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We examined the additional risk factors in this high-risk group and aimed to develop a risk model for prediction of CIN. ⋯ Patients with impaired renal function undergoing PCI are at high risk of developing CIN despite traditional prophylaxis. A model of risk prediction could be used to predict its occurrence.
-
Comparative Study
Arthroscopic debridement of intercarpal ligament and triangular fibrocartilage complex tears.
Wrist arthroscopy has evolved since its inception to become an essential diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the management of various wrist disorders. Our study aimed to examine the outcomes of arthroscopic debridement in the treatment of scapholunate (SL), lunotriquetral (LT) and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears. ⋯ Our study demonstrated that there is a definite role for arthroscopic debridement in the management of SL, LT and TFCC tears.
-
Indigo carmine is a blue dye that is widely applied to localise ureteral orifices. It is generally believed to be a safe, biologically inert substance, and hypotensive reactions are extremely rare. However, we experienced three cases of indigo carmine-induced hypotension within a period of two weeks.