The empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is a rare complication of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, leading to cycle cancellation. Low human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) bioavailability and ovarian dysfunction have been implicated with this condition. This case report illustrates a typical case of EFS and several strategies suggested to overcome this problem.
Infection plays a pivotal role in enhancing a diabetic foot at risk toward amputation. Effective antibiotic therapy against the offending pathogens is an important component of treatment of diabetic foot infections. Recognition of the pathogen is always difficult as the representative deep tissue sample for culture is surrounded by ulcer surface harbouring colonies of organisms frequently labelled as skin commensals. The emergent of resistant strains represents a compounding problem standing against efforts to prevent amputation. This study was undertaken to identify the pathogens associated with diabetic foot infection in terms of their frequency and sensitivity against certain commonly used antibiotics. Forty-four consecutive patients with open diabetic foot infections had wound swab taken for culture and sensitivity testing. Cultures positive were observed in 89% of the cases with Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeroginosa encountered in 20%, 14% and 14% of cases respectively. Mixed growths were isolated in 6% of cultures. All Staphylcoccus aureus isolates were resistant to Penicillin but 80% were sensitive to Erythromycin and Co-trimoxazole. Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were sensitive to Methicillin and Gentamycin in 80% and 60% of cases respectively, and resistant to Ampicillin and Ceftazidime in 83% and 50% respectively. All Pseudomonas aeroginosa isolates were sensitive to Amikacin and Ciprofloxacin but 50% were resistant to Gentamycin. There was no single antibiotic possessing good coverage for all common organisms isolated from diabetic foot lesions. Staphylococcus aureus remains the predominant cause of diabetic foot infections followed by Klebsiela pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeroginosa. Most infections are monomicrobial. The emergence of multiresistant organisms is a worrying feature in diabetic foot infections.
Deep surgical site infection is a devastating consequence of total joint arthroplasty. The use of antibiotic impregnated bone cement is a well-accepted adjunct for treatment of established infection and prevention of deep orthopaedic infection. It allows local delivery of the antibiotic at the cement-bone interface and sustained release of antibiotic provides adequate antibiotic coverage after the wound closure. Preclinical testing, randomised and clinical trials indicate that the use of antibiotic-impregnated bone cement is a potentially effective strategy in reducing the risk of deep surgical site infection following total joint arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to assess antibacterial activity of erythromycin and colistin impregnated bone cement against strains of organisms' representative of orthopaedic infections including Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobic organisms: Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococci, Enterococcus sp., Proteus sp., Klebsiella sp., Pseudomonas sp., and Escherichia coli. Pre-blended Simplex P bone cement with the addition of erythromycin and colistin (Howemedica Inc) was mixed thoroughly with 20ml liquid under sterile conditions to produce uniform cylindrical discs with a diameter of 14mm and thickness of 2mm. 24-48 hour agar cultures of Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococci, Enterococcus sp.,Proteus sp., Klebsiella sp.,Pseudomonas sp., and Escherichia coli were used for the agar diffusion tests. The agar plates were streaked for confluent growth followed by application of erythromycin and colistin impregnated bone cement disc to each agar plate. The plates were incubated at 30 degrees C and examined at 24, 48, 72 hours, and four and five days after the preparation of the impregnated cement. The susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus to the control discs was most clearly demonstrated showing a distinct zone of inhibition. The zone observed around coagulase-negative Staphylococci, Klebsiella sp., Pseudomonas sp., and Escherichia coli were also significant. However, there was no zone of inhibition or signs of antibacterial activity at the cemented surface were detected around discs with Enterococcus sp. and Proteus sp. The results showed that Simplex P bone cement with the addition of erythromycin and colistin was effective against most of the broad spectrum organisms encountered during total joint arthroplasty. The activity of Simplex P bone cement impregnated with erythromycin and colistin is mainly during the first 72 hours.
Necrotizing fasciitis is a limb- and life-threatening rapidly spreading infection affecting the deep fascia with secondary necrosis of the subcutaneous tissue. It requires immediate medical attention and emergency surgery to prevent morbidity and death. This study was undertaken to determine its co-morbidity and risk factors affecting the outcome of its surgical treatment. This is a retrospective review of 36 cases of necrotizing fasciitis of the lower limb treated in our center between 1998 and 2002. Only 19% of the cases were correctly diagnosed upon admission and 48.6% were initially diagnosed as 'cellulitis'. Diabetes mellitus was the most common co-morbid. Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Enterobactericae were the common pathogens isolated. Ten patients (27.8%) had major amputation as part of radical debridement. The overall mortality rate was 36% with laboratory parameters: high serum urea and creatinine, and low haemoglobin levels were predictors for higher mortality. Poor white cell response which is common in diabetic patients and a delay in surgical debridement were. notable attributes to a higher mortality. Necrotizing fasciitis is a serious infection associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A poor white blood cell response, high serum urea and creatinine, and low haemoglobin level were the predictors for mortality. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are of paramount importance in the treatment of this infection.
Orthopaedic procedures especially dynamic hip screw (DHS) fixation, interlocking nailing (ILN) of the tibia and femur require fluoroscopic assistance. Frequent exposure to radiation is a major concern to members of the orthopaedic surgical team. This study was undertaken to measure shallow (skin) dose to the operating team personnel and deep (whole body) dose to the surgeon during such procedures in view to provide guidelines to the operating team members regarding the number of procedures allowable for them to perform or assist annually. Skin dose for the operating personnel and whole body dose for the operating surgeon during 25 procedures; ten cases of DHS, seven and six cases of ILN of the tibia and femur respectively, was measured using Thermoluminescent Dosimeter (TLD) chips. The shallow radiation dose for theatre personnel ranged from 0.19 mSy to 0.61 per case while the deep dose for the surgeon was 0.28, 0.55 and 0.81 mSy for seven cases of tibial ILN, ten cases of DHS and six cases of femur ILN respectively. The surgeon has the highest radiation exposure than other theatre personnel and the whole body exposure for DHS was higher than that of for ILN. However, the estimated cumulative dose was still far below the permissible annual dose limit.
Adequate pain relief is a requisite for a successful closed manipulative reduction (CMR) of fractures and dislocations. This prospective study was undertaken to assess the mode and adequacy of pain relief given to patients undergoing such procedures at Seremban Hospital from the 1st April to the 31st May 2001. All patients with fractures and dislocations scheduled to undergo CMR were included in this study. The type of sedative agents and analgesia administered were recorded. Demographic data and the type of fracture or dislocation of the selected patients were documented. A visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain perception was given to both to the patients and the medical personnel who performed the procedure. All data were collected manually before entered into computerized database for analysis. Of 72 patients included in this study, 47% were Malay, 26% Indian, 21% Chinese and 6% others. There was male predominance and the patients' age ranged between 9 to 79 years (average 27.4 years). Upper limb injuries (79%) were mainly fractures of the radius and ulna (29%) and isolated fracture radius (21%). For the lower limb injuries (21%), combined tibia and fibula fractures constituted 10% of the total cases followed by isolated tibia fractures (10%) and hip dislocation (1%). The most common pain relieving agents given during the CMR were intravenous pethidine alone (43%) followed by combination of intravenous pethidine and valium (36%), intramuscular pethidine (17%) and intramuscular tramal (4%). The Visual Analogue Score (VAS) for pain perception revealed that 61% of the patients had moderate pain while 21% had severe pain during the course of the procedures. Suboptimal pain relief administered during CMR should prompt positive actions to ensure that the patient is not subjected to undue pain just for the sake of an acceptable fracture reduction.
The incidence of spinal injuries in Malaysia is on the rise following similar trend of rapid development and increasing number of building constructions sites, and motor vehicles. This epidemiological study was aimed at compiling local data with a view to identifying target areas for preventive measures as well as improvement strategies in the management of these potentially devastating injuries. Seventy eight patients admitted with spine trauma in 1998 in a level-one trauma centre were retrospectively reviewed. All records were traced from the admission and discharge books of the orthopaedic wards, accident and emergency wards, operative registration book, spinal rehabilitation ward and orthopaedic registration data of the Department of Orthopaedics, Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Details on pre-treatment neurological and radiological level of injury and post-treatment outcomes were recorded according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale. Most patients (61.5%) were in the productive ages of less than 34 years with a 4:1 male to female ratio. Majority were due to motor vehicle accidents (57.7%) and fall from a height (28.3%). The thoraco-lumbar junction was the most common site of injury followed by the lower cervical region with 62.5% of which associated with neurological deficit. Neurological deficits: 11 ASIA-A, 1 ASIA-B, 6 ASIA-C, and 3 ASIA-D were detected in 21 (27%) patients with fall from height (50%) particularly landing on the feet (50%) and recreational sports (100%) were the risk factors. Less than 10% of patients were treated surgically and this explains an average 39.4 days of hospitalization (5 times longer in patients treated non-operatively). On discharge, four patients with incomplete neurology recovered to ASIA-E status and the remaining improved to ASIA-C and -D in one and five patients respectively. Only one patient with complete neurology improved to ASIA-B status following surgical treatment. The demographic profiles of our patients were comparable to other series in the literature but still inadequate to provide enough epidemiological data. A multicenter study to provide a larger pool of patients is needed.
Antibiotic-loaded bone cement has been used as prophylaxis against infection in total joint replacement surgery. Its effect on the mechanical strength of cement is a major concern as high dose of antibiotic was associated with a significant reduction in mechanical strength of bone cement. However, the cut-off antibiotic that weakens the mechanical strength of cement remains to be determined. This study was undertaken to observe the changes in the mechanical properties of bone cement with gradual increments of Cefuroxime antibiotic. Cefuroxime at different doses: 0, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5gm were added to a packet of 40gm bone cement (Simplex P) and study samples were prepared by using third generation cementing technique. Mechanical impact, flexural and tensile strength were tested on each sample. Significant impact and tensile strength reduction were observed after addition of 4.5 gm of Cefuroxime. However, flexural strength was significantly reduced at a lower dose of 3.0 gm. The maximum dose of Cefuroxime to be safely added to 40mg Surgical Simplex P is 1.5gm when third generation cementing technique is used. Further study is needed to determine whether it is an effective dose as regards to microbiological parameters.
The post-operatve course of amputees is poorly documented. This cross-sectional survey was unertaken to determine functional outcomes of 213 patients who had undergone either a below-knee or above-knee amputation from 2000 to 2002 in a state-hospital setting. The study comprises a self-constructed questionnaire and interview conducted by phone. Of the 213 amputees, 41 out of 61 documented telephone numbers of the patients were useful for contact. Only 30 amputees were available for the study as the remaining 11 had passed away. Included in the questionnaire was the modified Barthel Index, a measurement to assess the amputees' ability to carry out activities of daily living (ADL). It contains ten questions pertaining to ADL with a total score of 20 points. Two-thirds of the respondents (67%) use their prosthesis for less than six hours per day. The Barthel Index of 30 patients ranged from 9-20 (mean 17.7). However, the mean Barthel Index in those with and without prosthesis was 18.4 and 15.2 respectively, but this difference was not significant. Half of the respondents were unable to maintain their pre-amputation jobs, while the remaining 50% were still able to work. Forty seven percent of amputees took less than a year to return to their activities, while 33% took between one to two years. Regarding the adequacy of preamputation information provided by the doctors, 73% amputees responded in the affirmative, while 27% felt otherwise. Amputees were still facing substantial disabilities following major amputation of the lower limb. Although 80% of respondents surveyed own prosthesis, the full use of prosthesis is suboptimal due to prosthetic-related problems. Most amputees had a good functional outcome based on the modified Barthel Index. Some amputees were unhappy as they felt that they were insufficiently informed regarding post-amputation expectation prior to the amputation. Despite good support from family, the community support for amputees is still lacking.
In this issue of the Journal, there are two articles addressing relevant clinical problems that we may encounter in our practice. The main issue related to the occurrence of the inevitability of the avascular necrosis (AVN) following treatment of two different major types of capital femoral epiphyseal 'injury'.
Displaced humeral condyle fractures in children are traditionally fixed with smooth Kirschner wire at the expense of a risk of secondary displacement following removal of wire. Screw fixation of such fractures has recently been advocated as it provides stable fixation. We have been using screw osteosynthesis for treatment of displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures in children in our institution since the turn of this century. This study provides a midterm review of treatment of such injuries with special regards to growth disturbances after screw osteosynthesis and to assess rate of union with a view to formulate guidelines for screw removal. We review the outcomes of screw osteosynthesis for displaced lateral condyle fracture of the humerus (19 Milch type-1 and 15 Milch type-II) in 34 children treated in our institution from January 2000 to March 2004. The average age of the patients was 6.1 years. The average follow up was 24.5 months. Screw osteosynthesis led to union (average 6.9 weeks) in all patients with excellent results in 28 patients. Growth disturbances in the form of lateral condyle overgrowth (2 patients), valgus deformity secondary to lateral condyle avascular necrosis (2 patients) and fishtail deformity ((3 patients) were recognized. The implants should not be removed until fracture union is established. Screw osteosynthesis of the lateral humeral condyle fracture prevents secondary fracture redisplacement and lateral condyle overgrowth is probably related to hyperemic response to metaphyseal fixation and early removal of implant before radiological union.
Femoral neck fracture non-unions often present with significant difficult treatment decision as regards to surgical options and the risk of complication. We present three cases of femoral neck non-union treated with double screw stabilization technique using sliding compression hip screw and anti-rotational screw. The rationale for opting to these simple implants in our setting is discussed.
Many studies have shown that tracheobronchial stenting is effective in relieving respiratory distress secondary to major airway obstruction due to lung or oesophageal cancer. A retrospective review on the benefits and complications of self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) insertion through flexible bronchoscopy for the palliative treatment of upper airway obstruction in University Malaya Medical Centre was performed. Ten patients underwent this procedure. Relief of dyspnoea was immediate following stent insertion in all patients. Stent migration occurred in one patient and three patients had restenosis of the central airway. We conclude that tracheobronchial stenting via flexible bronchoscopy is feasible and safe.
Laparoscopic repair of ventral and incisional hernia has become increasingly popular as compared to open repair. The procedure has the advantages of minimal access surgery, reduction of post operative pain and the recurrence rate. A prospective study of laparoscopic incisional hernia repair was performed in our center from August 2002 to April 2004. Eighteen cases (n: 18) were performed during the study period. Fifteen cases (n: 15) had open hernia repair previously. Sixteen patients (n: 16) had successful repair of the hernia with the laparoscopic approach and two cases were converted to open repair. The mean hernia defect size was 156cm2. There was no intraoperative or immediate postoperative complication. The mean operating time was 100 +/- 34 minutes (75 - 180 minutes). The postoperative pain was graded as mild to moderate according to visual analogue score. The mean day of discharge after surgery was two days (1 - 3 days). During follow up, three patients (16.7%) developed seroma at the hernia sac which was resolved with conservative management after three weeks. One (5.6%) patient developed recurrence six months after surgery. In conclusion, laparoscopic repair of incisional hernia particularly recurrent hernia has been shown to be safe and effective in our centre. However, careful patient selection and acquiring the necessary advanced laparoscopic surgical skills coupled with the proper use of equipment are mandatory before embarking on this procedure.
Pain remains as one of the most common reasons for visits to a doctor. The paper by Zalinawati et all published in this issue of the Journal confirmed this in two primary care settings, showing that a complaint of pain was recorded in almost a third of patients, similar to the prevalence reported in European studies.
In the months of July and August 2003, an outbreak of acute respiratory illness caused by influenza A virus occurred among students in seven residential schools situated in the northern part (Perak) of Peninsular Malaysia. Out of 4989 students, aged 13 to 18 years (mean = 15.9), 1419 (28%) were effected by influenza-like illness. All patients were treated as outpatients except for 36 students who required admission for high fever, severe coughing and shortness of breath. Abnormal chest X-ray findings were noted for those that required inpatient management. Influenza A virus was isolated from 37 sputum specimens, 20 throat swabs and three nasal swab specimens from a total of 278 clinical samples obtained from 180 patients. Isolates from each of the outbreaks were sent to WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, Melbourne, Australia for antigenic and genetic analysis. One school outbreak was due to influenza A (H1N1), A/New Caledonia/20/99-like virus while the other six school outbreaks were due to influenza A (H3N2) viruses which were A/Fujian/411/2002-like).
The prevalence of pain complaints as a reason for patient-doctor encounters in the local primary care setting is unknown. We performed a cross-sectional survey of such encounters in one public primary care clinic (KK) and 17 general practice clinics (GP), from the city of Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Reasons for visits were recorded by doctors in KK and medical students in GP using a structured questionnaire. Morbidity data was coded using the International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC-2). A total of 2234 encounters were recorded (80.9% from KK, 19.1% from GP). The overall prevalence of pain complaints was 31.9% with a significant difference between the two cohorts (KK 28.7% and GP 45.2%, p<0.001). Musculoskeletal pain complaints were more common in KK than GP (40.9% versus 29.7%, p<0.05). Of the 3 main ethnic groups in Malaysia (Malay, Chinese and Indian) the Indian patients at KK had the highest prevalence of pain complaints and the Chinese at the GP had the lowest. Thus pain was a common complaint in the two different primary care settings studied. Some of the differences observed are probably due to the differences in the healthcare seeking behaviour of patients consulting at these two settings as well as differences in the payment systems.
The purpose of this study is to assess whether the newly developed laryngeal tube (LT) VBM is easy, simple to use and able to provide adequate ventilation and oxygenation to a patient with an unstable neck who required airway management. We compared the LT to the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) as alternative airway management tool in adult patient with unstable neck who underwent intubation with manual in-line neck stabilization. A randomized single-blinded prospective study was conducted involving a total of 40 ASA I and II premedicated patients who were divided into two groups with 20 patients for each group; either LT or LMA group for airway management during elective surgery. After preoxygenation, anaesthesia was induced and neuromuscular blockade was produced with intravenous drugs. The LT or LMA was inserted after neuromuscular blockade was confirmed using a peripheral nerve stimulator (TOF 1). A size 3, 4 or 5 LT OR a size 3 or 4 LMA was inserted while the patient's head and neck were being stabilized by an assistant who held the sides of the neck and the mastoid processes (manual in-line stabilization). If it was not possible to ventilate the lungs, or if endotrachial carbon dioxide (ETCO2) and/or chest movement did not indicate a patent airway, the LT or LMA was removed. After three failed attempts, the study was terminated and the airway was secured in the most suitable manner determined by the anaesthetist. There was a statistically significant difference for both groups in the time required for successful insertion (time required for LT was 24.8 +/- 7.7 seconds and LMA was 36.1+/-17.3 seconds) (p= 0.01). There was no statistical differences (p>0.05) in number of attempts needed to achieve a patent airway although we were able to achieve a clear airway in all patients in LT group at the first attempt compared with 85% in LMA group. successful insertion rate was 100% for both groups. We conclude that the LT is easier to insert and is a suitable alternative to the LMA for airway management when the patient's head and neck are stabilized by manual in-line method.
The most commonly involved space was the parapharyngeal and superficial anterior triangle followed by submandibular, retropharyngeal, posterior triangle and submental spaces respectively. Thirty-three percent of patients had diabetes mellitus as a predisposing factor. More than half of them had no known aetiological cause for the neck abscess. We encountered one mortality in an elderly patient with diabetes who succumbed to overwhelming septicaemia despite early abscess drainage and intensive medical treatment.
The national clinical practice guideline has recommended that prophylactic antibiotic be given in orthopaedic surgery involving joint replacements and internal fixation of fractures. The aim of this study is to assess the current antibiotics prophylaxis practice in a state level hospital. One hundred and three patients (68 males, 35 females; mean age 41.6 +/- 22.2 years) undergoing internal fixation for closed fractures and joint replacement surgery were included in this prospective study. The choice of pre and post-operative antibiotics, their dosages and duration of administration were recorded. The pre-operative antibiotics were only deemed to have been given if it was documented in the case notes and in the case of post-operative antibiotics if it was signed on the drug chart. Eighty eight percent were given pre-operative prophylactic antibiotics and 92% were given post-operative antibiotics. For patients undergoing internal fixation of fractures, the most commonly used antibiotic for both pre and post-op is intravenous cefuroxime. For joint replacement surgery, the most commonly used antibiotic is intravenous cefoperazone. The duration or number of doses of post-operative antibiotics was highly variable. It was not stated in 56% of the post-operative instructions. Post-operative antibiotic was ordered for 48 hours or longer in 10%. In conclusion, prophylactic antibiotics appear to be widely practised. The first line antibiotics as recommended by the present guideline were not given in any of the patients. Second generation followed by third generation cephalosporins are the most popular antibiotics, with a trend towards using third generation cephalosporins in arthroplasty patients. Single dose prophylaxis was rarely practised.