MyMedR

Fulltext An open-label randomised controlled trial on the efficacy of adding intranasal fentanyl to intravenous tramadol in patients with moderate to severe pain following acute musculoskeletal injuries

Chew KS, Shaharudin AH

Singapore Med J, 2017 Oct;58(10):601-605.

PMID: 27193080 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2016096

INTRODUCTION: The use of intranasal fentanyl as an alternative type of analgesia has been shown to be effective in paediatric populations and prehospital settings. There are a limited number of studies on the use of intranasal fentanyl in adult patients in emergency settings.

METHODS: An open-label study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the addition of 1.5 mcg/kg intranasal fentanyl to 2 mg/kg intravenous tramadol (fentanyl + tramadol arm, n = 10) as compared to the administration of 2 mg/kg intravenous tramadol alone (tramadol-only arm, n = 10) in adult patients with moderate to severe pain due to acute musculoskeletal injuries.

RESULTS: When analysed using the independent t-test, the difference between the mean visual analogue scale scores pre-intervention and ten minutes post-intervention was 29.8 ± 8.4 mm in the fentanyl + tramadol arm and 19.6 ± 9.7 mm in the tramadol-only arm (t[18] = 2.515, p = 0.022, 95% confidence interval 1.68-18.72 mm). A statistically significant, albeit transient, reduction in the ten-minute post-intervention mean arterial pressure was noted in the fentanyl + tramadol arm as compared to the tramadol-only arm (13.35 mmHg vs. 7.65 mmHg; using Mann-Whitney U test with U-value 21.5, p = 0.029, r = 0.48). There was a higher incidence of transient dizziness ten minutes after intervention among the patients in the fentanyl + tramadol arm.

CONCLUSION: Although effective, intranasal fentanyl may not be appropriate for routine use in adult patients, as it could result in a significant reduction in blood pressure.

Fulltext Influence of Chinese cultural health beliefs among Malaysian Chinese in a suburban population: a survey

Chew KS, Tan TW, Ooi YT

Singapore Med J, 2011 Apr;52(4):252-6.

PMID: 21552785

In a multiethnic nation, it is not uncommon for doctors to encounter patients of different cultural backgrounds. Often, patients' cultural beliefs influence their perception of health and illnesses, and their treatment option. Many Chinese cultural beliefs are influenced by the Taoist concept of yin-yang balance.

Fulltext How frequent is bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed in the community of Kota Bharu, Malaysia?

Chew KS, Mohd Idzwan Z, Nik Hishamuddun NA, Wan Aasim WA, Kamaruddin J

Singapore Med J, 2008 Aug;49(8):636-9.

PMID: 18756348

INTRODUCTION: Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) serves as a vital link to improve the chance of survival among the out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHA) patients. The frequency of bystander CPR in Malaysia is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to find out how frequently bystander CPR was performed among OHA patients with CPR performed at the Emergency Department (ED), Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), prior to their arrival to the department.
METHODS: In this one-year observational study, data was collected from cases of CPR performed in ED, HUSM. In the OHA category, a subanalysis was further performed to look into the frequency and effects of bystander CPR on achieving return of spontaneous circulation and survival to hospital admission. The categorical data collected was analysed using chi-square test or Fisher-exact test.
RESULTS: Out of a total of 23 OHA patients that had CPR performed on arrival at the ED, HUSM, from March 2005 to March 2006, only two cases (8.7 percent) had bystander CPR performed. None of these two cases achieved return of spontaneous circulation.
CONCLUSION: Although this study has many limitations, it does indicate that the frequency of bystander CPR is dismally low in our community and the mere fact that bystander CPR was reported to be done does not seem to translate into a higher chance of survival to admission. The quality and effectiveness of the technique is equally important.
KEYWORDS: bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest , return of spontaneous circulation

Fulltext Authors' reply

Chew KS, Durning SJ, van Merriënboer JJ

Singapore Med J, 2017 06;58(6):343-344.

PMID: 28642962 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2017051

Fulltext Defaecation pattern in healthy Asian infants

Chew KS, Koay ZL, Ng RT, Lee WS

Singapore Med J, 2022 Jan 27.

PMID: 35083909 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2022011

Fulltext Disturbing trends in abortions in Singapore--analysis in a private clinic

Chew SC

Singapore Med J, 1988 Feb;29(1):28-9.

PMID: 3406761

The figures for abortions performed under The Abortion Act, 1974 of Singapore in a private clinic over a period of 20 months were studied. Overall, an alarming proportion of repeat abortions were found, and this was true for all age groups suggesting that abortions are being used as a regular method of family planning in Singapore.

Fulltext Prevalence of obesity and its associated risk factors among Chinese adults in a Malaysian suburban village

Chew WF, Masyita M, Leong PP, Boo NY, Zin T, Choo KB, et al.

Singapore Med J, 2014 Feb;55(2):84-91.

PMID: 24570317

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a major modifiable risk factor associated with most chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity, and its associated risk factors, among apparently healthy Chinese adults in a Malaysian suburban village.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among the Chinese residents in Seri Kembangan New Village, Klang Valley, Selangor, Malaysia. Convenience sampling was used for the selection of participants. Body weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, and blood pressure were measured. Fasting venous plasma was drawn for the measurement of fasting glucose level and lipid profile. Data on sociodemographic factors, dietary habits, physical activity, perceived stress level and sleep duration were collected using interviewer-administered, pretested and validated questionnaires.

RESULTS: Among the 258 Chinese residents (mean age 41.4 ± 10.0 years) recruited, the prevalence of obesity was 40%. The obese participants had significantly higher mean blood pressure, and triglyceride and fasting plasma glucose levels than the non-obese participants (p < 0.05). The obese participants also had a significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level than the non-obese participants. Logistic regression analysis showed that drinking soy milk (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.447; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.253-0.787; p < 0.05) and the perception that a balanced diet consists mainly of vegetables (adjusted OR 0.440; 95% CI 0.215-0.900; p < 0.05) were associated with a reduced risk of obesity. The risk of obesity was higher in younger participants (adjusted OR 2.714; 95% CI 1.225-6.011; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of obesity was high among the apparently healthy suburban Chinese. Our findings suggest that soy milk consumption and the perception that a balanced diet consists mainly of vegetables are associated with a lower risk of developing obesity in this population.

Fulltext Prevalence of glucose intolerance, and associated antenatal and historical risk factors among Malaysian women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus

Chew WF, Rokiah P, Chan SP, Chee WS, Lee LF, Chan YM

Singapore Med J, 2012 Dec;53(12):814-20.

PMID: 23268155

INTRODUCTION:
Women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) are at increased risk of future glucose intolerance. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and the associated antenatal and historical risk factors among women with PGDM.
METHODS:
This was a cross-sectional study conducted at University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A 75-g 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test was performed in a cohort of multiethnic women with PGDM. Body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, fasting lipid profile and blood pressure were obtained. Data pertaining to the index gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were obtained from medical records and interviews.
RESULTS:
448 women were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of prediabetes and T2DM was 26.2% and 35.5%, respectively. On multinomial logistic regression analysis, fasting plasma glucose at diagnosis of index GDM and duration lapse after index GDM were shown to be significantly higher in women with isolated impaired fasting glucose (IFG), combined IFG/impaired glucose tolerance and T2DM, as compared to women with normal glucose tolerance (p < 0.05). 2-hour plasma glucose at diagnosis of index GDM was significantly higher only in women who progressed to T2DM when compared to those that remained normal glucose tolerant (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION:
In this study, duration lapse after index GDM, fasting plasma glucose and 2-hour plasma glucose at diagnosis of index GDM were important risk factors for early identification of women at high risk for future glucose intolerance. These may be useful for developing potential preventive strategies.

Fulltext Risk factors associated with abdominal obesity in suburban adolescents from a Malaysian district

Chew WF, Leong PP, Yap SF, Yasmin AM, Choo KB, Low GK, et al.

Singapore Med J, 2018 02;59(1):104-111.

PMID: 28210748 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2017013

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to determine the risk factors associated with abdominal obesity (AO) in suburban adolescents.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study included adolescents aged 15-17 years from five randomly selected secondary schools in the Hulu Langat district of Selangor state, Malaysia. Waist circumference (WC) was measured at the midpoint between the lower margin of the last palpable rib and the top of the iliac crest. Information on sociodemographic data, dietary habits, physical activity levels and duration of sleep was obtained via interviewer-administered questionnaires. Participants' habitual food intake was determined using a 73-item Food Frequency Questionnaire.

RESULTS: Among 832 participants, 56.0% were girls; 48.4% were Malay, 40.5% Chinese, 10.2% Indian and 0.8% of other ethnic groups. Median age and WC were 16 (interquartile range [IQR] 15-16) years and 67.9 (IQR 63.0-74.6) cm, respectively. Overall prevalence of AO (> 90th percentile on the WC chart) was 11.3%. A higher proportion (22.4%) of Indian adolescents were found to have AO compared with Malay and Chinese adolescents. Logistic regression analysis showed that female gender (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 7.064, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.087-23.913; p = 0.002), Indian ethnicity (adjusted OR 10.164, 95% CI 2.182-47.346; p = 0.003), irregular meals (adjusted OR 3.193, 95% CI 1.043-9.774; p = 0.042) and increasing body mass index (BMI) (adjusted OR 2.867, 95% CI 2.216-3.710; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with AO.

CONCLUSION: AO was common among Malaysian adolescents. Female gender, Indian ethnicity, irregular meals and increasing BMI were significant risk factors.

Fulltext Frontal mucocoele secondary to nasal polyposis: an unusual complication

Chew YK, Noorizan Y, Khir A, Brito-Mutunayagam S, Prepageran N

Singapore Med J, 2009 Nov;50(11):e374-5.

PMID: 19960147

The incidence of mucocoeles associated with a non-surgically treated nasal polyposis is rare. We report a rare case of nasal polyposis with asymptomatic frontal mucocoeles in a 28-year-old Malay man who presented with bilateral nasal obstruction with anosmia. Physical examination revealed bilateral grade III nasal polyps causing obstruction. Computed tomography revealed paranasal polyposis with a large polyp extending and expanding the posterior table of the frontal sinus causing erosion and thinning of its wall. Marsupialisation of the mucocoele and nasal polypectomy were done. Endoscopic sinus surgery and marsupialisation should be the treatment of choice for asymptomatic frontal mucocoele.

Fulltext A statistical study of attempted suicides in Singapore

Chia BH, Tsoi WF

Singapore Med J, 1974 Dec;15(4):253-6.

PMID: 4458068

This is a study of 169 cases of attempted suicides who had been referred to or who had consulted a private psychiatrist. These patients were interviewed, examined and treated either as out- or in-patient in private hospitals during the years 1968-1976. Their demographic and clinical data were analysed, presented and discussed. The reasons and motivations tor the act were also obtained and summarized. In the follow-up study conducted, it was discovered that schizophrenic patients who had attempted suicide carries the highest completed suicide risk.

Fulltext Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in an Indian male

Chia BL, Ng R, Oh V, Ee B, Tan L

Singapore Med J, 1981 Oct;22(5):298-301.

PMID: 7201168

A case of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurring in a 53 year·old Indian man is described. So far only 39 cases have been reported in the english literature to the best of our knowledge. This case is the first reported in a non·Japanese and outside of Japan, suggesting that this condition may be encountered in future in other parts of the world.

Fulltext Comment on: The future is near: focus on myopia

Chia JY

Singapore Med J, 2018 Sep;59(9):506.

PMID: 30310917 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2018111

Fulltext Efficacy and tolerability of lercanidipine in mild to moderate hypertension among Asians of different ethnic groups

Chia YC, Yeoh ES, Ng CJ, Khoo EM, Chua CT

Singapore Med J, 2009 May;50(5):500-5.

PMID: 19495520

INTRODUCTION: Calcium channel blockers are well established modalities for the treatment of hypertension. However, in spite of the availability of many efficacious agents, hypertension control continues to be poor. One reason is poor tolerability due to adverse events. Racial differences also exist. Lercanidipine, a third-generation calcium channel blocker, is associated with better tolerability. However, it has not been studied in the Asian population. This study examines its efficacy and tolerability in Asian subjects of different ethnicities.
METHODS: This was an eight-week open label study of adults with mild to moderate hypertension. Blood pressure (BP), pulse rate, self-administered symptom check and laboratory evaluations were done at baseline. Patients were prescribed 10 mg lercanidipine, with up-titration to 20 mg if BP was not controlled at Week 4. Baseline evaluations were repeated at Week 8. Adverse events were also enumerated.
RESULTS: 27 patients (mean age 53.4 +/- 12.1 years) completed the study. The baseline systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP) and heart rate was 159 +/- 12.2, 96.6 +/- 7.7 mmHg and 71 +/- 13/min, respectively. Three racial groups were represented. SBP and DBP decreased significantly after four weeks of therapy. A further reduction to 139 +/- 14.3 and 88 +/- 9.8 (p-value is less than 0.0001) was seen in Week 8. The absolute SBP and DBP reduction was 20.5 mmHg (95 percent confidence interval [CI] 16.5-24.5, p-value is less than 0.0001) and 9.3 mmHg (95 percent CI 6.2-12.5, p-value is less than 0.0001), respectively. All adverse symptoms, except for palpitations, were reduced at the end of the study.
CONCLUSION: Lercanidipine is efficacious and well tolerated in Asians of different ethnicities. Its BP lowering effects and tolerability in Asians appear to be similar to other studies on Caucasians and other calcium channel blockers.

Fulltext Review of tools of cardiovascular disease risk stratification: interpretation, customisation and application in clinical practice

Chia YC

Singapore Med J, 2011 Feb;52(2):116-23.

PMID: 21373738

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in both developed and developing countries. While it is relatively easy to identify those who are obviously at high risk and those at the lowest risk for CVD, it is often the large group of individuals with what appears to be modestly abnormal risk factors who contributes most to the burden of CVD. This is where estimation of CVD risk is necessary. Many tools for risk assessment have been devised. All these risk scores have their own inherent advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, they may also not be directly applicable to a local population. Ideally, each country should have its own risk score that takes into account other factors as well. In the interim, it is worthwhile to be familiar with one of these scores, select one that is most appropriate for your patient and discuss treatment options based on the estimated risk.

Fulltext Cutaneous tuberculosis mimicking cellulitis in an immunosuppressed patient

Chin PW, Koh CK, Wong KT

Singapore Med J, 1999 Jan;40(1):44-5.

PMID: 10361486

A 28-year-old lady suffering from systemic lupus erythomatosus (SLE) with diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis (DPGN) and who was on oral cyclophosphamide and prednisolone presented with left lower limb 'cellulitis'. The 'cellulitis' of the left lower limb failed to respond to usual antibiotics which prompted evaluation of the clinical diagnosis. The diagnosis is made based on the presence of granulomas, multinucleated giant cells and acid fast bacilli on the skin biopsy.

Fulltext Analysis of ras gene mutations in acute myeloid leukemia by the polymerase chain reaction and oligonucleotide probes

Chin YM, Bosco JJ, Koh CL

Singapore Med J, 1992 Feb;33(1):48-50.

PMID: 1598607

In vitro deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by hybridization with oligonucleotide probes were used to study ras gene mutations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The DNA of 30 AML patients at presentation of the disease at the University of Malaya Hospital, Kuala Lumpur were screened for ras gene mutations in codons 12, 13 and 61 of the N-ras, K-ras and H-ras genes. Four patients (13.3%) had ras gene mutations. They were all below their early thirties in age. Of the four patients with ras gene mutations, three were M3 and one was M4 according to the French American British (FAB) classification of AML.

Fulltext The efficacy and safety of intramuscular injections of methylcobalamin in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a randomised controlled trial

Chiu CK, Low TH, Tey YS, Singh VA, Shong HK

Singapore Med J, 2011 Dec;52(12):868-73.

PMID: 22159928

INTRODUCTION: Chronic, nonspecific low back pain is a difficult ailment to treat and poses an economic burden in terms of medical expenses and productivity loss. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of intramuscular metylcobalamin in the treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain.
METHODS: This was a double-blinded, randomised, controlled experimental study. 60 patients were assigned to either the methylcobalamin group or the placebo group. The former received intramuscular injections of 500 mcg parenteral methylcobalamin in 1 ml solution three times a week for two weeks, and the placebo group received 1 ml normal saline. Patients were assessed with Oswestry Disability Index questionnaire Version 2.0 and Visual Analogue Scale pain score. They were scored before commencement of the injections and at two months interval.
RESULTS: Of the 60 patients, 27 received the placebo injections and 33 were given methylcobalamin injections. A total of 58 patients were available for review at two months (placebo: n is 26; methylcobalamin: n is 32). There was a significant improvement in the Oswestry Disability Index and Visual Analogue Scale pain scores in the methylcobalamin group as compared with the placebo group (p-value less than 0.05). Only minor adverse reactions such as pain and haematoma at the injection sites were reported by some patients.
CONCLUSION: Intramuscular methylcobalamin is both an effective and safe method of treatment for patients with nonspecific low back pain, both singly or in combination with other forms of treatment.
Study site: Orthopaedic Clinic, Hospital Tuanku Jaafar, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Fulltext A comparison of the maintenance and recovery charcateristic of sevoflurane-nitrous oxide against isoflurane-nitrous oxide anaesthesia

Chiu CL, Chan YK, Ong GS, Delilkan AE

Singapore Med J, 2000 Nov;41(11):530-3.

PMID: 11284610

To compare the maintenance and recovery characteristics of sevoflurane and isoflurane anaesthesia in Malaysian patients.

Fulltext Parathyroid carcinoma with steroid-suppressible plasma immunoreactive parathyroid hormone and human chorionic gonadotrophin

Chng SL, Krishnan MM, Ramachandran, Chan CH, Zain Z

Singapore Med J, 1990 Feb;31(1):83-4.

PMID: 2333552

A 31-year old male presented with bone pain, polyuria and a palpable nodule in the neck. Radiological examination showed generalised osteopenia, subperiosteal erosion and presence of bilateral renal stones. The essential chemical pathological changes were increased plasma calcium, mid-molecule immuno-reactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH), human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) levels. Surgical excision of the nodule revealed a parathyroid carcinoma. The uniqueness of this case is the steroid-suppressible plasma calcium, iPTH, and hCG levels. The diagnostic implications of the findings are discussed.

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