2.Evaluation and management of dyspepsia - current perspective
Malaysian Family Physician 2007;2(1):2-7
Key points
o Spend time taking a good history and performing a physical examination even though the majority of patients have “functional” symptoms. Exclude “non-dyspepsia” conditions and be careful in excluding a “surgical” abdomen.
o Consider gastroscopy or an ultrasound or CT scan of the abdomen, if alarm symptoms are present. The threshold
to investigate should be lower with older male patients as there is a higher chance of organic disease.
o When patients’ symptoms are unclear, a close follow-up and review is useful. Symptoms persisting over many
months or years are unlikely to have an organic basis.
o Explore, understand and address patients’ concerns including psychological problems. Patients need to be reassured.
o Sensible advice on food/meal and lifestyle modifications is useful. Antacids often give immediate relief to acute
dyspeptic symptoms. Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms may be atypical − a trial of PPI therapy may be useful.
Patients with wind, bloating and discomfort often benefit from a course of prokinetic agents.
3.Acquired immunity in albino rats to Clonorchis sinensis.
The Korean Journal of Parasitology 1969;7(1):32-41
The present study attempted to demonstrate an acquired immunity against Clonorchis sinensis in albino rat. Three separate experiments were carried out to determine acquired resistance developed by stimulating procedure followed by challenging infection with metacercariae. Acquired resistance was evaluated by the rate of recovery or the average number of flukes recovered from the liver of challenged albino rats, compared with the controls. In drder to demonstrate the rate of recovery of the fluke, three experimental groups of rats were challenged with 50 metacercariae per rat- 7,15 and 30 days after single injection of worm extract. The recovery rate was ranged from 33.2% to 38.0% in experimental group and their control group harbored from 37.8% to 42.6%. No significant difference was found on statistical analysis. In experimental groups received two immunizing injections with worm extract followed by challenging infection of metacercariae. Statistically significant difference was recovered between experimentals and controls. It was noted that reduction of the recovery rate was prominent in Group 5 and 6, which were challenged 15 and 30 days after two stimulating injections. From the third experiment which was consisted of single immunizing infection with 20 metacercariae followed by challenging infection with 30 metacercariae, no significant reduction was found between experimental rats and their controls. The number of recovered worms ranged from 16.2 to 18.5 worms in experimental group, while that of control group ranged from 18.9 to 19.8 worms. The evidence of delayed hypersensitivity reaction was observed in the groups with acquired immunity developed rats, by histopathological study of host hepatic tissue.
parasitology-helminth-trematoda
;
Clonorchis sinensis
;
immunology
;
rat
;
histology
4.Prevention of re-introduction of malaria into Singapore.
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 1979;8(1):40-46
Adolescent
;
Adult
;
Age Factors
;
Aged
;
Child
;
Child, Preschool
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Malaria
;
classification
;
epidemiology
;
prevention & control
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Singapore
5.Oral Glucose-Lowering Agents for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
The Singapore Family Physician 2019;45(1):6-11
Family physicians manage the majority of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Singapore. Hence, they should be familiar with the profile of the many available oral glucose-lowering agents. These drugs vary in their mechanisms of action, glucose-lowering efficacy, safety profiles and treatment costs between classes – even within classes in some cases. These factors should be carefully considered for a patient-centred approach to selecting oral glucose-lowering therapy. This review aims to describe the characteristics of various oral glucose-lowering agents available to family physicians in the management of T2DM and the impact of these characteristics on the patient-centric approach to treatment decision-making.
6.Skin rejuvenation procedures - An update
Malaysian Journal of Dermatology 2008;21(-):3-8
Skin aging, presenting with rhytides/sagging and
photodamage, and scarring from severe acne, surgery, or
trauma are cosmetic disfigurements which may cause
psychologic damage and prompt patients to seek advice
about treatment. Solar damage of the skin leads to
epidermal abnormalities, such as lentigenes and actinic
keratoses, and the degeneration of collagen, which results in the formation of rhytides and telangiectasias. A variety of different treatments have been used for the rejuvenation of sun-damaged skin, including topical retinoids, bleaching agents, chemical peeling, dermabrasion, lasers and light devices. The optimum resurfacing laser provides precise skin
vaporization with minimal postoperative morbidity, which
depends significantly on the depth of ablation and energy
fluence.
7.Allergic Reaction Following Insertion of Vancomycin Loaded in Bone Cement
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2014;13(1):61-64
Vancomycin bead is an important ancillary treatment for osteomyelitis caused by methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). However, red-man syndrome, which can be a life-threatening complication of
vancomycin, may occur from the use of vancomycin beads albeit rarely. We report our first case of red-man
syndrome caused by vancomycin bead's insertion for chronic osteomyelitis. Symptomatic treatment was not
effective and removal of the vancomycin beads seems to be the best treatment for this condition.
8.Change of bone conduction threshold in chronic otitis media.
Korean Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery 1992;35(5):702-708
No abstract available.
Bone Conduction*
;
Otitis Media*
;
Otitis*
9.Health Literacy ‐ Enhancing Physician Skills
The Singapore Family Physician 2012;38(3):27-29
The scope of health literacy demanded of the present day health services user is broad. Enhancing physician skills consists of improving on 6 things : Recognise and assist patients with low literacy to overcome their information handling problems ; Improve usability of health information ; Improve the usability of health services ; Build knowledge to improve health decision making ; Advocate for health literacy in your organisation ; and Learn more about health literacy.
10.Epidemiology and Overview of Disability
The Singapore Family Physician 2014;40(2):8-11
Persons with disabilities (PWDs) form an integral part of our community. The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) in Singapore has developed the Enabling Masterplan (EMIC) 2012 – 2016 with the vision of an inclusive society where PWDs are enabled to participate fully. A life course and integrated approach is adopted in caring for such persons with the 4 pillars of early intervention; education and healthy lifestyle; employment; and adult care. Five cross cutting issues need to be addressed: caregiver support and transition management; manpower and technology; Transport; Public education; and accessibility. Family Physicians being the medical practitioners in the frontline of medical care are touchpoints in accessibility to healthcare services and benefit schemes for this group of people.