INTRODUCTIONMedulloblastoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumour is the most common type of malignant brain tumour in children. Long-term survival rates have improved over the years with a combination of surgical, radiotherapeutic and chemotherapeutic treatment modalities in the developed world. This paper aims to analyse the epidemiology and outcome of medulloblastoma in Singapore and compare our results with those reported in the literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODSA 9-year retrospective study was done using data reported to the Singapore Children's Cancer Registry from June 1997 to June 2005. Only 39 children up to the age of 15 years diagnosed histologically with medulloblastoma or primitive neuroectodermal tumour arising from the cerebellum were included in the study. Follow-up data were collected up to June 2006 and analysed using SPSS v 13.0 software.

RESULTSMedulloblastoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumour was the most common type of brain tumour, accounting for 40.7% of all brain tumours diagnosed in children in Singapore. The 5-year event-free survival rate was 44.5%, while the 5- year overall survival rate was 51.5%. Nearly half (41%) of our patients had spinal metastasis at presentation and this was associated with a worse event-free survival (6.3% vs 71.9%, P = 0). Children under 36 months of age had a significantly poorer overall survival (28.8% vs 52.2%, P = 0.041).

CONCLUSIONSThe outcome of medulloblastoma in Singapore was inferior to reported figures in the literature. We need to close identified gaps in care, like standardising assessment and treatment protocols, in order to improve our results. Research into molecular and genetic characteristics may also throw light on whether the disease is inherently more aggressive in our population.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Disease Management ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Medulloblastoma ; epidemiology ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Outcome Assessment (Health Care) ; Registries ; Retrospective Studies ; Singapore ; epidemiology ; Survival Rate

ABSTRACT Orofacial odontogenic infection, although arises from dental origin, can extend into the facial spaces and lead to debilitating complications. This study analysed the clinical pattern and management of orofacial odontogenic infection in a tertiary hospital namely Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun in Perak, Malaysia. We investigated any associations between socio-demographic factors, diabetic, comorbidities, smoking, pregnancy, antibiotic resistance, number and type of space infected towards prolonged hospital stay. All adult patients with orofacial odontogenic infections treated by Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from 2014 to 2018 were included. Clinical patterns were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed to measure various variables towards prolonged hospital stay. A total of 154 patients (78 male, 76 female) were included in this study with mean age of 37.95 ± 14.9 years. Key factors of orofacial odontogenic infection requiring admissions were swelling, pain, trismus, odynophagia, reduced oral intake, raised floor of mouth and dyspnea. Among inpatients, three factors were significantly associated with prolonged hospital stay, namely antibiotic resistance, multiple space and secondary space infection. Local prevalence data was reported. Pus culture and sensitivity tests were recommended for all inpatients with multiple space and secondary space involvement, in order to rule out antibiotic resistance and to improve recovery rate.
Tooth Diseases