Background: Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EG) can mimic symptoms of common gastrointestinal (GI) disorders but responds well to appropriate treatment. Accurate diagnosis is central to effective management. Data on EG in Southeast Asia is lacking. We aim to describe the clinical profiles and treatment outcomes of adult patients with EG in a Singapore Tertiary Hospital. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study involved archival search of patients with GI biopsies that showed eosinophilic infiltration from January 2004 to December 2012. Patients’ clinical data from computerised hospital records and clinical notes was reviewed. Diagnostic criteria for EG included presence of GI symptoms with more than 30 eosinophils/high power field on GI biopsies. Patients with secondary causes for eosinophilia were excluded. Results: Eighteen patients with EG were identified (mean age 52 years; male/female: 11/7). Fifteen patients (83%) had peripheral blood eosinophilia. Seven patients (39%) had atopic conditions. Most common symptoms were diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Small intestine was the most common site involved. Endoscopic finding was non-specific. Ten patients were treated with corticosteroids (nine prednisolone, one budesonide): eight patients (89%) responded clinically to prednisolone but four patients (50%) relapsed following tapering-off of prednisolone and required maintenance dose. One patient each responded to diet elimination and montelukast respectively. Half of the remaining six patients who were treated with proton-pump inhibitors, antispasmodic or antidiarrheal agents still remained symptomatic. Conclusion: Prednisolone is an effective treatment though relapses are common. Small intestine is most commonly involved. EG should be considered in the evaluation of unexplained chronic recurrent GI symptoms.
Enteritis ; Gastroenteritis

INTRODUCTIONLiver cirrhosis is a common cause of morbidity and mortality and an important burden on the healthcare system. There is limited literature on liver cirrhosis in Singapore. We aimed to describe the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of cirrhotic patients seen in an ambulatory setting in a tertiary referral centre.

MATERIALS AND METHODSThis is a retrospective observational cohort study of cirrhotic patients attending the ambulatory clinic of Singapore's largest tertiary hospital over 5 years. Cirrhosis was diagnosed on characteristic radiological features and/or histology. Aetiology of cirrhosis was determined by history, serology, biochemistry and/or histology. Data on decompensation events and death were retrieved from computerised hospital records.

RESULTSThe study included 564 patients with median follow-up of 85 months. Mean age was 60.9 ± 12.5 years with 63.8% males. Main aetiologies of cirrhosis were chronic hepatitis B (CHB) (63.3%), alcohol (11.2%), cryptogenic (9%) and chronic hepatitis C (CHC) (6.9%). CHB was the predominant aetiology in Chinese and Malays whereas alcohol was the main aetiology in Indians. CHC cirrhosis was more common in Malays than other races. Majority had compensated cirrhosis with 76.8%/18.3%/5%; Child-Pugh A/B/C respectively. Decompensation events occurred in 155 patients (27.5%) and 106 of them (18.8%) died. Diagnosis of cirrhosis via surveillance ultrasound was associated with improved 10-year survival. Age at diagnosis, portal vein thrombosis, Child-Pugh class and decompensation within 1 year of diagnosis were independent predictors of mortality.

CONCLUSIONCHB is the primary cause of liver cirrhosis in Singapore. The major aetiologies of cirrhosis vary amongst the different ethnic groups. Cirrhotics with advanced age, portal vein thrombosis, poorer liver function and early decompensation have a higher mortality risk.

Adult ; Aged ; Ambulatory Care ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; etiology ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Singapore ; epidemiology