Neurogastroenterology and motility disorders of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract represent a complex and heterogeneous group of conditions that involve the interaction between the GI tract and the central nervous system. They constitute a significant number of outpatient gastroenterology visits, resulting in a high healthcare burden. These disorders often occur in the absence of identifiable structural causes on routine endoscopy and radiological imaging. A more targeted approach in the assessment of functional GI disorders is increasingly being integrated into routine clinical practice, given the recent advancements in technology and physiologic testing. When used in the appropriate clinical context, these tests not only elucidate the physiological basis for the patient's symptoms, but also prevent inappropriate treatment and repeated investigations. This review aims to summarise the advances in clinically available diagnostic tools for the evaluation of upper GI functional disorders.
Humans ; Gastrointestinal Diseases/physiopathology* ; Upper Gastrointestinal Tract/physiopathology* ; Gastrointestinal Motility ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal

INTRODUCTION: An interdisciplinary panel, comprising professionals from medicine, AI and data science, law and ethics, and patient advocacy, convened to discuss key principles on regulation, implementation and evaluation of AI models in healthcare for Singapore. METHOD: The panel considered 14 statements split across 4 themes: "The Role and Scope of Regulatory Entities," "Regulatory Processes," "Pre-Approval Evaluation of AI Models" and "Medical AI in Practice". Moderated by a thematic representative, the panel deliberated on each statement and modified it until a majority agreement threshold is met. The roundtable meeting was convened in Singapore on 1 July 2024. While the statements reflect local perspectives, they may serve as a reference for other countries navigating similar challenges in AI governance in healthcare. RESULTS: Balanced testing approaches, differentiated regulatory standards for autonomous and assistive AI, and context-sensitive requirements are essential in regulating AI models in healthcare. A hybrid approach-integrating global standards with local needs to ensure AI comple-ments human decision-making and enhances clinical expertise-was recommended. Additionally, the need for patient involvement at multiple levels was underscored. There are active ongoing efforts towards development and refinement of AI governance guidelines and frameworks balancing between regulation and freedom. The statements defined therein provide guidance on how prevailing values and viewpoints can streamline AI implementation into healthcare. CONCLUSION This roundtable discussion is among the first in Singapore to develop a structured set of state-ments tailored for the regulation, implementation and evaluation of AI models in healthcare, drawing on interdisciplinary expertise from medicine, AI, data science, law, ethics and patient advocacy.
Singapore ; Humans ; Artificial Intelligence/standards* ; Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration*

Rotator cuff disease is a common cause of shoulder pain for which partial-thickness rotator cuff tears occupy a significant proportion. Such tears are often difficult to diagnose and manage in the general clinic setting. A review of the available literature from well-known databases was performed in this study to provide a concise overview of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears to aid physicians in their understanding and management.

Background: and Purpose Tenecteplase is a thrombolytic agent with pharmacological advantages over alteplase and has been shown to be noninferior to alteplase for acute ischemic stroke in randomized trials. However, evidence pertaining to the safety and efficacy of tenecteplase in patients from different ethnic groups is lacking. The aim of this systematic review and metaanalysis was to investigate ethnicity-specific differences in the safety and efficacy of tenecteplase versus alteplase in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods: Following an International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO)- registered protocol (CRD42023475038), three authors conducted a systematic review of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases for articles comparing the use of tenecteplase with any thrombolytic agent in patients with acute ischemic stroke up to November 20, 2023. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. Two independent authors extracted data onto a standardized data collection sheet. A pairwise meta-analysis was conducted in risk ratios (RR). Results: From 34 studies (59,601 participants), the rate of complete recanalization was significantly higher (P<0.01) in Asian (RR: 1.91, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30 to 2.80) versus Caucasian patients (RR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.87 to 1.14). However, Asian patients (RR: 1.18, 95% CI: 0.87 to 1.62) had significantly higher (P=0.01) rates of mortality compared with Caucasian patients (RR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.22). Caucasian patients were also more likely to attain a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0 to 2 at follow-up (RR: 1.14, 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.19) compared with Asian (RR: 1.00, 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.05) patients. There was no significant difference in the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (P=0.20) and any intracranial hemorrhage (P=0.83) between Asian and Caucasian patients. Conclusion Tenecteplase was associated with significantly higher rates of complete recanalization in Asian patients compared with Caucasian patients. However, tenecteplase was associated with higher rates of mortality and lower rates of mRS 0 to 2 in Asian patients compared with Caucasian patients. It may be beneficial to study the variations in response to tenecteplase among patients of different ethnic groups in large prospective cohort studies.

INTRODUCTION: Since 2016, several therapies have been approved for treating atopic dermatitis (AD) in Singapore, including biologics, oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and topical crisaborole. This study supplements the 2016 Singapore treatment guidelines for AD, focusing on newer therapies for moderate-to-severe disease, while revisiting older treatment regimens to accommodate changes in knowledge and practice. METHOD: A modified Delphi panel was held, led by 2 co-chairs. The voting expert panel consisted of 12 dermatologists experienced in managing AD in Singapore. Delphi survey rounds were conducted between 24 July and 27 October 2023. Panellists indicated their agreement with drafted statements using a 5-point Likert scale. Consensus was defined as ≥80% agreement. An expert meeting was held to facilitate the consensus process between rounds 1 and 2 of voting. RESULTS: All expert panellists participated in both survey rounds, with a 100% response rate. Thirty-nine statements, classified into general principles, conventional treatments, biologics and JAK inhibitors, were proposed. Of these, 27 statements reached consensus at the end of round 1. After the expert meeting, 17 statements were included in round 2, of which 16 statements reached consensus. One statement did not reach consensus. Key updates are the inclusion of dupilumab and JAK inhibitors as potential first-line treatments for moderate-to-severe AD, in certain populations. CONCLUSION This modified Delphi study generated consensus among Singapore dermatology experts, to update treatment guidelines in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. The consensus statements developed are intended to supplement the 2016 Singapore treatment guidelines for AD. Further revisions may be required when new evidence and/or treatments become available.
Dermatitis, Atopic/drug therapy* ; Humans ; Singapore ; Janus Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use* ; Biological Products/therapeutic use* ; Delphi Technique ; Consensus ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use* ; Severity of Illness Index ; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/therapeutic use* ; Dermatologic Agents/therapeutic use* ; Practice Guidelines as Topic ; Pyrimidines/therapeutic use* ; Boron Compounds

INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to study the prevalence of frailty and its associated factors in a subacute geriatric ward. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 167 participants between June 2018 and June 2019. Baseline demographics and participants' Mini Nutritional Assessment, Geriatric Depression Scale, Mini Mental State Examination, Charlson's Comorbidity Index and LACE index scores were obtained. Functional measurements such as modified Barthel's Index scores and hand grip strength (HGS) were taken. Frailty was assessed using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) and the FRAIL scale. Data on history of healthcare utilisation, medications, length of stay, selected blood investigations and presence of geriatric syndromes were also collected. RESULTS: The prevalence of pre-frailty (CFS 4) and frailty (CFS ≥ 5) was 16.2% and 63.4%, respectively. There were significant associations between CFS and age (pre-frail vs. non-frail: odds ratio [OR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.25, P = 0.006; frail vs. non-frail: OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01-1.15, P = 0.021), HGS at discharge (frail vs. non-frail: OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82-0.99, P = 0.025), serum albumin (frail vs. non-frail: OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82-0.99, P = 0.035) and the presence of urinary incontinence (frail vs. non-frail: OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.19-7.77, P = 0.021). CONCLUSION Frailty is highly prevalent in the subacute geriatric setting and has many associated factors. In this study, independent factors associated with frailty were age, HGS at discharge, serum albumin and urinary incontinence. This has implications for future resource allocation for frail older inpatients and may help direct further research to study the effectiveness of frailty-targeted interventions.
Humans ; Aged ; Frailty/epidemiology* ; Frail Elderly ; Hand Strength ; Prevalence ; Singapore/epidemiology* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic ; Geriatric Assessment ; Urinary Incontinence ; Serum Albumin

INTRODUCTION: Singapore has had three medical schools since 2013. We undertook a cross-sectional quantitative national survey to determine the financial impact of medical education on medical students in Singapore. METHODS: All 1,829 medical students in Singapore were invited to participate in this study. Information on demographics, financial aid utilisation and outside work was collected and analysed. RESULTS: 1,241 (67.9%) of 1,829 students participated in the survey. While the overall proportion of students from households with monthly incomes < SGD 3,000 was only 21.2% compared to the national figure of 31.4%, 85.4% of medical students expected to graduate with debts > SGD 75,000. There were significant differences in per capita incomes among the schools, with 54.5%, 23.3% and 7.8% of Duke-NUS Medical School (Duke-NUS), NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine) and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine) students, respectively, reporting a per capita income of < SGD 1,000 (p < 0.001). There were significant differences in financial support: 75.0%, 34.1% and 38.8% of Duke-NUS, NUS Medicine and LKCMedicine students, respectively, received financial aid (p < 0.001). The top reasons for not applying for aid included a troublesome application process (21.4%) and the perception that it would be too difficult to obtain (21.0%). CONCLUSION Students in the three medical schools in Singapore differ in their financial needs and levels of financial support received. A national approach to funding medical education may be needed to ensure that financial burdens do not hamper the optimal training of doctors for Singapore's future.
Cross-Sectional Studies ; Financial Stress ; Humans ; Schools, Medical ; Singapore ; Students, Medical ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Humans ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Pandemics ; Orthopedics ; Orthopedic Procedures ; Telemedicine

INTRODUCTION: H. pylori eradication reduces the risk of gastric malignancies and peptic ulcer disease. First-line therapies include 14-day PAC (proton pump inhibitor [PPI], amoxicillin, clarithromycin) and PBMT (PPI, bismuth, metronidazole, tetracycline). Second-line therapies include 14-day PBMT and PAL (PPI, amoxicillin, levofloxacin). This clinical audit examined current treatment outcomes in Singapore. METHODS: Clinical data of H. pylori-positive patientswho underwent empirical first- and second-line eradication therapies from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2018 were reviewed. Treatment success was determined by ¹³C urea breath test performed at least 4 weeks after treatment and 2 weeks off PPI. RESULTS: A total of 963 patients (862 PAC, 36 PMC [PPI, metronidazole, clarithromycin], 18 PBMT, 13 PBAC [PAC with bismuth], 34 others) and 98 patients (62 PMBT, 15 PAL, 21 others) received first-and second-line therapies respectively. A 14-day treatment duration was appropriately prescribed for first- and second-line therapies in 65.2% and 82.7% of patients, respectively. First-line treatment success rates were noted for PAC (seven-day: 76.9%, ten-day: 88.3%, 14-day: 92.0%), PMC (seven-day: 0, ten-day: 75.0%, 14-day: 69.8%), PBMT (ten-day: 100%, 14-day: 87.5%) and PBAC (14-day: 100%). 14-day treatment was superior to seven-day treatment (90.8% vs. 71.4%; P = 0.028). PAC was superior to PMC (P < 0.001) but similar to PBMT (P = 0.518) and PBAC (P = 0.288) in 14-day therapies. 14-day second-line PAL and PBMT had similar efficacy (90.9% vs. 82.4%; P = 0.674). CONCLUSION First-line empirical treatment using PAC, PBMT and PBAC for 14 days had similar efficacy. Success rates for second-line PBMT and PAL were similar.
Humans ; Helicobacter pylori ; Clarithromycin/therapeutic use* ; Helicobacter Infections/drug therapy* ; Metronidazole/therapeutic use* ; Bismuth/therapeutic use* ; Singapore ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Amoxicillin/therapeutic use* ; Proton Pump Inhibitors/therapeutic use* ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use* ; Treatment Outcome ; Clinical Audit