INTRODUCTION: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) refers to loss of ovarian activity before the age 40 years. POI has significant detrimental effects on health (infertility, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, reduced bone density, dementia), well-being and longevity. This summary is a practical toolkit for health-care professionals (HCPs) looking after women with POI. METHOD: A workgroup comprising specialists in gynaecology, reproductive medicine, endocrinology, genetics and family medicine reviewed relevant guidelines and literature on POI to establish recom-mendations for the diagnosis and management of POI in Singapore. RESULTS: A summary to assist HCPs manage POI was produced, outlining: (1) the aetiology and conse-quences of POI; (2) making the diagnosis; (3) hormone therapy (HT) prescribing options including for those with additional medical conditions; (4) counselling women with POI about HT; and (5) long-term management of POI. CONCLUSION Timely diagnosis and management of POI is vital to prevent long-term adverse consequences, except infertility. HT is the mainstay of treatment and there are no alternatives as effective. Contraindications are very few; estrogen-sensitive cancer is the main contraindication, and caution in prescribing may be needed with established coexisting cardiovascular disease. Estrogen dosage is higher than when treating normal menopause, and as a result, the patient might require more progestogen for endometrial protection. Minimising cardiovascular risk factors by following a healthy lifestyle is important. POI is a significant public health issue and it is imperative that women have affordable access to appropriate HT. Large-scale research on POI in Asian women is needed.
Humans ; Primary Ovarian Insufficiency/drug therapy* ; Female ; Estrogen Replacement Therapy ; Singapore ; Adult

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Hemoglobin E ; analysis ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Severity of Illness Index ; Singapore ; Young Adult ; beta-Thalassemia ; blood ; therapy

Inborn errors of metabolism constitute an important cause of neurological disease in the neonatal period and can present clinically as encephalopathy. Although it is relatively rare, it is important to have a high index of suspicion. Appropriate investigations and a step-wise approach to diagnosis allow for early institution of treatment and can prevent significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this article is to give a brief outline of the various inborn errors of metabolism to consider in neonatal encephalopathy and to provide a framework for investigation and diagnosis.
Brain Diseases, Metabolic ; etiology ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Metabolism, Inborn Errors ; complications ; diagnosis