1.Coronary CT Angiography-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve in Asia and the United States: 2025 Status Update
Woo Jin AHN ; Maros FERENCIK ; Ming-Yen NG ; Liang ZHONG ; Mona BHATIA ; Akira KURATA ; Pannipa SUWANNASOM ; Yung-Liang WAN ; Trang Ngoc NGUYEN ; Suyon CHANG ; Sung Mok KIM ; Hwan Seok YONG ; Cherry KIM
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(1):27-33
Coronary CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) is a noninvasive alternative to invasive FFR for assessing the hemodynamic significance of coronary artery stenosis. CT-FFR uses routinely acquired coronary CT angiography (CCTA) with artificial intelligence and computational fluid dynamics to estimate pressure gradients, thereby supporting clinical decisionmaking without procedural risk. Adoption and implementation vary widely across regions. In Asia, South Korea exclusively uses HeartMedi+, which enables rapid analysis, streamlined workflow integration, and high user satisfaction. Japan relies primarily on FFR CT, which has national reimbursement and significantly influences treatment strategies, reducing unnecessary invasive procedures. Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam remain in early or exploratory phases due to cost, reimbursement, and infrastructure barriers. In the United States, CT-FFR is guideline-endorsed and reimbursed, where HeartFlow is the most widely used, supported by robust clinical validation and outcome data. Despite regional variability, CTFFR offers a noninvasive solution that enhances patient management, reduces unnecessary invasive testing, and is poised for broader clinical integration as technology and validation advance.
2.Who succeeds in insulin deintensification? Real-world predictors and modifiable factors from primary care
Yee Theng Chong ; Mohammad Ashwad Muhd Zin ; Anisha K Nijar ; Nur Syellawathy Ahmad ; Mohd Khairi Mohd Noor ; Noorhazliza Abdul Patah ; Erleena Nur Hassan ; Izwan Effendy Ismai ; Najwa Aziz ; Min Chiee Leon ; Hui Ting Ng ; Khairatun Hisan Mohd Napiah ; Manothini A/P Perumal ; Shih Ling Selene Ng Shih Ling ; Ming Hui Liew ; Cha Chee Chong
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):4-
Introduction:
Insulin therapy is essential in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but is often associated with treatment
burden, hypoglycemia, and potential overtreatment. Insulin deintensification is increasingly recommended for
appropriately selected patients; however, there is limited real-world evidence to guide patient selection and to identify
modifiable factors that influence successful insulin deintensification. This study aimed to identify clinical predictors,
including modifiable factors, associated with successful insulin deintensification in a primary care setting.
Methodology:
A multicentre retrospective observational study was conducted across seven government primary care clinics in the Petaling
District. Adult patients with T2DM undergoing insulin deintensification were included. Successful insulin deintensification
was defined as maintenance or improvement of hemoglobin A1c following insulin discontinuation, dose reduction, or
reduction in injection frequency. Paired outcomes were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Between-group
comparisons were performed using the Mann–Whitney U test and Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test. Multivariable logistic
regression was used to identify independent predictors of successful insulin deintensification.
Results:
A total of 261 patients were included. Glycemic control remained stable following insulin deintensification (p = 0.334).
Significant reductions in body weight (−0.41 kg, p = 0.012) and total daily insulin dose (23.1% reduction, p <0.001) were
observed. Univariate analysis did not demonstrate significant differences between groups. However, multivariable logistic
regression identified SGLT-2 inhibitor use (aOR 3.23, 95% CI 1.28–8.18, p = 0.013) and regular SMBG (aOR 2.00, 95% CI
1.05–3.81, p = 0.035) as independent predictors of successful insulin deintensification.
Conclusion
Insulin deintensification can be successfully implemented without compromising glycemic control. Identified predictors,
including modifiable factors such as SGLT-2 inhibitor use and SMBG, provide clinically actionable insights to guide patient
selection and treatment optimization. These findings challenge the traditional reluctance toward insulin deintensification
and support a more evidence-based and individualized approach in routine clinical practice.
Primary Health Care
;
Insulins
5.Singapore clinical guideline on parenteral nutrition in adult patients in the acute hospital setting.
Johnathan Huey Ming LUM ; Hazel Ee Ling YEONG ; Pauleon Enjiu TAN ; Ennaliza SALAZAR ; Tingfeng LEE ; Yunn Cheng NG ; Janet Ngian Choo CHONG ; Pay Wen YONG ; Jeannie Peng Lan ONG ; Siao Ching GOOI ; Kristie Huirong FAN ; Weihao CHEN ; Mei Yoke LIM ; Kon Voi TAY ; Doris Hui Lan NG
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2025;54(6):350-369
INTRODUCTION:
The primary objective of this guideline is to establish evidence-based recommendations for the clinical use of parenteral nutrition (PN) in adult patients within the acute hospital setting in Singapore.
METHOD:
An expert workgroup, consisting of healthcare practitioners actively involved in clinical nutrition support across all public health institutions, systematically evaluated existing evidence and addressed clinical questions relating to PN therapy.
RESULTS:
This clinical practice guideline developed 30 recommendations for PN therapy, which cover these key aspects related to PN use: indications, patient assess-ment, titration and formulation of PN bags, access routes and devices, and monitoring and management of PN-related complications.
CONCLUSION
This guideline provides recommendations to ensure appropriate and safe clinical practice of PN therapy in adult patients within the acute hospital setting.
Humans
;
Singapore
;
Parenteral Nutrition/adverse effects*
;
Adult
6.Forging forward: SG60 and Changi General Hospital at 90.
Kee Chong NG ; Chuin SIAU ; Chien Earn LEE ; Kwong Ming FOCK ; Gek Kheng PNG ; Jessica Xia YU
Singapore medical journal 2025;66(Suppl 1):S4-S14
7.Burnout among COVID-19 hospital-based contact tracers in Singapore: results of a mixed-method, cross-sectional multicentre study.
Ian Matthias NG ; Tzu-Jung WONG ; Yong YANG ; Indumathi VENKATACHALAM ; Jean Xiang Ying SIM ; Liang En WEE ; Tau Ming LIEW ; Evelyn BOON ; Tong Yong NG ; Hwi Kwang HAN ; Diana Yuen Lan TAN
Singapore medical journal 2025;66(12):651-658
INTRODUCTION:
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, contact tracers were under immense pressure to deliver effective and timely contact tracing, raising concerns of higher susceptibility to burnout. Our study aimed to determine burnout prevalence among hospital-based contact tracers and associated risk factors, so that interventions to reduce burnout risk could be formulated.
METHODS:
One hundred and ninety-six active contact tracers across three hospitals within a healthcare cluster were invited to complete an anonymous online survey. To identify burntout, data such as demographics, work-related variables and contact tracing-related variables were collected using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Associated factors were identified using multivariate statistics. Open-ended questions were included to understand the challenges and potential improvements through qualitative analysis.
RESULTS:
A total of 126 participants completed the survey, giving a completion rate of 64%, and almost half of these participants (42.9%) reported burnout. Protective factors included being on work-from-home arrangements (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.08-0.56), perception of being well supported by their institution (adjusted OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.08-0.80) and being married (adjusted OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.12-0.64). Risk factors included having an administrative role pre-COVID-19 (adjusted OR 3.62, 95% CI 1.33-9.83). Work-related burnout was related to being activated for more than 1 day in the preceding week (unadjusted OR 3.25, 95% CI 1.33-7.94) and multiple activations in a day (unadjusted OR 3.54, 95% CI 1.44-4.41). Biggest challenges identified by participants were language barrier (62.7%), followed by workflow-related issues (42.1%).
CONCLUSION
Our study demonstrated burnout and other challenges faced by a team of mostly hospital-based administrative staff redeployed on a part-time basis to ensure timely contact tracing. To mitigate burnout, we recommend choosing staff on work-from-home arrangements and ensuring adequate manpower and rostering arrangements.
Humans
;
COVID-19/epidemiology*
;
Burnout, Professional/epidemiology*
;
Singapore/epidemiology*
;
Female
;
Male
;
Cross-Sectional Studies
;
Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Risk Factors
;
Surveys and Questionnaires
;
Contact Tracing/methods*
;
SARS-CoV-2
;
Prevalence
;
Pandemics
8.Survival Analysis and Prognostic Factors for Peri-ocular Malignancies in Malaysia
Dhashani Sivaratnam ; Radzlian Othman ; Navin Kumar Devaraj ; Yap Ming Teck ; Vincent Ng Teng Fung ; Ew Shao Chen ; Ramizah Md Rozi ; Nur Najlaa Baharudin ; Kirbashini Kanasan ; Abdul Hanif Khan Yusof Khan ; Vasudevan Ramachandran ; Siew Moi Ching
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2024;20(No.1):60-69
Introduction: This study aims to determine the prognostic factors and survival outcomes of patients that underwent
this surgery. Method: A retrospective review of 43 patients who underwent exenteration for periocular malignancies
over a 14-year period was carried out. Patient demographics, tumour histology, treatment details, surgical margins’
status and post-operative survival were recorded. The survival outcome examined was the overall survival (OS)
rate. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis were used to evaluate post-exenteration survival. Results: In total,
20 females and 23 males with a median age of 62 ± 17.3 years were identified. The most common indication for
exenteration was basal cell carcinoma (20.9%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (18.6%), adenocystic carcinoma (14%), malignant melanoma (14%) and sebaceous gland carcinoma (11.6%). The independent predictors for
worse OS on multivariate analysis were Chinese ethnicity (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 4.95, p =0.017), sebaceous
gland carcinoma (aHR 57.61 p=0.006), adenocystic carcinoma (aHR 45.87, p=0.008), clear surgical margins (aHR
5.41, p=0.025), receiving only chemotherapy (aHR 169.13, p=0.004), and receiving both adjuvant chemotherapy
and radiotherapy (aHR 41.51, p=0.010). Conclusion: We recommend targeted public health initiatives for Chinese
patients due to their increased mortality risk from peri-ocular malignancies. In addition, we advise comprehensive
adjuvant therapy for all patients regardless of whether a clear surgical margin is achieved. Basal cell carcinoma and
adenocystic carcinoma may also benefit from genetic research. We advocate more training for ophthalmologists to
identify periocular malignancies earlier for better treatment options and increased chances of survival.
9.Response to “The Value of Non-Clinical Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Radiology Should Be Noted”
Nicole Kessa WEE ; Kim-Ann GIT ; Wen-Jeng LEE ; Gaurang RAVAL ; Aziz PATTOKHOV ; Evelyn Lai Ming HO ; Chamaree CHUAPETCHARASOPON ; Chuapetcharasopon TOMIYAMA ; Kwan Hoong NG ; Cher Heng TAN
Korean Journal of Radiology 2024;25(12):1102-1103
10.Response to “The Value of Non-Clinical Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Radiology Should Be Noted”
Nicole Kessa WEE ; Kim-Ann GIT ; Wen-Jeng LEE ; Gaurang RAVAL ; Aziz PATTOKHOV ; Evelyn Lai Ming HO ; Chamaree CHUAPETCHARASOPON ; Chuapetcharasopon TOMIYAMA ; Kwan Hoong NG ; Cher Heng TAN
Korean Journal of Radiology 2024;25(12):1102-1103


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