Introduction: Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) are increasingly recognised as important contributors to medication -related harm among older adults. However, published national data on the prevalence of polypharmacy and PIP in Brunei Darussalam are unavailable. The objectives of this study was to determine the prevalence of polypharmacy and PIP among adults aged 65 years and above in Brunei Darussalam using Screening Tool of Older Persons ’ potentially inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP) version 2 criteria. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross -sectional study was conducted using data from the Brunei Healthcare Information Management System (Bru -HIMS). A stratified proportional random sample of 2,000 older adults with documented medical encounters in 2016 was selected. Polypharmacy was defined as the concurrent use of five or more medications. PIP was assessed using STOPP version 2 criteria. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise prescribing patterns. Results: Of the 2000 older adults included (mean age 73.0 ± 6.6 years), 1,181 (59.1%) had polypharmacy. Among those with polypharmacy, 1,057 (89.5%) could be assessed using STOPP criteria, and 206 (19.5%) had at least one PIP. The most frequently identified PIPs involved prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors for uncomplicated peptic ulcer disease at full therapeutic dosage for more than eight weeks, where dose reduction, discontinuation, or transition to maintenance therapy (e.g. H2 receptor antagonists) is indicated, prescribing without evidence -based indication, duplication of drug classes, use of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers in patients with hyperkalaemia, and use of first -generation antihistamines. Conclusion: Polypharmacy and PIP are common among older adults in Brunei Darussalam. The findings highlight the need for systematic medication review and deprescribing strategies to optimise pharmacotherapy and improve medication safety in older populations

Introduction: Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) are increasingly recognised as important contributors to medication -related harm among older adults. However, published national data on the prevalence of polypharmacy and PIP in Brunei Darussalam are unavailable. The objectives of this study was to determine the prevalence of polypharmacy and PIP among adults aged 65 years and above in Brunei Darussalam using Screening Tool of Older Persons ’ potentially inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP) version 2 criteria. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross -sectional study was conducted using data from the Brunei Healthcare Information Management System (Bru -HIMS). A stratified proportional random sample of 2,000 older adults with documented medical encounters in 2016 was selected. Polypharmacy was defined as the concurrent use of five or more medications. PIP was assessed using STOPP version 2 criteria. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise prescribing patterns. Results: Of the 2000 older adults included (mean age 73.0 ± 6.6 years), 1,181 (59.1%) had polypharmacy. Among those with polypharmacy, 1,057 (89.5%) could be assessed using STOPP criteria, and 206 (19.5%) had at least one PIP. The most frequently identified PIPs involved prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors for uncomplicated peptic ulcer disease at full therapeutic dosage for more than eight weeks, where dose reduction, discontinuation, or transition to maintenance therapy (e.g. H2 receptor antagonists) is indicated, prescribing without evidence -based indication, duplication of drug classes, use of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers in patients with hyperkalaemia, and use of first -generation antihistamines. Conclusion: Polypharmacy and PIP are common among older adults in Brunei Darussalam. The findings highlight the need for systematic medication review and deprescribing strategies to optimise pharmacotherapy and improve medication safety in older populations

Background: We investigated osteoporosis management strategies and clinical outcomes following the occurrence of medicationrelated osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Methods: We retrospectively studied individuals diagnosed with MRONJ during osteoporosis treatment who were managed in the Osteoporosis Center or the Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Unit at Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong between 2010 and 2022. We examined subsequent osteoporosis management plans, fracture events, and bone mineral density (BMD). Results: Thirty-six individuals were included (mean age, 78.5 years; 94.4% women). The estimated prevalence of MRONJ was 0.26%. All patients had been exposed to bisphosphonates, and seven had also received denosumab before MRONJ. Following MRONJ, only 14 individuals continued anti-osteoporosis treatment, a decision influenced by a higher fracture probability at MRONJ onset. The most common regimen was a teriparatide-raloxifene sequence (n=8): three patients achieved stable BMD, four achieved improving BMD, and one exhibited a mixed response. The patient with a mixed BMD response had also been treated with denosumab. Six patients sustained incident fractures after MRONJ, and these patients had lower BMD T-scores than their counterparts. Two patients experienced MRONJ recurrence, which was associated with the resumption of bisphosphonate or denosumab therapy after MRONJ. These patients had higher BMD T-scores than those who did not experience MRONJ recurrence. Conclusion MRONJ is challenging because high fracture risk necessitates discontinuation of antiresorptive agents. Teriparatide followed by raloxifene may be a reasonable regimen. Individualised decisions in osteoporosis management after MRONJ are required to balance fracture risk reduction with minimising MRONJ recurrence.

INTRODUCTION: Three doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines have been recommended for cancer patients to reduce the risk of severe disease. Anti-neoplastic treatment, such as chemotherapy, may affect long-term vaccine immunogenicity. METHOD: Patients with solid or haematological cancer were recruited from 2 hospitals between July 2021 and March 2022. Humoral response was evaluated using GenScript cPASS surrogate virus neutralisation assays. Clinical outcomes were obtained from medical records and national mandatory-reporting databases. RESULTS: A total of 273 patients were recruited, with 40 having haematological malignancies and the rest solid tumours. Among the participants, 204 (74.7%) were receiving active cancer therapy, including 98 (35.9%) undergoing systemic chemotherapy and the rest targeted therapy or immunotherapy. All patients were seronegative at baseline. Seroconversion rates after receiving 1, 2 and 3 doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination were 35.2%, 79.4% and 92.4%, respectively. After 3 doses, patients on active treatment for haematological malignancies had lower antibodies (57.3%±46.2) when compared to patients on immunotherapy (94.1%±9.56, P<0.05) and chemotherapy (92.8%±18.1, P<0.05). SARS-CoV-2 infection was reported in 77 (28.2%) patients, of which 18 were severe. No patient receiving a third dose within 90 days of the second dose experienced severe infection. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the benefit of early administration of the third dose among cancer patients.
Humans ; SARS-CoV-2 ; COVID-19/prevention & control* ; Treatment Outcome ; Neoplasms/drug therapy* ; Hematologic Neoplasms ; Vaccination ; RNA, Messenger ; Antibodies, Viral ; Immunogenicity, Vaccine

Introduction: In the primary care setting, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) overutilisation often stems from the failure to discontinue prophylaxis treatment prior to tertiary care discharge and consider step-down therapy following discharge. Long-term PPI use can result in potential drug-related problems and unnecessary drug expenditure. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacist-structured review in reducing inappropriate PPI prescriptions and estimate the potential cost saving. Methods: This non-randomised controlled study was conducted for 16 weeks at 17 government health clinics in Selangor, Malaysia. Eligible patients attending the outpatient pharmacies of intervention clinics were recruited consecutively and their consent was obtained. A structured review of PPIs was performed in which pharmacists identified patient demographics, indications and the length of PPI therapy using a PPI intervention form. Recommendations were discussed with physicians before prescription changes were made and documented. Moreover, standard management was conducted in the control clinics. Results: A total of 568 patients with prescriptions containing PPIs were sampled, with a total of 284 patients being placed into the control and intervention groups, respectively. Compared to the control group, inappropriate PPI utilisation in the intervention group significantly decreased from 79.9 to 30.4% (p<0.05). The changes to PPI prescriptions observed in the intervention group included: stop PPI therapy (30.8%), step-down therapy (22.9%), start substitution therapy (15.9%) and no change (30.4%). The physicians’ acceptance rate for pharmacist intervention was 67.8%. A 66.1% reduction in monthly PPI pill count and a 72.0% reduction in monthly medication expenditure (RM44.85/patient/year) were observed. Conclusion: The pharmacist-structured review was effective in increasing appropriate PPI utilisation and led to substantial cost savings.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) on the risk of malignancy (ROM) in fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) per The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology has not been well reported in Singapore. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 821 thyroid nodules with preoperative FNAC from 788 patients out of 1,279 consecutive thyroidectomies performed between January 2010 and August 2016 in a tertiary general hospital in Singapore. Possible cases of NIFTP were reviewed for reclassification and the impact of NIFTP on ROM was analysed. RESULTS: The incidence of NIFTP was 1.2% (10 out of 821). If NIFTP is considered benign, ROM in Bethesda I through VI were 8.6%, 3.5%, 26.3%, 20.0%, 87.7%, 97.0% versus 8.6%, 4.2%, 28.1%, 26.7%, 89.2% and 100% if NIFTP is considered malignant. Eight patients with NIFTP had follow-up of 15 to 110 months. One had possible rib metastasis as evidenced by I131 uptake but remained free of structural or biochemical disease during a follow-up period of 110 months. None had lymph node metastasis at presentation, nor locoregional or distant recurrence. CONCLUSION Classifying NIFTP as benign decreased ROM in Bethesda II through VI, but the benignity of NIFTP requires more prospective studies to ascertain. The impact of NIFTP on ROM in our institution also appears to be lower than that reported in the Western studies.
Adenocarcinoma, Follicular/epidemiology* ; Humans ; Prospective Studies ; Retrospective Studies ; Singapore/epidemiology* ; Thyroid Neoplasms/epidemiology*

Objective: To assess the public health risk to Singapore posed by the emergence of artemisinin-resistant (ART-R) malaria in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). Methods: We assessed the likelihood of importation of drug-resistant malaria into Singapore and the impact on public health of its subsequent secondary spread in Singapore. Literature on the epidemiology and contextual factors associated with ART-R malaria was reviewed. The epidemiology of malaria cases in Singapore was analysed. The vulnerability and receptivity of Singapore were examined, including the connectivity with countries reporting ART-R malaria, as well as the preparedness of Singaporean health authorities. Sources of information include international journals, World Health Organization guidelines, data from the Singapore Ministry of Health and National Public Health Laboratory of the National Centre for Infectious Diseases, and the International Air Transport Association. Results: The importation of ART-R malaria into Singapore is possible given the close proximity and significant travel volume between Singapore and the GMS countries reporting artemisinin resistance. Singapore’s vulnerability is further enhanced by the presence of foreign workers from neighbouring endemic countries. Nonetheless, the overall likelihood of such an event is low based on the rarity and decreasing trend of imported malaria incidence. With the presence of Anopheles vectors in Singapore, imported cases of drug-resistant malaria could cause secondary transmission. Nevertheless, the risk of sustained spread is likely to be mitigated by the comprehensive surveillance and control system in place for both infected vectors and human cases. Discussion This risk assessment highlights the need for a continued high degree of vigilance of ART-R malaria locally and globally to minimize the risk and public health impact of drug-resistant malaria in Singapore.

BACKGROUND: Previous Caucasian studies have described venous thromboembolism in pregnancy; however, little is known about its incidence during pregnancy and early postpartum period in the Chinese population. We investigated the risk of venous thromboembolism in a “real-world” cohort of pregnant Chinese women with no prior history of venous thromboembolism. METHODS: In this observational study, 15,325 pregnancies were identified in 14,162 Chinese women at Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong between January 2004 and September 2016. Demographic data, obstetric information, and laboratory and imaging data were retrieved and reviewed. RESULTS: The mean age at pregnancy was 32.4±5.3 years, and the median age was 33 years (interquartile range, 29–36 yr). Pre-existing or newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus was present in 627 women (4.1%); 359 (0.7%) women had pre-existing or newly detected hypertension. There was a small number of women with pre-existing heart disease and/or rheumatic conditions. Most deliveries (86.0%) were normal vaginal; the remaining were Cesarean section 2,146 (14.0%). The incidence of venous thromboembolism was 0.4 per 1,000 pregnancies, of which 83.3% were deep vein thrombosis and 16.7% were pulmonary embolism. In contrast to previous studies, 66.7% of venous thrombosis occurred in the first trimester. CONCLUSION: Chinese women had a substantially lower risk of venous thromboembolism during pregnancy and the postpartum period compared to that of Caucasians. The occurrence of pregnancy-related venous thromboembolism was largely confined to the early pregnancy period, probably related to the adoption of thromboprophylaxis, a lower rate of Cesarean section, and early mobilization.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Cesarean Section ; Cohort Studies ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Early Ambulation ; Female ; Heart Diseases ; Hong Kong ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Incidence ; Observational Study ; Postpartum Period ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, First ; Pregnant Women ; Pulmonary Embolism ; Venous Thromboembolism ; Venous Thrombosis

The Academy of Medicine (AMS) and Ministry of Health (MOH) have developed the clinical practice guidelines on Assessment and Management of Infertility at Primary Healthcare Level to provide doctors and patients in Singapore with evidence-based treatment for infertility. This article reproduces the introduction and executive summary (with recommendations from the guidelines) from the AMS-MOH clinical practice guidelines on Assessment and Management of Infertility at Primary Healthcare Level, for the information of SMJ readers. Chapters and page numbers mentioned in the reproduced extract refer to the full text of the guidelines, which are available from the Ministry of Health website: http://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/healthprofessionalsportal/doctors/guidelines/cpg_medical/2013/cpgmed_infertility.html. The recommendations should be used with reference to the full text of the guidelines. Following this article are multiple choice questions based on the full text of the guidelines.
Evidence-Based Medicine ; Female ; Guidelines as Topic ; Humans ; Infertility ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Male ; Practice Guidelines as Topic ; Primary Health Care ; methods ; standards ; Public Health ; standards ; Singapore