Background: and Purpose The management of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to distal medium vessel occlusion (DMVO) remains uncertain, particularly in comparing the effectiveness of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) plus mechanical thrombectomy (MT) versus IVT alone. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy in DMVO patients treated with either MT-IVT or IVT alone. Methods: This multinational study analyzed data from 37 centers across North America, Asia, and Europe. Patients with AIS due to DMVO were included, with data collected from September 2017 to July 2023. The primary outcome was functional independence, with secondary outcomes including mortality and safety measures such as types of intracerebral hemorrhage. Results: The study involved 1,057 patients before matching, and 640 patients post-matching. Functional outcomes at 90 days showed no significant difference between groups in achieving good functional recovery (modified Rankin Scale 0–1 and 0–2), with adjusted odds ratios (OR) of 1.21 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81 to 1.79; P=0.35) and 1.00 (95% CI 0.66 to 1.51; P>0.99), respectively. Mortality rates at 90 days were similar between the two groups (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.29; P=0.30). The incidence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage was comparable, but any type of intracranial hemorrhage was significantly higher in the MT-IVT group (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.63; P<0.001). Conclusion The results of this study indicate that while MT-IVT and IVT alone show similar functional and mortality outcomes in DMVO patients, MT-IVT presents a higher risk of hemorrhagic complications, thus MT-IVT may not routinely offer additional benefits over IVT alone for all DMVO stroke patients. Further prospective randomized trials are needed to identify patient subgroups most likely to benefit from MT-IVT treatment in DMVO.

Objective:To analyze the incidence of stillbirth and the associated factors in pregnancy among pregnant residents in Wuhan.Methods:A previous birth cohort was retrospectively reviewed. The cohort was based on Wuhan Maternal and Child Information System, and the perinatal information of pregnant residents in Wuhan from January 1, 2011, to September 30, 2017 and information of selected cases was collected, including socio-demographic characteristics, pregnant history, and healthcare information during pregnancy and labor. Data on stillbirth, including fetal death in uterus and in labor, were selected for this study. Chi-square test was adopted for comparing the differences in pregnancy-related factors between live birth and stillbirth, and binary logistic regressions for exploring the influencing factors associated with the occurrence of stillbirth. Results:A total of 509 057 deliveries in Wuhan were included in this study, including 505 839 live births and 3 218 stillbirths (3 155 after exclusion of fetal death in labor), with an overall incidence of stillbirth of 6.32‰(3 218/509 057), and an annual incidence between 4.90‰ to 8.11‰. Statistically significant differences were found between the live birth and stillbirth group in the following items: maternal age [<25 years old: 19.28% (97 544/505 839) vs 19.36% (623/3 218); 25-30 years old: 48.45% (245 077/505 839) vs 45.15% (1 453/3 218); 30-35 years old: 26.09% (131 952/505 839) vs 26.29% (846/3 218); >35 years old: 6.18% (31 266/505 839) vs 9.20% (296/3 218)], educational background [middle school or below: 22.90% (115 833/505 839) vs 22.03% (709/3 218); high school: 36.37% (183 978/505 839) vs 38.72% (1 246/3 218); college or above: 40.73% (206 028/505 839) vs 39.25% (1 263/3 218)], occupation [brainworker or professionals: 33.51% (169 514/505 839) vs 31.54% (1 015/3 218); manual or freelance worker: 66.38% (335 763/505 839) vs 68.34% (2 199/3 218)], residential area [urban area: 70.00% (354 365/505 839) vs 76.32% (2 456/3 218); rural area: 30.00% (151 474/505 839) vs 23.68%(762/3 218)], and time of conception [spring (March to May): 24.27% (122 746/505 839) vs 24.08% (775/3 218); summer (June to August): 24.09% (121 867/505 839) vs 23.87% (768/3 218); fall (September to November): 26.69% (135 012/505 839) vs 25.08% (807/3 218); winter (December to next February): 24.95% (126 214/505 839) vs 26.97% (868/3 218)] (all P<0.05), but no significant difference was found in fetal gender ( P>0.05). Besides, gravidity [once: 49.32% (249 484/505 839) vs 47.02% (1 513/3 218); over twice: 50.68% (256 355/505 839) vs 52.98% (1 705/3 218)], parity [once: 73.60% (372 316/505 839) vs 77.07% (2 480/3 218); over twice: 26.40% (133 523/505 839) vs 22.93% (738/3 218)], history of stillbirth [0.33% (842/256 355) vs 0.65% (11/1 705)], hypertensive disorders in pregnancy [3.25% (16 464/505 839) vs 5.59% (180/3 218)], first trimester vaginal bleeding [2.02% (10 251/505 839) vs 2.61% (84/3 218)], placenta previa [0.98% (4 963/505 491) vs 2.64% (53/2 009)], and oligohydramnios [2.52% (12 764/505 839) vs 1.90% (61/3 218)] differed significantly between the two groups (all P<0.05). However, no significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of the proportion of women with gestational diabetes mellitus and previous spontaneous abortion (both P>0.05). After exclusion of fetal death in labor from the 3 218 stillbirths, the same results were achieved. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that women who were over 30 years old (30-35 years old: OR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.30-1.56; >35 years old: OR=2.59, 95% CI: 2.25-2.98), with a high school degree or below (middle school or below: OR=1.37, 95% CI: 1.21-1.55; high school: OR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.16-1.42), manual or freelance worker ( OR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.07-1.31), in the urban area ( OR=1.43, 95% CI:1.31-1.57), and gravidity ≥ 2 times ( OR=1.32, 95% CI: 1.21-1.43), primiparity ( OR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.58-1.96), gestational hypertension ( OR=2.80, 95% CI: 2.40-3.27), vaginal bleeding in the first trimester ( OR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.08-1.68), placenta previa ( OR=10.86, 95% CI: 8.84-13.35) and history of stillbirth ( OR=2.27, 95% CI: 1.30-3.98) were all risk factors of stillbirth. Conclusion:Pregnant women who were over 30 years old, less educated, manual worker or freelance or with a history of adverse pregnancy, vaginal bleeding in the first trimester, hypertension in pregnancy, and placenta previa are at higher risk of stillbirth

Background and Objectives: Virtual learning has been utilized in residency programs to continue training amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of faculty members and residents of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of the Philippine General Hospital towards virtual learning. Method: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Respectively, residents and faculty members answered the Online Learning Readiness Scale (OLRS) and Faculty Readiness to Teach Online (FRTO) through Google Forms. Results: Twenty (20) residents and 19 faculty members participated in the study. The majority of the residents preferred asynchronous learning (50%), while faculty members preferred the hybrid mode (74%). Residents’ readiness for online learning was generally high, though problems with easy distractibility (60%) and time management (40%) were revealed. Female residents had higher online communication self-efficacy compared to males (p = 0.0367). Faculty members’ perceived attitude was significantly higher than ability in course design (p = 0.00102), time management (p = 0.00159), and technical competence (p < 0.0001). Males had higher perceived ability in course design (p = 0.0320). Older age groups had lower perceived abilities in course design (p = 0.0301) and technical competence (p = 0.0371). Conclusion This study revealed the levels of readiness of residents and faculty for virtual learning. Finding indicate the need to address both issues by developing programs to enhance faculty’s online teaching abilities and observing best practices to minimize problems such as distractibility. Large-scale studies with longer time frames are also recommended.
Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine ; Internship and Residency ; Education, Distance ; Education, Distance

INTRODUCTION: Chest physiotherapy (CPT) may benefit children aged below five years who suffer from lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). However, its effects depend on the technique used. This study aimed to determine whether mechanical CPT using the LEGA-Kid® mechanical percussion device is superior to manual CPT in children with LRTI. METHODS: Children aged five months to five years who were admitted and referred for CPT from January to April 2017 were randomised to either manual CPT or mechanical CPT with LEGA-Kid. Outcomes measured before intervention and two hours after intervention were respiratory rate (RR), oxygen saturation and modified Respiratory Distress Assessment Instrument (mRDAI) score. RESULTS: All 30 enrolled patients showed significant reduction in post-intervention RR and mRDAI scores. There was an 8% reduction in RR for the manual CPT group (p = 0.002) and a 16.5% reduction in the mechanical CPT group (p = 0.0001), with a significantly greater reduction in the latter (p = 0.024). mRDAI scores decreased by 2.96 in the manual group (p = 0.0001) and 3.62 in the mechanical group (p = 0.002), with no significant difference between the groups. There was no significant improvement in oxygen saturation, and no adverse events were observed after CPT. CONCLUSION Children receiving both manual and mechanical CPT showed improvements in respiratory distress symptoms, with no adverse effects. A combined strategy of nebulised hypertonic saline followed by CPT for LRTI removes airway secretions and results in improvements in moderately severe respiratory distress. The LEGA-Kid mechanical CPT method is superior to manual CPT in reducing the RR.
Child ; Humans ; Percussion/methods* ; Physical Therapy Modalities ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome ; Respiratory Therapy/methods* ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; Single-Blind Method

Objective: This study aims to determine the clinical profile and course on follow-up of newborns delivered to a SARS-CoV-2 positive mother from two private tertiary hospitals. Methodology: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study. A chart review of all neonates delivered to SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers was conducted. Subsequent interview was done to determine their clinical course and neurologic status at 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-, and 15-month-old. Data collected was presented as frequencies, percentages, or proportions. Results: Out of the 67 newborns born to SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers, three neonates tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. All three were delivered to mothers with mild symptoms, were full term, with good APGAR score and appropriate for gestational age. One was eventually intubated and managed as COVID-19 confirmed critical. Among the SARS-CoV-2 negative newborns, majority had an unremarkable neonatal outcome. Thirty-six neonates were available for follow-up: 1 expired due to aspiration pneumonia at 2 months of age, 4 were readmitted for pneumonia, UTI, acute gastroenteritis, and cow’s milk allergy. Twenty-one had infection at one point prior to this study follow-up but were all mild not requiring admission. Two had abnormal head size, while 2 had developmental delay, these 4 infants with neurological findings on follow-up were all RT-PCR negative at birth. Conclusion Maternal COVID-19 infection does not necessarily result to a neonatal infection. For those neonate swith mild symptoms, SARS-CoV-2 causality could not be established. On follow-up, there were a few who developed significant problems that have long-term implications in the overall growth and development of the child.
SARS-CoV-2

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic continues to afflict nations worldwide. The Philippines is no exception which has recorded more than 3 million cases as of December 2021 with children comprising 12% of total cases. Since the start of the pandemic, the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP) has been collecting data nationwide, through an online pediatric COVID-19 registry (SALVACION registry), to provide a better understanding of COVID-19 in children in the local setting. Methods: This was an ambispective cohort study of pediatric COVID-19 cases in the Philippines reported from March 2020 to December 2021. Data on clinical features, laboratory findings, disease severity, and treatment outcomes were voluntarily reported by physicians across the country. This study was approved by the Department of Health Single Joint Research Ethics Board. Results: As of December 30, 2021, there were 2,127 cases reported in the registry, with a median age of 5 years (interquartile range: 1-13 years) and mostly mild (41.9%) or moderate (24.5%) in severity. The top symptoms reported were fever (57.9%), cough (42.7%), coryza/colds (29.4%), anorexia (25.2%), and difficulty of breathing (23.1%). The most common comorbidities were hematologic-oncologic diseases (7.4%), neurologic diseases (7.0%) and surgical conditions (4.4%), while the most common coinfections were sepsis (6.3%), dengue fever (4.8%) and healthcare-associated pneumonia (2.1%). Significantly higher median CRP, procalcitonin, D-dimer, ferritin, transaminases and lactate dehydrogenase were seen among severe/critical cases compared to non-severe cases. There was a high frequency of antibiotic use (58%). Most cases recovered, although 172 deaths were reported with an 8.6% case fatality rate. The most common comorbidities in those who died were neurologic (15.7%), cardiac (12.8%) and hematologic (11.6%) diseases. Conclusion Children across all age groups are susceptible to COVID-19 and most cases are mild or moderate in severity. Among severe and critical cases, the most common comorbidities were neurologic, hematologic-oncologic and cardiac diseases. Most patients recovered with supportive management.
COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Child ; Registries ; Philippines

Purpose: Emerging evidence from animal models suggests that intermittent hypoxia due to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a risk factor for breast cancer. Despite their biological plausibility, human epidemiological studies have reported conflicting results. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to delineate this relationship. Methods: We searched the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases for eligible studies from inception until June 6, 2021. Two reviewers selected randomized trials or observational studies reporting the association between OSA and breast cancer incidence compared with those without OSA. Two reviewers extracted relevant data and assessed the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). We pooled the maximally covariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) using a random-effects inverse varianceweighted meta-analysis and performed pre-specified subgroup analyses. Results: We included six studies out of 1,707 records, comprising a combined cohort of 5,165,200 patients. All studies used the International Classification of Diseases codes to classify OSA and breast cancer. OSA patients had a 36% increased breast cancer risk (HR, 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.80; N = 6, I 2 = 96%) compared to those without OSA. Most studies adjusted for confounders, such as age, sex, obesity, diabetes mellitus, alcohol use, and hypertension. Subgroup analyses for studies with (1) multivariate adjustment and (2) at least five years of follow-up yielded HRs of 1.35 (95% CI, 0.98–1.87; N = 5, I 2 = 96%) and 1.57 (95% CI, 1.14–2.18; N = 4; I 2 = 90%), respectively. One Mendelian randomization study suggested a causal relationship, with a two-fold increase in the odds of breast cancer in patients with OSA. Conclusion This meta-analysis suggested that OSA is a risk factor for breast cancer. Future studies should explore the dose-response relationship between OSA and breast cancer, and whether treatment may mitigate breast cancer risk or progression.

The Singapore Health Services cluster (SingHealth) radiology film archives are a valuable repository of local radiological cases dating back to the 1950s. Some of the cases in the archives are of historical medical interest, i.e. cerebral angiography in the workup of patients with hemiplegia. Other cases are of historical social interest, being conditions seen during earlier stages of Singapore's development, i.e. bound feet. The archives form a unique portal into the development of local radiology as well as the national development of Singapore. A selection from the archives is published in commemoration of the International Day of Radiology in 2020, as well as the 200th anniversary of the Singapore General Hospital in 2021. This pictorial essay comprises gastroenterology, musculoskeletal and obstetrics and gynaecology cases from the archives.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis/epidemiology* ; Hospitals ; Humans ; Referral and Consultation ; Retrospective Studies ; Singapore/epidemiology*

Background: Our country has the fastest growing number of HIV cases in the Asia-Pacific region with a 203% increase from 2010 to 2018. MTCT represents 6% of infections in children and interventions such as the PMTCT program are essential to help reduce new infant infections. Objective: To determine the outcomes of HIV-exposed infants born in PGH from 2010 to 2018 enrolled in the PMTCT program. To analyze the association of maternal and neonatal clinicodemographic factors to MTCT of HIV. Methods: A retrospective cohort study using data collected from medical records of HIV exposed infants enrolled in the program. Results: Out of 117 mother-infant pairs, only 70 met the eligibility criteria. Maternal factors showed that majority have: timely antenatal visit (56/70), maternal HIV diagnosis (70/70) and ART initiation (67/70) prior to delivery, triple lifelong maternal ART (69/70), CD4 >200 prior to delivery (52/70) and cesarean delivery (67/70). Amongst the infant factors-early infant prophylaxis (60/62), >4weeks prophylaxis duration (62/70) and replacement feeding (62/70) were noted in the majority. 2/70 infants were HIV positive. Mortality rate was 1.4% and 50% for HIV infected infants. Overall LTFU rate was 33.3%. Logistic regression showed that maternal co-infection with Hepatitis B(p=0.0275) was a possible determinant of MTCT. Infant HIV prophylaxis duration of >4 weeks had higher survival proportion(p=.0001). Conclusion The HIV MTCT rate was 2.86% upon implementation of our PMTCT program, meeting the <5% goal of WHO, suggesting that the program was an effective health intervention strategy. The high LTFU rate though should be considered in the evaluation of the program effectiveness.
HIV ; Philippines