Tertiary Referral Centre In Singapore Research Articles

A retrospective study of standard series patch test data from a tertiary referral centre in Singapore from 2014 to 2019.

A retrospective study of standard series patch test data from a tertiary referral centre in Singapore from 2014 to 2019.

Virtual non-technical skills assessment training is an effective, scalable approach for novice raters

OBJECTIVESThe COVID-19 pandemic has forced a creative transition to virtual platforms due to physical distancing and travel restrictions. We designed and tested a highly scalable virtual training curriculum for novice raters using the Oxford NOTECHS non-technical skills rating system.DESIGNA three-day training course comprising virtual didactics, virtually facilitated simulations, and independent live observations was implemented. NOTECHS scores were submitted for eleven standardized video simulations and four live operations. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated for total NOTECHS scores and subcomponent scores. Raters previously trained in-person with the same standardized videos served as a comparator group for equivalence testing.SETTINGAll study activities were conducted in a large academic tertiary referral center in Singapore as part of an ongoing surgical safety initiative.PARTICIPANTSSeven staff members underwent training (three virtually and four in-person). None had prior surgical experience or non-technical skills assessment training.RESULTSICCs for total NOTECHS scores were 0.85 (95% CI, 0.73-0.98) for virtually trained raters and 0.83 for those trained in-person (95% CI, 0.68-0.99). Scores were equivalent between groups within a 10% margin.CONCLUSIONSNon-technical skills assessment can be reliably taught in a highly scalable virtual format. Virtual NOTECHS training is a valuable tool for educational and quality improvement initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic and for centers that lack ready access to onsite non-technical skills training expertise.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Concomitant Chinese Medicine Use by Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients in A Multi-Ethnic Asian Population

To determine the prevalence, factors associated with and patterns of concomitant Chinese medicine (CM) with Western treatment use among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a tertiary referral centre (Singapore General Hospital) in Singapore. We conducted a cross-sectional interviewer-administered survey of a consecutive sample of patients with RA in Singapore General Hospital centre regarding their CM use including data on patient demographics, disease characteristics, concomitant use of CM and reasons, concerns and disclosure patterns from March to August 2015. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the associations of CM use. Prevalence of CM use among the 258 patients surveyed (male: female 42: 216; Chinese: Malay: Indian 191: 29: 34; mean age: 61 years; mean duration of RA: 10 years) was 46.1% (119/258). On multivariate analysis, Chinese ethnicity (OR, 95% CI: 4.11, 1.49-11.36), Chinese speakers (OR, 95% CI: 2.35, 1.03-5.54), middle-income group (OR, 95% CI: 2.53, 1.01-6.31) and greater learned helplessness (OR, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.04-1.22) were significantly associated with CM use. More CM users disclosed their CM use to CM physicians (87.3%, 96/110), sought advice from them on treatment interactions (59.4%, 57/96) and how best to combine treatments (49.0%, 47/96) than did so with rheumatologists (42.0%, 50/119; 40.0%, 20/50; and 42.0%, 21/50, respectively). Forty-two percentage (29/69) of patients who concealed CM use from rheumatologists because their rheumatologists did not specifically enquire about CM use. Concomitant CM use among patients with RA treated in a tertiary referral centre in Singapore is high but voluntary disclosure is low. The associations identified can help doctors identify and enquire about CM use, minimizing potential adverse interactions.

Long-term quality of life, sexual health and gastrointestinal function following colorectal cancer resection in an Asian cohort.

As populations age and cancer management improves, long-term survivorship and quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes are becoming equally important as oncological results. Data from Asian populations are scarce. We aimed to evaluate the sexual health, gastrointestinal function and QOL amongst colorectal cancer survivors in a tertiary referral centre in Singapore. Adults who had undergone elective curative surgery for non-metastatic colorectal cancer at least 2 years prior were included. Exclusion criteria were cognitive disease, serious postoperative complications or recurrent cancer. Participants were invited to complete the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaires EORTC-QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR29. Using multiple bivariate analysis, rscores were used to examine relationship trends between QOL domains and survivor sociodemographic and disease-specific characteristics. From February 2017 to July 2019, 400 responses were recorded. Median age and follow-up duration were 64 years (range 32-90) and 78 months (interquartile range 49-113) respectively. Patients who had Stage III cancer had better overall QOL scores compared to Stage I/II. Rectal (vs. colon) cancer negatively influenced sexual health and gastrointestinal function, but did not appear to affect overall QOL. Amongst our cohort, 57% (n=129) of men and 43% (n=75) of women were sexually active. Markers of socioeconomic status, including employment, education and housing type, were found to significantly impact perception of various aspects of QOL. Knowledge of factors which influence well-being can identify individuals who may benefit from tailored management strategies. Regular patient-doctor contact may play a role in building and maintaining positive perspectives of cancer survivors. Normative data should be obtained from local populations to facilitate future comparative research.

Prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at a tertiary referral centre in Singapore

Background:There is a lack of data regarding prevalence estimates of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in Singapore. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of DPN and risk factors in patients who present to a diabetic foot screening clinic and are considered low to medium risk in developing foot complications due to their type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods:A one-year retrospective analysis was conducted at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. Patients who underwent diabetic foot screening and endocrinologist review in the Diabetes and Endocrinology Specialist Outpatient Clinic during the period January 2019–December 2019 were included in this study. DPN was defined by the patient’s inability to detect ⩾1 out of 10 sites using the 10 g monofilament. Significantly associated risk factors with DPN were analysed using a multivariable logistic regression model.Results:Data from 479 patients were analysed. Prevalence of DPN was 28% (95% confidence interval (CI) 24.0–32.2). DPN was significantly associated with age >65 years (odds ratio (OR)=5.44, 95% CI 2.87–10.32), Indian ethnicity (OR=1.99, 95% CI 1.04–3.80), insulin use (OR=1.65, 95% CI 1.03– 2.64), diabetic retinopathy (OR=2.36, 95% CI 1.47–3.78) and stroke (OR=2.44, 95% CI 1.03–5.77).Conclusion:Prevalence of DPN in this study’s population sample was 28%, and the significant risk factors are age, Indian ethnicity, insulin use, diabetic retinopathy and stroke.

Uterine conservation in placenta accrete spectrum (PAS) disorders: A retrospective case series: Is expectant management beneficial in reducing maternal morbidity?

ObjectiveTo examine whether expectant management confers any benefit on operative morbidity for the management of placenta accrete spectrum (PAS) disorders. Study designThis was a single center retrospective cohort study at a tertiary referral center In Singapore. Women with PAS disorder between January 2006 and December 2017 were identified from the hospital register.Antenatal features, surgical factors and post-operative morbidity were compared between women having caesarean hysterectomy, those having caesarean section with placental removal and women having expectant management, defined as caesarean section with retention of placenta using the student’s t and Chi square tests. The natural course, complications and preservation of fertility were examined for women having expectant management. ResultsNinety women with PAS were included. The incidence of PAS was 0.064 %. Mean gestational age (GA) at diagnosis was 26.4 weeks. Elective and emergency deliveries were performed at 36.7 and 32.4 weeks respectively (p = <0.0001).Caesarean hysterectomy, Caesarean section with placenta removal and expectant management (EM) were performed in 51(56.7 %),16(17.8 %) and 23(25.6 %) women respectively. The mean blood loss (MBL) and surgical time for EM were significantly lower than those for caesarean hysterectomy 0.52 L vs 3.17 L (p < 0.0001) and 70.8 min vs 171.6 min (p < 0.0001). The advantage of lower blood loss with expectant management persisted even after blood loss at delayed hysterectomy was considered (1284.09 mL vs 3168.72 mL (p-value <0.0001)).Uterine preservation with EM was successful in 61 % (14/23) women. Although nine women (39 %) in this group needed hysterectomy most complications were minor and presented within three months. The mean follow up overall was 13 months. ConclusionTraditionally caesarean hysterectomy has been the main surgical approach for PAS. Our study consolidates existing evidence for expectant management being an option for a select group of patients to avoid complications associated with hysterectomy and allow uterine preservation.

Clinical Features and CD4+ T Cells Count in AIDS Patients with CMV Retinitis: Correlation with Mortality

ABSTRACT Purpose To explore the all-cause mortality in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. Methods A retrospective cohort study of patients with CMV retinitis (CMVR) presented to a tertiary referral center in Singapore from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2015. Results A total of 144 patients were studied (87 survived, 11 lost to follow up, 46 died). Patients with bilateral CMVR and six-month follow up CD4 + T cell count < 50 cells/mm3 have shorter time to mortality, compared to patients with CD4 + T cell count > 50 cells/mm3 (p < .001) and unilateral disease (p = .043). Baseline CD4 + T cell count, size and zone of initial primary retinitis lesions, recurrences of retinitis, and timing of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) are not significantly associated with mortality. Conclusion Bilateral ocular involvement and lack of immune recovery in patients with AIDS and CMVR are associated with shorter survival time.

Are extra-spinal symptoms associated with quality of life in patients with axial spondyloarthritis? A 1-year follow-up study.

To assess the extent to which a history of extra-spinal symptoms (including peripheral arthritis, heel enthesitis, or dactylitis) (HPED) is associated with quality of life (QoL) in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) at baseline and 1-year follow-up. We analyzed data from 138 patients with axSpA from a tertiary referral center in Singapore, seen between 2011 and 2015. Demographic, clinical variables, and patient-reported outcomes [Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL) and SF-36] at baseline and 1-year follow-up were collected. We used linear mixed models to assess the association of HPED with QoL at baseline and 1year post-baseline. Among 138 patients (mean age 39.3years, 74.6% males, 87.6% Chinese, disease duration 7.4years), at baseline, HPED was associated with poorer QoL for 3 of 8 SF-36 domains [role physical (RP) scores β - 8.38, p < 0.05; social functioning (SF) scores β - 6.74, p < 0.05; role emotional (RE) scores β - 9.37, p < 0.01] and SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) (β - 4.52, p < 0.01) scores, but not ASQoL scores. At 1 year post-baseline, HPED was associated with poorer ASQoL (β 1.61, p < 0.05) scores, SF-36 PCS (β - 5.61, p < 0.01) scores, and three out of eight SF-36 domains (physical functioning (PF) β - 9.60, p < 0.01; RP β - 12.17, p < 0.01; RE β - 7.87, p < 0.05) scores. HPED was associated withQoL in patients with axSpA. After 1-year, patients with HPED have poorer QoL especially for physical health domains than patients without HPED.

Factors Associated With Initiation of Biologics in Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis in an Urban Asian City: A PRESPOND Study.

The aim of this study was to examine if patients' sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, and patient-reported outcomes were associated with biologics initiation in patients with axial spondyloarthritis in Singapore. Data from a dedicated registry from a tertiary referral center in Singapore from January 2011 to July 2016 were used. Initiation of first biologics was the main outcome of interest. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the association of various factors on biologics initiation. Of 189 eligible patients (aged 37.7 ± 13.3 years; 76.2% were males), 30 (15.9 %) were started on biologics during follow-up. In the multivariable analysis model, age (odds ratio [OR]; 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.89-0.98; p < 0.01), mental component summary score of Short-Form 36 Health Survey (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.03-0.89; p = 0.04), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.04; p = 0.02), presence of peptic ulcer disease (OR, 10.4; 95% CI, 2.21-48.8; p < 0.01), and lack of good response to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (OR, 4.44; 95% CI, 1.63-12.1; p < 0.01) were found to be associated with biologics initiation. Age, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, mental component summary score, comorbidities of peptic ulcer disease, and responsiveness to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were associated with biologics initiation. It is essential that clinicians recognize these factors in order to optimize therapy.

Trends in medication utilization, glycemic control and outcomes among type 2 diabetes patients in a tertiary referral center in Singapore from 2007 to 2017.

Use of glucose-lowering agents is a cornerstone in combating type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Treatment guidelines have changed significantly over the past decade. We report temporal trends in medication utilization, glycemic control and rate of severe hypoglycemia in T2DM patients at a tertiary referral center in Singapore. We analyzed data of 36 924 T2DM patients seen at Singapore General Hospital from 2007 to 2017. Annual age-, sex- and racially-standardized proportions of patients (a) prescribed with each class of glucose-lowering agent, (b) on various glucose-lowering regimens, and (c) had an HbA1c of less than 6%, 6% to less than 7%, 7% to less than 8%, 8% to less than 9%, or 9% or more were estimated using logistic regression. Poisson regression was used to estimate standardized rate of severe hypoglycemia. From 2007 to 2017, use of metformin (45.9% to 59.6%) and insulin (24.4% to 57.9%) increased, while utilization of sulfonylureas (52.0% to 44.9%) decreased (all P < 0.001). Utilization of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (1.2% to 31.2%) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (0.5% to 7.4%) increased from 2008 to 2017 and 2012 to 2017, respectively (all P < 0.001). More patients were prescribed a combination of insulin and oral agents (17.3% to 46.0%, P < 0.001). The proportion of patients with HbA1c of 8% or more increased (33.7% to 36.0%, P < 0.001). Rates of severe hypoglycemia (5.0 to 8.4 per 100 patient-years, P < 0.001) also rose. Medication utilization patterns have changed significantly over the past 11 years with a shift towards newer agents. Glycemic control has remained stable, and rate of severe hypoglycemia increased. Further analysis is required before causal relationships can be inferred.

Experience of combination of saline infusion with tubal contrast in sonography for subfertility evaluation at the largest public gynaecological tertiary referral centre in Singapore

IntroductionFallopian tube patency testing is the current standard of care for subfertility evaluation and commonly performed at our institution. Evidence supports HyFoSy as an alternative to hysterosalpingography (HSG) for outpatient tubal evaluation and it may be superior to saline hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (HyCoSy) in excluding tubal occlusion. Our current practice is to combine HyFoSy in tubal assessment with saline infusion for uterine cavity assessment in a single study.AimsTo describe our combination HyFoSy-saline infusion protocol, pathology detected in our local population, tolerability and occurrence of pregnancy post-procedure.MethodologyRetrospective review of HyFoSy-saline infusion studies performed at our institution in 2017.ResultsStudy is performed between 7-14 days of the menstrual cycle. Targeted history and informed consent are obtained. Standard ultrasound pelvis is performed initially to look for uterine and adnexal masses and quantification of ovarian cysts. An intracervical catheter is then introduced and the uterine cavity is distended with sterile normal saline to visualise endometrial cavity structural anomalies and lesions. Finally foam contrast is instilled and flow within the fallopian tubes and spillage is observed in real time.Of 100 women, no cases were abandoned due to technical difficulty, severe pain or vasovagal episode. Three women (3%) cited significant pain with a median pain score of 5 and one (1%) required referral to the emergency department. In 3 women (3%), intravasation of tubal contrast occurred. Mean study time was 18 minutes.Mean age was 34 years. Seventy-seven women (77%) were nulliparous at the time of the study with 62 (62%) being nulligravida. Thirty-six (36%) had previous uterine intervention with 25 (25%) being previous D&C of which 6 (6%) were for pregnancy termination. Seven women (7%) had a history of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Thirty-three (33%) studies found intra-cavitary findings: 15 (15%) demonstrated adhesions and 21 (21%) endometrial polyps; no submucosal fibroids. Ninety-four women (94%) had at least 1 patent tube with both tubes being patent in 76 (76%). Four women (4%) had salpingectomy due to previous EP or ovarian torsion. Hydrosalpinx was found in 3 women (3%). Thirty-two women (32%) had polycystic ovaries.Nine women (9%) gave birth successfully within 1 year of the study; 5 through assisted reproduction.ConclusionCombination of saline infusion with tubal contrast in sonography for subfertility evaluation offers improved visualisation of uterine cavity abnormalities whilst leveraging on the potential advantages of HyFoSy over HyCoSy. A small minority experience significant pain or contrast intravasation. Fallopian tube patency testing is the current standard of care for subfertility evaluation and commonly performed at our institution. Evidence supports HyFoSy as an alternative to hysterosalpingography (HSG) for outpatient tubal evaluation and it may be superior to saline hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (HyCoSy) in excluding tubal occlusion. Our current practice is to combine HyFoSy in tubal assessment with saline infusion for uterine cavity assessment in a single study. To describe our combination HyFoSy-saline infusion protocol, pathology detected in our local population, tolerability and occurrence of pregnancy post-procedure. Retrospective review of HyFoSy-saline infusion studies performed at our institution in 2017. Study is performed between 7-14 days of the menstrual cycle. Targeted history and informed consent are obtained. Standard ultrasound pelvis is performed initially to look for uterine and adnexal masses and quantification of ovarian cysts. An intracervical catheter is then introduced and the uterine cavity is distended with sterile normal saline to visualise endometrial cavity structural anomalies and lesions. Finally foam contrast is instilled and flow within the fallopian tubes and spillage is observed in real time. Of 100 women, no cases were abandoned due to technical difficulty, severe pain or vasovagal episode. Three women (3%) cited significant pain with a median pain score of 5 and one (1%) required referral to the emergency department. In 3 women (3%), intravasation of tubal contrast occurred. Mean study time was 18 minutes. Mean age was 34 years. Seventy-seven women (77%) were nulliparous at the time of the study with 62 (62%) being nulligravida. Thirty-six (36%) had previous uterine intervention with 25 (25%) being previous D&C of which 6 (6%) were for pregnancy termination. Seven women (7%) had a history of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Thirty-three (33%) studies found intra-cavitary findings: 15 (15%) demonstrated adhesions and 21 (21%) endometrial polyps; no submucosal fibroids. Ninety-four women (94%) had at least 1 patent tube with both tubes being patent in 76 (76%). Four women (4%) had salpingectomy due to previous EP or ovarian torsion. Hydrosalpinx was found in 3 women (3%). Thirty-two women (32%) had polycystic ovaries. Nine women (9%) gave birth successfully within 1 year of the study; 5 through assisted reproduction. Combination of saline infusion with tubal contrast in sonography for subfertility evaluation offers improved visualisation of uterine cavity abnormalities whilst leveraging on the potential advantages of HyFoSy over HyCoSy. A small minority experience significant pain or contrast intravasation.

Subclassification of Bethesda Atypical and Follicular Neoplasm Categories According to Nuclear and Architectural Atypia Improves Discrimination of Thyroid Malignancy Risk.

Although The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology has provided clinicians with a standardized classification scheme for the diagnosis of thyroid fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) specimens, the indeterminate categories of Bethesda III (B3)-atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS)-and Bethesda IV (B4)-follicular neoplasm/suspicious for follicular neoplasm (FN/SFN)-continue to pose challenges with regards to ideal diagnostic and therapeutic management. Having previously demonstrated the presence of nuclear atypia as a high-risk subgroup in B3, the objective of this study was to evaluate the malignancy rates in the B4 subgroup with nuclear atypia. A retrospective review of all thyroid FNACs diagnosed as B4 (FN/SFN) between 2008 and 2015 was conducted at a tertiary referral center in Singapore. Data on patient demographics, sonographic features, and final histological diagnosis were collected. This was compared to data from a previous analysis on all nodules diagnosed as B3 (AUS/FLUS) over a similar period. A total of 137/309 (44.3%) and 88/111 (79.3%) FNACs diagnosed as B3 and B4, respectively, underwent surgical excision yielding final histopathological diagnoses. The malignancy rate of B4 was 31/88 (35.2%) compared to B3, which was 37/137 (27.0%). Subclassification based on the presence of architectural versus nuclear atypia showed significantly higher malignancy rates in B4 nodules with nuclear atypia (21.8% vs. 57.6%; p < 0.01). These findings corroborate previous results within the B3 category (malignancy rate of 14.7% vs. 36.8%; p < 0.01). The only sonographic features predictive of malignancy were the presence of macrocalcifications in B4 compared to irregularity of margins in B3. The presence of nuclear atypia identifies subgroups with significant differential malignancy risks within both the B3 and B4 categories. This supports the notion that subclassification is a useful risk stratification tool that can guide diagnostic and therapeutic management of indeterminate thyroid nodules with heterogenous risk profiles.

A study to evaluate the prevalence of impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia in adults with type 2 diabetes in outpatient clinic in a tertiary care centre in Singapore.

Impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia (IAH) predisposes affected patients to severe hypoglycaemia. There are few data on prevalence of IAH in adults with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes in Asia. We aim to ascertain the prevalence of IAH among insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes in an outpatient clinic in a tertiary care centre in Singapore. A total of 374 patients with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes attending the outpatient diabetes clinic in a tertiary referral centre in Singapore were recruited over a 4-month period. Participants completed a questionnaire to document baseline characteristics and assess their hypoglycaemia awareness status, using a combination of the Clarke, Gold and Pedersen-Bjergaard methods. Using the Clarke, Gold and Pedersen-Bjergaard methods, prevalence of IAH in our cohort was 9.6%, 13.4% and 33.2% respectively. Overall, 7.2% of participants suffered from severe hypoglycaemia in the preceding year. The IAH group had more episodes of severe hypoglycaemia across all three methods, compared with the normal awareness group (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in mean HbA1c, duration of diabetes and insulin treatment between the IAH and normal awareness groups. IAH is prevalent in adults with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes in Asia, and is associated with significantly increased risk of severe hypoglycaemia.

Clinical Features and Treatment Outcomes of Orbital Inflammatory Disease in Singapore: A 10-Year Clinicopathologic Review.

1) To assess the clinical profile and treatment outcomes of orbital inflammatory disease in the local population, and 2) classify patients using current histopathological criteria. Ten-year retrospective clinicopathologic review of patients diagnosed with orbital inflammatory disease who underwent tissue biopsy from January 2001 to December 2011 at a tertiary referral centre in Singapore. Data collection included patient demographics, clinical presentation, investigations, systemic disease, histopathology review, clinical classification, medical and surgical management, response to treatment and recurrence rates. The study comprised 70 patients. Thirty-seven (52.9%) had nonspecific inflammation distributed as follows: lacrimal (n = 23), diffuse (n = 5), anterior (n = 5), myositic (n = 4). Thirty-three (47.1%) had specific inflammation of the following subtypes: idiopathic sclerosing inflammation (n = 9), granulomatous disorders (n = 8), transitional lesions (n = 5), vasculitis (n = 4), and others (n = 7). A total of 76.8% of patients received oral prednisolone, with a median duration of three months. Response to treatment was good in 71.9% of patients. Recurrence occurred in 22 (32.8%) patients at a mean interval of 20 months after completion of treatment, and was higher in myositic and vasculitic subtypes. There was no significant correlation between duration of treatment and recurrence. This study has re-emphasized the importance and utility of orbital biopsy and histopathologic typing for optimal management of orbital inflammatory disease. It has also improved the knowledge of the rate and response to treatment of its various subtypes.

Association of obesity with patient-reported outcomes in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: a cross-sectional study in an urban Asian population.

To determine if obesity is associated with poorer patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), we conducted a cross-sectional study using data of the PRESPOND registry from a tertiary referral center in Singapore between 2011 and 2015. Demographics, clinical, and PRO variables were collected. Patients were divided into three categories: normal (BMI<23kg/m2), overweight (23kg/m2≤BMI<27.5kg/m2) and obese (BMI≥27.5kg/m2), using Asian BMI classification. The dependent variables are Pain score, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Patient Global Score (BAS-G), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 version 2 (SF-36). Multivariate regression analyses were performed with these dependent variables and obesity categories, adjusting for confounders. Among 194 patients with axSpA, 32% are overweight while 22% are obese. We found that obese patients had significant poorer pain (β: 11.87, 95%CI 2.13, 21.60) and BAS-G scores (β: 10.18, 95%CI 1.59, 18.76) when compared to normal BMI patients. However, obesity was not associated with BASDAI (β 0.50, 95%CI -0.22, 1.22), BASFI (β 0.08, 95%CI -0.66, 0.81), HAQ (β -0.07, 95%CI -0.21, 0.06), physical component summary (β -0.02, 95%CI -4.47, 4.44), and mental component summary (β -2.85, 95%CI -7.57, 1.88) of SF-36. Obesity was associated with pain score and BAS-G but not with BASDAI, BASFI, HAQ, and SF-36. Further study is needed to examine the causal relationship between obesity and poorer PROs.

Thyroid cytology—nuclear versus architectural atypia within the “Atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance” Bethesda category have significantly different rates of malignancy

The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology is the most widely used classification system for the reporting of thyroid fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) specimens. However, the "atypical" category ("atypia of undetermined significance" [AUS] or "follicular lesion of undetermined significance" [FLUS]) continues to cause diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas. The objectives of this study were to describe the differential malignancy rates of FNACs diagnosed as AUS/FLUS based on nuclear or architectural atypia and to assess the significance of demographic and ultrasonographic features in predicting malignancy in this category. A retrospective review was performed of all thyroid FNACs between 2008 and 2014 that were diagnosed as AUS/FLUS at a tertiary referral center in Singapore. Patient demographics, preoperative ultrasonographic features, and follow-up data were collected and correlated with the final histopathologic diagnosis in resected cases. In total, 309 thyroid nodules were diagnosed as AUS/FLUS, and 137 (44%) were surgically excised. Final histology yielded 37 (27%) malignancies. The malignancy rate for nodules that featured nuclear atypia was significantly higher at 36.8% than the rate for nodules that had only architectural atypia at 14.7% (P < .01). After up to 3 repeat FNACs, 67.1% of cases had a more definitive diagnosis. The only predictive sonographic finding for malignancy was irregular margins (P < .01). The disparity between malignancy risks within the Bethesda "atypical" category suggests that cytologic (nuclear) atypia is significantly more predictive of malignancy than architectural atypia. This supports the substratification of patients according to risk and a corresponding management approach within this category. A sonographic finding of irregular margins is also predictive for malignancy. Cancer Cytopathol 2017;125:245-256. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Use of the Single-Use Disposable Bronchoscope in the Intensive Care Unit: Experience in a Tertiary Referral Centre in Singapore

Use of the Single-Use Disposable Bronchoscope in the Intensive Care Unit: Experience in a Tertiary Referral Centre in Singapore

A Survey of the Histopathology of Lacrimal Gland Lesions in a Tertiary Referral Centre

Purpose: To describe the histopathological distribution of biopsied lacrimal gland lesions in a tertiary referral centre in Singapore.Methods: This was a retrospective chart review. Clinical records of patients who underwent lacrimal gland biopsy at a tertiary referral centre in Singapore between 2000 to 2010, were reviewed. Data collated included patient demographics, clinical presentation, association with systemic disease and histopathological diagnosis.Results: Sixty-nine patients were studied. Median age of presentation was 50 years. Forty patients (58%) were female and the majority (84%, n = 29) were Chinese. The mean follow-up duration was 35.0 ± 34.5 months. 30.4% (n = 21) of the patients had bilateral disease. Chronic dacryoadenitis (46%, n = 32) was the most common histopathological diagnosis, followed by lymphoproliferative disorders (38%, n = 26) and pleomorphic adenoma (10%, n = 7). The diagnoses in four other patients included adenoid cystic carcinoma, lacrimal gland hypertrophy, lacrimal duct cyst and orbital vascular malformation.Conclusion: Chronic dacryoadenitis and lymphoproliferative disorders are the two commonest causes of lacrimal gland lesions in our series. Although many cases remain non-specific, about 60% have a specific inflammation that may be associated with a systemic disease. As one third of our patients with lymphoproliferative disease of the lacrimal gland had an associated systemic lymphoma, patients with such lesions should be referred for investigation of possible systemic lymphoma. The results of our study can aid in providing a more targeted approach to patient management.

Disease patterns of rheumatology outpatients seen in a tertiary hospital serving a multi‐ethnic, urban Asian population in Singapore

To describe the spectrum of diseases seen in an outpatient setting in the Singapore General Hospital, the largest tertiary referral centre in Singapore. In this cross-sectional study, medical records of patients scheduled for an appointment at the rheumatology specialist outpatient clinics over a 4-month period (10 August 2010-31 December 2010) were reviewed. Primary diagnoses documented by the attending physician at the latest visit were recorded. Among 4180 patients (29.5% male; mean [SD] age: 53.5 [15.1] years; 77.0% Chinese, 8.0% Malay, 8.8% Indian and 6.2% others), the spectrum of diseases seen was as follows [disease - definite n (%), probable n (%)]: Arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis - 958 (22.9%), 68 (1.6%); osteoarthritis - 452 (10.8%), 39 (0.9%); crystal arthritis - 417 (10.0%), 18 (0.4%); spondyloarthritis - 227 (5.4%), 61 (1.5%); psoriatic arthritis - 158 (3.8%), 9 (0.2%); other inflammatory arthritis - 153 (3.7%), 94 (2.2%); Connective tissues diseases: systemic lupus erythematosus - 412 (9.9%), 26 (0.6%); vasculitis - 105 (2.5%), 22 (0.5%); Sjögren's syndrome - 81 (1.9%), 32 (0.8%); overlap syndromes - 73 (1.8%); scleroderma - 50 (1.2%), 4 (0.1%); undifferentiated connective tissue diseases - 45 (1.1%), 106 (2.5%); myositis - 41 (1.0%), 12 (0.3%); antiphospholipid syndrome - 22 (0.5%), 7 (0.2%); polymyalgia rheumatica - 16 (0.4%); Others: soft tissue rheumatism - 155 (3.7%); osteoporosis - 61 (1.5%); other non-rheumatologic conditions - 189 (4.5%); other rheumatologic conditions - 67 (1.6%). Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and crystal arthritis were the three most common rheumatological diseases seen in a tertiary referral centre serving a multi-ethnic urban Asian population in Singapore.

Severity of Pediatric Blepharokeratoconjunctivitis in Asian Eyes

To describe and evaluate the severity of pediatric blepharokeratoconjunctivitis in Asia. Retrospective case series. Clinical records of patients diagnosed with pediatric blepharokeratoconjunctivitis at a tertiary referral center in Singapore from 1991 through 2010 were reviewed. Patients were graded as having mild (corneal involvement without scarring), moderate (corneal scarring), or severe (corneal scarring with thinning or perforation) disease based on recorded clinical findings. Fifty-one patients were diagnosed with pediatric blepharokeratoconjunctivitis. The mean age at presentation was 10.2 ± 3.6 years, most patients were female (80.4%), and the mean duration of follow-up was 58.9 ± 44.0 months. Chinese (56.9%) subjects made up most of the cases. Most subjects had moderate (56.9%), followed by severe (37.4%) and mild (5.9%), disease. Four patients (7.9%) had an associated dermatologic disease. All patients were treated with topical antibiotics, and 98% were treated with topical steroids. Nineteen (37.3%) patients received systemic antibiotic therapy, and 1 received systemic steroid therapy. Three patients required deep lamellar keratoplasty (2 tectonic and 1 optical), and 2 underwent cornea gluing alone; all 5 of them were Chinese. Patients graded as having severe disease were more likely to undergo surgical intervention (26.3%) than patients who were graded as having moderate (0%) and mild (0%) disease (P < .05). The main complication of treatment was raised intraocular pressure in 7 (13.7%) patients requiring medical therapy. Overall, best-corrected visual acuity improved by 0.10 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution units (P < .001) after appropriate medical and surgical intervention. Pediatric blepharokeratoconjunctivitis patients in Asia seem to have a more severe clinical presentation and course. Early and adequate management can arrest the disease process and can minimize visual morbidity.