Cemented hemiarthroplasty in traumatic displaced femoral neck fractures and deep vein thrombosis: is there really a link?

INTRODUCTION

Traumatic displaced femoral neck fractures in the elderly can be treated with cemented or uncemented hemiarthroplasty with good outcomes. Earlier studies reported a higher incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) associated with cemented prostheses in elective total hip or knee arthroplasty. In addition, the hypercoagulable state after a traumatic femoral neck fracture and possible thrombogenic properties of bone cement could put these patients at greater risk for thromboembolism. We aimed to compare the incidence of DVT and progression to pulmonary embolism (PE) or mortality in cemented and uncemented hemiarthroplasty.

METHODS

The data of 271 patients treated with cemented or uncemented hemiarthroplasty after a traumatic displaced femoral neck fracture was retrospectively analysed for the incidence of DVT. The level of thrombosis, progression to PE and mortality were compared.

RESULTS

There were 133 (49.1%) patients with cemented hemiarthroplasty, while 138 (50.9%) had uncemented hemiarthroplasty. The patients had an average age of 76.6 (range 53–99) years and 11 (4.1%) patients had DVT. There were no significant differences in development of DVT, level of thrombosis, PE and mortality regardless of whether a cemented or an uncemented prosthesis was used.

CONCLUSION

Cemented hemiarthroplasty is not associated with higher risks of DVT, PE or mortality in patients with traumatic displaced femoral neck fracture. Cemented prostheses can be safely used for this group of patients.     

Liver cirrhosis as a real risk factor for necrotising fasciitis: a three-year population-based follow-up study

INTRODUCTION

Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is often found in patients with diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, alcoholism, malignancy or liver cirrhosis. However, it remains unknown whether liver cirrhosis is an independent risk factor for the occurrence of NF. This study aimed to determine whether liver cirrhosis is an independent risk factor for the occurrence of NF, and to identify the relationship between severity of liver cirrhosis and occurrence of NF.

METHODS

The National Health Insurance Research Database, maintained by Taiwan’s National Health Insurance programme, was retrospectively analysed, and the hospitalisation data of 40,802 cirrhotic patients and 40,865 randomly selected, age- and gender-matched non-cirrhotic control patients was collected. The medical records of all patients were individually followed for a three-year period from the patients’ first hospitalisation in 2004.

RESULTS

During the three-year follow-up period, there were 299 (0.7%) cirrhotic patients with NF and 160 (0.4%) non-cirrhotic patients with NF. Cox regression analysis showed that liver cirrhosis was a risk factor for the occurrence of NF during the study period (hazard ratio 1.982; p < 0.001). Among cirrhotic patients, those with complicated liver cirrhosis had a higher risk for the occurrence of NF than patients with non-complicated liver cirrhosis (hazard ratio 1.320; p = 0.028).

CONCLUSION

Cirrhotic patients had a higher risk for the occurrence of NF than non-cirrhotic patients, and the risk for NF was especially high among patients with complicated liver cirrhosis.     

A review of perioperative anaphylaxis at a Singapore tertiary hospital

INTRODUCTION

Perioperative anaphylaxis is an anaesthetic emergency, but its incidence is not well described in the local literature. This retrospective study aims to look at a group of patients who had perioperative anaphylaxis in our institution.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of electronic databases and clinical case sheets, and identified 34 patients who had possible perioperative anaphylaxis during anaesthesia in our institution between 1 January 2007 and 30 April 2012.

RESULTS

After reviewing clinical and biochemical data, we found that 16 out of 151,876 patients who underwent surgery had confirmed perioperative anaphylaxis, an incidence of 1:10,000. Neuromuscular blockers were identified as the most common causative agent for perioperative anaphylaxis. The offending agent could not be identified in seven patients.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in Southeast Asia on the incidence of perioperative anaphylaxis. Having a preoperative history of allergy did not seem to predispose patients to the subsequent development of perioperative anaphylaxis.     

Coarctation of the aorta: nonsurgical treatment using stent implantation

INTRODUCTION

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) accounts for 5%–8% of all congenital heart defects. If left untreated, most patients with significant CoA will have varying degrees of morbidity (e.g. hypertension, stroke, collateral formation and ventricular hypertrophy), possibly even mortality. Traditionally, treatment for this condition is surgical. Herein, we report stenting during catheterisation as an alternative nonsurgical treatment option for patients with CoA, and present the treatment outcomes of patients who underwent this treatment option.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed four patients (2 men and 2 women; age range 20–41 years) who underwent CoA stenting under general anaesthesia for the treatment of native CoA or restenosis of CoA at our institution. Three patients had a 40-mm Palmaz stent inserted, while one had a 39-mm Cheatham-Platinum covered stent inserted. Angiography and measurement of pressure gradients were performed before and after stent implantation to ensure good treatment outcomes.

RESULTS

The patients’ treatment outcomes were good, with a significant reduction in pressure gradients across the narrowed segments. Angiography showed relief of CoA. The patients were followed up for 1–3 years, during which no complications were noted.

CONCLUSION

This is the first reported series in Singapore on the nonsurgical treatment of CoAs in adult patients using stents during interventional cardiac catheterisation. This less invasive procedure may lead to a new paradigm shift with regard to the treatment of CoA.     

Severe hypoxaemia can predict unfavourable clinical outcomes in individuals with pulmonary embolism aged over 40 years

INTRODUCTION

Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is an urgent clinical condition that can progress in a wide variety of ways. Therefore, we sought to develop an easy-to-apply algorithm, to be based on readily available clinical indicators, effective in predicting unfavourable outcomes.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study based on systematically collected data in a database. The study included 102 patients with APE who were admitted to a tertiary care hospital. The following outcomes were defined as unfavourable shock, the need for mechanical ventilation, the use of thrombolytics, and death. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore variables significantly associated with outcome and to calculate post-test probabilities.

RESULTS

The prevalence of unfavourable outcomes was 25.5% (26 of the 102 patients with APE). The risk of an unfavourable outcome was reduced to 7.0% for patients with APE who were aged ≤ 40 years. In patients with APE who were aged > 40 years, the presence of hypoxaemia (i.e. peripheral oxygen saturation < 90%) alone increased the risk of an unfavourable outcome to 57.0%. A recent history of trauma and the presence of pre-existing lung or heart disease were significantly associated with unfavourable outcomes. The inclusion of those variables in the logistic regression model increased the post-test risk of an unfavourable outcome to 65.0%–86.0%.

CONCLUSION

Advanced age (i.e. > 40 years), the presence of hypoxaemia, a recent history of trauma and the presence of pre-existing lung or heart disease are risk factors for unfavourable outcome in patients with APE.     

Production of a polyclonal antibody against osteogenic protein-1, and its role in the diagnosis of osteoarthritis

INTRODUCTION

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative disorder of the articular cartilage. Available diagnostic radiography has been poorly associated with the progress and severity of this clinical disease. As osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1) has been identified as a bone morphogenetic protein with a major role in cartilage repair, we aimed to evaluate its potential role in the diagnosis of OA.

METHODS

This was an experimental study conducted at the Department of Biochemistry, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, India. Polyclonal antibodies (i.e. anti-OP-1[f]) were raised against OP-1 in mice, and subsequently used in a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the presence of OP-1 in the synovial fluids of 75 osteoarthritic patients. For the purpose of correlation, the radiographic assessments of the knees of the 75 patients were graded using the Kellgren-Lawrence scoring system.

RESULT

The polyclonal antibody (i.e. anti-OP-1[f]) raised against OP-1 was able to detect the presence of OP-1 in the synovial fluids of all the osteoarthritic patients via sandwich ELISA. The level of the OP-1 was found to be much higher than the reference range and correlated positively with the severity of OA (r = 0.24; p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that the polyclonal antibody, anti OP-1(f), could be used for the immunodiagnosis of osteoarthritis via sandwich ELISA.     

Pedestrian injuries in children: who is most at risk?

INTRODUCTION

This study evaluates the demographics of paediatric pedestrian injuries with the aim of identifying the group of children who is most vulnerable and the risk factors for major trauma (MT).

METHODS

Data was extracted from the integrated trauma system of a regional paediatric referral hospital. All paediatric cases involving road traffic accidents from January 2011 to December 2013 were studied. Demographics, injury mechanism, treatment and outcome were evaluated. Patients were categorised as MT or non-MT (NMT) based on their Injury Severity Score, admission to the intensive care unit, type of surgery (e.g. life/limb-saving) and death. Data analysis was done using nonparametric tests and Fisher’s exact test.

RESULTS

A total of 261 children were admitted for pedestrian injuries during the study period. The median age was ten years (range 14 months–16 years) and the median weight was 42.4 (range 8.6–93.7) kg. Half (i.e. 50.2%) of the children were primary-schoolers. The majority of the accidents occurred on roads (i.e. 83.1%), between 12 pm and 6 pm (i.e. 52.8%). Among the 261 children, 177 (67.8%) were unaccompanied by an adult at the time of the accident; 17 (6.5%) children sustained MT, while 244 (93.5%) suffered NMT. MT patients were more likely to have lost consciousness (p < 0.001) and been flung (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Most paediatric pedestrian injuries involved primary-schoolers walking home from school unaccompanied by adults. This information should inform future road safety campaigns. Being flung and loss of consciousness predicted MT in children who sustained pedestrian injuries.     

Penile cancer: a local case series and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Penile cancer is an uncommon disease affecting only about one in 100,000 men worldwide in a year. The diagnosis of the condition is frequently delayed, and the disease and its treatment frequently result in significant morbidity in patients.

METHODS

We herein describe seven cases of penile tumours: six cases of squamous cell carcinomas and one case of B-cell lymphoma that presented to our hospital’s urology department between March 2011 and October 2012. We reviewed the literature to discuss the clinical presentation, natural history and current management of penile cancer.

RESULTS

The patients were followed up for 1–24 months. They were managed according to their disease stage and lymph node status. Four out of seven patients showed disease progression during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

The accurate staging of inguinal nodes in cases of low-risk disease is important to prescribe appropriate surgery for the inguinal nodes. Aggressive management of inguinal and pelvic lymph nodes remains the cornerstone in the treatment of high-risk disease cases.     

A review of oral food challenges in children presenting to a single tertiary centre with perceived or true food allergies

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of perceived food allergies exceeds that of true food allergies. Unnecessary food avoidance may increase parental and patient anxiety, reduce quality of life and increase the risk of nutritional deficiency. An oral food challenge (OFC) can provide an objective measure regarding the presence or absence of food allergies in a child. This study reviews the indications for and outcomes of OFCs performed on children.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on all children who underwent OFCs at the Allergy Unit of the National University Hospital, Singapore, over a three-year period.

RESULTS

A total of 197 OFCs were performed among 58 patients (34 male, 24 female). Most of the tests were for allergies to tree nuts (n = 107). Among the OFCs, 43.1% were for foods that were avoided and never eaten due to perceived food allergies, 25.9% were for foods that had previously resulted in positive skin prick tests (SPTs) and/or immunoassay results, 16.2% were for foods thought to worsen eczema and 14.7% were for foods thought to have caused a previous reaction. Of all the OFCs, 5% were positive, although adverse reactions were mostly cutaneous. Challenge-positive patients had either positive SPTs (wheal > 3 mm) or raised serum immunoglobulin E levels to specific foods that they reacted to during the challenges. No episodes of anaphylaxis were reported after the challenge. Most of the patients were able to safely introduce the avoided foods into their diets.

CONCLUSION

OFCs provide an objective assessment for suspected food allergies.     

An audit of preoperative fasting compliance at a major tertiary referral hospital in Singapore

INTRODUCTION

To avoid the risk of pulmonary aspiration, fasting before anaesthesia is important. We postulated that the rate of noncompliance with fasting would be high in patients who were admitted on the day of surgery. Therefore, we surveyed patients in our institution to determine the rate of fasting compliance. We also examined patients’ knowledge on preoperative fasting, as well as their perception of and attitudes toward preoperative fasting.

METHODS

Patients scheduled for ‘day surgery’ or ‘same day admission surgery’ under general or regional anaesthesia were surveyed over a four-week period. The patients were asked to answer an eighteen-point questionnaire on demographics, preoperative fasting and attitudes toward fasting.

RESULTS

A total of 130 patients were surveyed. 128 patients fasted before surgery, 111 patients knew that they needed to fast for at least six hours before surgery, and 121 patients believed that preoperative fasting was important, with 103 believing that preoperative fasting was necessary to avoid perioperative complications. However, patient understanding was poor, with only 44.6% of patients knowing the reason for fasting, and 10.8% of patients thinking that preoperative fasting did not include abstinence from beverages and sweets. When patients who did and did not know the reason for fasting were compared, we did not find any significant differences in age, gender or educational status.

CONCLUSION

Despite the patients’ poor understanding of the reason for fasting, they were highly compliant with preoperative fasting. This is likely a result of their perception that fasting was important. However, poor understanding of the reason for fasting may lead to unintentional noncompliance.     

Early experiences with robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty using the DigiMatch? ROBODOC? surgical system

INTRODUCTION

The use of robotics in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been shown to minimise human error, as well as improve the accuracy and precision of component implantation and mechanical axis alignment. The present study aimed to demonstrate that robot-assisted TKA using ROBODOC^® is safe and capable of producing a consistent and accurate postoperative mechanical axis.

METHODS

We prospectively recruited 27 consecutive patients who underwent robot-assisted TKA between May and December 2012. Two patients were excluded from the study due to intraoperative technical problems with the robot. Long-leg radiography and computed tomography were performed prior to surgery, and used for mechanical axis measurements and component sizing. DigiMatch™ ROBODOC^® Surgical System software version 4.3.6 (Curexo Technology Corp, Fremont, CA, USA) was used in all cases to perform bone cuts in accordance with the preoperative plan.

RESULTS

The postoperative coronal mechanical alignment was within 3 degrees, with a mean alignment of –0.4 ± 1.7 degrees, confirming the accuracy of the preoperative surgical plan and bone cuts. The mean operating time was 96 ± 15 min, and preoperative planning yielded 100% implant sizing accuracy.

CONCLUSION

Robotics has the potential to enable surgeons to consistently attain ideal postoperative alignment. The use of bone movement monitors and an integrated navigation system enhances the safety profile of ROBODOC^® by minimising errors. However, the role of the surgeon in TKA is still vital, as the surgeon is ultimately in charge of planning the surgery, its execution and ensuring soft tissue balance during TKA.     

Risk factors of surgical site infections in hip hemiarthroplasty: a single-institution experience over nine years

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to describe the factors associated with surgical site infection (SSI) in elderly patients who underwent hip hemiarthroplasty following a hip fracture, in a single institution over a nine-year period.

METHODS

All patients who underwent hip hemiarthroplasty between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2012 in our hospital were included in the present study. The detection of SSI was carried out by a trained, independent infection control nurse using the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Demographic and clinical data were collected retrospectively. Demographics and clinical factors were analysed for potential associations with SSI.

RESULTS

Among the 1,320 patients who met the study inclusion criteria, a total 57 SSIs were documented, giving an infection rate of 4.3%. Patients who waited for more than one week for surgery had a statistically significantly higher risk of SSI (odds ratio 3.030, 95% confidence interval 1.075–8.545, p = 0.036). The presence of SSI was also significantly associated with increased length of hospital stay (p < 0.001). The two main microorganisms detected were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which accounted for 50.9% and 26.3% of the SSIs, respectively.

CONCLUSION

We concluded that the number of days from admission to surgery is a main risk factor for the development of SSI. Steps should, therefore, be taken to prevent unnecessary delay of surgery in elderly patients requiring hip hemiarthroplasty.     

Prevalence of abnormal liver function tests and comorbid psychiatric disorders among patients with anorexia nervosa and eating disorders not otherwise specified in the anorexia nervosa DSM-IV criteria

INTRODUCTION

Anorexia nervosa (AN) and eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS) are on the rise in Singapore. Abnormal liver function tests have been reported for up to 12.2% of patients with AN. These patients are also known to present with comorbid psychiatric disorders. This study aims to investigate the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and the severity of abnormal liver function tests, and between BMI and the presence of comorbid psychiatric disorders.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort analysis of 373 patients diagnosed with AN or EDNOS at a tertiary hospital was performed. The clinical course of transaminitis and comorbid psychiatric disorders was correlated with the patient’s BMI.

RESULTS

Patients with a BMI of ≥ 16.6 kg/m² at their first consult had a significantly lower risk of having comorbid psychiatric disorders (χ² = 32.08, p < 0.001). These patients were five times less likely to have comorbid psychiatric disorders as compared to patients from the other BMI groups (odds ratio [OR] 0.21). On the other hand, patients with a BMI of < 14.6 kg/m² had a significantly higher risk of having transaminitis (χ² = 72.5, p < 0.001). They were 11.1 times more likely to develop transaminitis as compared to patients with a BMI of ≥ 14.6 kg/m² (OR 11.05).

CONCLUSION

Severity of BMI can be used by clinicians as an indicator to assess for secondary psychiatric comorbidities and/or transaminitis during the first consultation. This could help reduce the morbidity and mortality rates in patients with AN or EDNOS.     

Impact of infection control training for interns on PICU-acquired bloodstream infections in a middle-income country

INTRODUCTION

The present study aimed to determine the impact of an extended infection control training programme, which was conducted for all interns posted to the Department of Paediatrics, on the incidence of paediatric intensive care unit (PICU)-acquired bloodstream infections (BSIs) in University Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia.

METHODS

The development of nosocomial BSIs during the baseline period (1 January–31 October 2008) and intervention period (1 November–31 December 2009) was monitored. During the intervention period, all paediatric interns underwent training in hand hygiene and aseptic techniques for accessing vascular catheters.

RESULTS

A total of 25 patients had PICU-acquired BSIs during the baseline period, while 18 patients had PICU-acquired BSIs during the intervention period (i.e. infection rate of 88 per 1,000 and 41 per 1,000 admissions, respectively). The infections were related to central venous catheters (CVCs) in 22 of the 25 patients who had PICU-acquired BSIs during the baseline period and 11 of the 18 patients who had PICU-acquired BSIs during the intervention period. Thus, the incidence rates of catheter-related BSIs were 25.2 per 1,000 CVC-days and 9.3 per 1,000 CVC-days, respectively (p < 0.05). The Paediatric Risk of Standardised Mortality III score was an independent risk factor for PICU-acquired BSIs and the intervention significantly reduced this risk.

CONCLUSION

The education of medical interns on infection control, a relatively low-cost intervention, resulted in a substantial reduction in the incidence of PICU-acquired BSIs.     

Myopia in young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to evaluate the proportion of young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who have myopia, as well as the risk factors associated with myopia in this group.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, patients aged < 21 years with T1DM for ≥ 1 year underwent a comprehensive eye examination. Presence of parental myopia, and average hours of near-work and outdoor activity were estimated using a questionnaire. Annualised glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), defined as the mean of the last three HbA1c readings taken over the last year, was calculated. Multivariate analysis using genetic, environmental and diabetes-related factors was done to evaluate risk factors associated with myopia.

RESULTS

Of the 146 patients (mean age 12.5 ± 3.6 years) recruited, 66.4% were Chinese and 57.5% were female. Myopia (i.e. spherical equivalent [SE] of –0.50 D or worse) was present in 96 (65.8%) patients. The proportion of patients with myopia increased from 25.0% and 53.6% in those aged < 7.0 years and 7.0–9.9 years, respectively, to 59.2% and 78.4% in those aged 10.0–11.9 years and ≥ 12.0 years, respectively. Higher levels of SE were associated with lower parental myopia (p = 0.024) and higher annualised HbA1c (p = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

Compared to the background population, the proportion of myopia in young patients with T1DM was higher in those aged < 10 years but similar in the older age group. Myopia was associated with a history of parental myopia. Environmental risk factors and poor glycaemic control were not related to higher myopia risk.     

Cerebellar strokes: a clinical outcome review of 79 cases

INTRODUCTION

Cerebellar infarcts and haemorrhages are relatively uncommon, accounting for less than 10% of all strokes. The objective of the present study was to quantify and compare the outcomes of patients with cerebellar infarct and those of patients with cerebellar haemorrhage, as well as to identify the risk factors that predict poor outcome in patients with cerebellar stroke.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of consecutive patients admitted to National University Hospital, Singapore, between 2004 and 2006, within one week of cerebellar stroke onset. Baseline data included demographics, concomitant comorbidities, and the presence or absence of brainstem compression and hydrocephalus (on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging). The Glasgow Outcome Scale and modified Rankin Score were used to assess outcome at discharge and at six months after discharge.

RESULTS

A total of 79 patients with cerebellar stroke were admitted during the study period. Of these 79 patients, 17.7% died and 31.6% had poor outcomes at six months after discharge. Patients with cerebellar haemorrhage were found to be more likely to have poor outcomes as compared to patients with cerebellar infarct, both at discharge (odds ratio [OR] 4.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3–14.1) and at six months after discharge (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.6–17.2). When compared to small lesions (< 5 cm³), lesions > 20 cm³ were significantly associated with poorer outcomes and the development of hydrocephalus and brainstem compression.

CONCLUSION

Cerebellar strokes are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The outcomes of patients with cerebellar haemorrhage are more likely to be worse than those of patients with cerebellar infarct.     

How patients fare after anaesthesia for elective surgery: a survey of postoperative nausea and vomiting,pain and confusion

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and postoperative pain are common during the early postoperative period. In addition to these problems, elderly patients risk developing postoperative confusion. This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with these problems, and the extent of these problems, in a Singapore inpatient surgical population.

METHODS

Over a period of six weeks, we surveyed 707 elective surgical inpatients aged ≥ 18 years who received general anaesthesia and/or regional anaesthesia.

RESULTS

The incidence of PONV was 31.8%(95% confidence interval [CI] 34.8–41.9). The incidence increased with increasing Apfel score (p < 0.001) and were higher in female patients (odds ratio [OR] 1.74, 95% CI 1.28–2.36), non-smokers (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.04–2.88), patients with a history of PONV and/or motion sickness (OR 3.45, 95% CI 2.38–5.24), patients who received opioids (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.03–1.88), and patients who received general anaesthesia (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.11–2.79). Moderate to severe pain at rest and with movement were reported in 19.9% and 52.5% of patients, respectively. Among the patients who were predicted to experience mild pain, 29.5% reported moderate pain and 8.1% reported severe pain. The prevalence of postoperative confusion was 3.9% in the geriatric population.

CONCLUSION

Higher Apfel scores were associated with a higher risk of PONV and multimodal treatment for postoperative pain management was found to be insufficient. The incidence of postoperative confusion was low in this study.     

Immunosuppressant dose reduction and long-term rejection risk in renal transplant recipients with severe bacterial pneumonia

INTRODUCTION

Due to lifelong immunosuppression, renal transplant recipients (RTRs) are at risk of infectious complications such as pneumonia. Severe pneumonia results in respiratory failure and is life-threatening. We aimed to examine the influence of immunosuppressant dose reduction on RTRs with bacterial pneumonia and respiratory failure.

METHODS

From January 2001 to January 2011, 33 of 1,146 RTRs at a single centre developed bacterial pneumonia with respiratory failure. All patients were treated using mechanical ventilation and aggressive therapies in the intensive care unit.

RESULTS

Average time from kidney transplantation to pneumonia with respiratory failure was 6.8 years. In-hospital mortality rate was 45.5% despite intensive care and aggressive therapies. Logistic regression analysis indicated that a high serum creatinine level at the time of admission to the intensive care unit (odds ratio 1.77 per mg/dL, 95% confidence interval 1.01–3.09; p = 0.045) was a mortality determinant. Out of the 33 patients, immunosuppressive agents were reduced in 17 (51.5%). We found that although immunosuppressant dose reduction tended to improve in-hospital mortality, this was not statistically significant. Nevertheless, during a mean follow-up period of two years, none of the survivors (n = 18) developed acute rejection or allograft necrosis.

CONCLUSION

In RTRs with bacterial pneumonia and respiratory failure, higher serum creatinine levels were a mortality determinant. Although temporary immunosuppressant dose reduction might not reduce mortality, it was associated with a minimal risk of acute rejection during the two-year follow-up. Our results suggest that early immunosuppressant reduction in RTRs with severe pneumonia of indeterminate microbiology may be safe even when pathogens are bacterial in nature.     

The prevalence of albuminuria among diabetic patients in a primary care setting in Singapore

INTRODUCTION

Microalbuminuria is an early sign of kidney damage. The prevalence of microalbuminuria in Singapore has been reported to be 36.0%–48.5%. However, the prevalence of microalbuminuria reported in these studies was determined with one urine sample using a qualitative urine test. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of micro- and macroalbuminuria using a more stringent criterion of two positive quantitative urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) tests.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who were followed up at a primary care clinic in Singapore. Patients were diagnosed to have albuminuria if they had two positive ACR tests within a seven-month period.

RESULTS

A total of 786 patients with T2DM met the study’s inclusion criteria. 55.7% were already on an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and/or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). The prevalence rates of micro- and macroalbuminuria were 14.2% and 5.7%, respectively. Patients with albuminuria were more likely to have hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 3.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55–7.80). Diabetics with poorer diabetic control (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.26–2.79), and higher systolic (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.14–2.49) and diastolic (OR 1.96, 95% CI, 1.20 to 3.22) blood pressures were more likely to have albuminuria.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, the prevalence of microalbuminuria is significantly lower than that previously reported in Singapore. The presence of hypertension, poor diabetic control and suboptimal blood pressure control are possible risk factors for albuminuria in patients with T2DM.     

Discriminant analysis for predictor of falls in stroke patients by using the Berg Balance Scale

INTRODUCTION

An observational study was carried out to estimate the strength of the relationships among balance, mobility and falls in hemiplegic stroke inpatients. The objective was to examine factors that may aid in the prediction of the likelihood of falls in stroke patients.

METHODS

A total of 53 stroke patients (30 male, 23 female) aged 67.0 ± 11.1 years were interviewed regarding their fall history. Physical performance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scale. Variables that differed between fallers and non-fallers were identified, and a discriminant function analysis was carried out to determine the combination of variables that effectively predicted fall status.

RESULTS

Of the 53 stroke patients, 19 were fallers. Compared with the non-fallers, the fallers scored low on the FIM, and differed with respect to age, time from stroke onset, length of hospital stay, Brunnstrom recovery stage and admission BBS score. Discriminant analysis for predicting falls in stroke patients showed that admission BBS score was significantly related to the likelihood of falls. Moreover, discriminant analysis showed that the use of a significant BBS score to classify fallers and non-fallers had an accuracy of 81.1%. The discriminating criterion between the two groups was a score of 31 points on the BBS.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that BBS score is a strong predictor of falls in stroke patients. As balance is closely related to the risk of falls in hospitalised stroke patients, BBS might be useful in the prediction of falls.