Carbonized rice husk coated solar absorber for clean water generation from seawater with a solar still

This study demonstrated the generation of clean water from seawater collected at the beach coast in Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia, with carbonized rice husk coated melamine sponge as solar absorber by a solar still. Melamine sponge was utilized as a seawater transportation medium since its porous structure is excellent in channelling the seawater. Whereas carbonized rice husk was used as the photothermal conversion material for its efficient heat absorption due to its black colour and porous structure. Implementing air gap between the seawater body and solar absorber, and restricted water pathway assisted in localizing heat on the top surface of the solar absorber. Clean water was generated under direct solar radiation during the day at an open space with average solar intensity around 1.1∼1.2 kW/m² (slightly higher than 1 sun) for about 4 h. Efficiency of the solar absorber was calculated, while the quality of the generated clean water was observed in terms of salinity and pH value. Insulated solar still with carbon-coated sponge showed the highest efficiency at about 54.74%. Salinity of the collected clean water significantly reduced to consumable level which was approximately 55 ppm, and the pH value at about 6.73 where it was within the safe limit of the drinkable water pH.

Combining experimental and computational techniques to understand and improve dry powder inhalers

INTRODUCTION

: Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs) continue to be developed to deliver an expanding range of drugs to treat an ever-increasing range of medical conditions; with each drug and device combination needing a specifically designed inhaler. Fast regulatory approval is essential to be first to market, ensuring commercial profitability.

AREAS COVERED

: In vitro deposition, particle image velocimetry, and computational modelling using the physiological geometry and representative anatomy can be combined to give complementary information to determine the suitability of a proposed inhaler design and to optimise its formulation performance. In combination they allow the entire range of questions to be addressed cost-effectively and rapidly.

EXPERT OPINION

: Experimental techniques and computational methods are improving rapidly, but each needs a skilled user to maximize results obtained from these techniques. Multidisciplinary teams are therefore key to making optimal use of these methods and such qualified teams can provide enormous benefits to pharmaceutical companies to improve device efficacy and thus time to market. There is already a move to integrate the benefits of Industry 4.0 into inhaler design and usage, a trend that will accelerate.

Efficacy and safety of ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Ivermectin became a popular choice for COVID-19 treatment among clinicians and the public following encouraging results from pre-print trials and in vitro studies. Early reviews recommended the use of ivermectin based largely on non-peer-reviewed evidence, which may not be robust. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the efficacy and safety of ivermectin for treating COVID-19 based on peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies (OSs).

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE and PubMed were searched from 1 January 2020 to 1 September 2021 for relevant studies. Outcomes included time to viral clearance, duration of hospitalization, mortality, incidence of mechanical ventilation and incidence of adverse events. RoB2 and ROBINS-I were used to assess risk of bias. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted. GRADE was used to evaluate quality of evidence.

RESULTS

Three OSs and 14 RCTs were included in the review. Most RCTs were rated as having some concerns in regards to risk of bias, while OSs were mainly rated as having a moderate risk of bias. Based on meta-analysis of RCTs, the use of ivermectin was not associated with reduction in time to viral clearance, duration of hospitalization, incidence of mortality and incidence of mechanical ventilation. Ivermectin did not significantly increase incidence of adverse events. Meta-analysis of OSs agrees with findings from RCT studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on very low to moderate quality of evidence, ivermectin was not efficacious at managing COVID-19. Its safety profile permits its use in trial settings to further clarify its role in COVID-19 treatment.

PROTOCOL REGISTRATION

The review was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021275302).

Barnacles as potential bioindicator of microplastic pollution in Hong Kong

Microplastic (MP) pollution is an emerging problem in the marine environment and the assessment of the presence and abundance of microplastics in wild organisms is essential for risk assessment. The occurrence of microplastics in four species of barnacles at 30 sites in Hong Kong waters was investigated. The median number of microplastics ranged between 0 and 8.63 particles g^-1 wet weight, or 0 and 1.9 particles individual^-1, with fibers being the most abundant type of microplastics. The chemical composition of 152 pieces out of 606 potential microplastics was analyzed using micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (μ-FTIR). Fifty-two of them were synthetic polymers, 95 natural cotton fibers and five unknowns. Eight types of polymer were identified with cellophane being the most abundant (58%). Correlation analysis was conducted between the abundance of MPs in sediments obtained in our previous study and that in individual barnacle species in this study, and a positive correlation was established for the barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite, highlighting the potential of using this species as a bioindicator of microplastics.

Microplastics in invertebrates on soft shores in Hong Kong: Influence of habitat, taxa and feeding mode

Microplastic (MP) pollution in the marine environment has gained much concern in recent years. This study investigated the occurrence of MPs in invertebrates collected on 18 mudflats and sandy beaches in Hong Kong and its relationships to biological taxon, feeding mode and habitat. In total 38 species of gastropods, bivalves and crabs were collected and the mean number of suspected microplastics ranged from 0 to 9.68 particles g^-1 wet weight or 0 to 18.4 particles individual^-1. Around 26% of the suspected microplastics were confirmed to be synthetic polymers, including CP (cellophane), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), and PA (polyamide). Microplastic fibres were the most abundant type of MPs, followed by pellets. Significantly higher abundance of suspected microplastics was found in gastropods. Since MP abundance might vary with taxon, it is recommended to include different taxonomic groups in any ecological assessment of the impact of MPs.

P873 A rare and potentially treatable cause of left ventricular hypertrophy

Introduction

A 67-year-old man was referred for care of "asymptomatic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy". He did not have hypertension. No significant positive family history could be elicited. Electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm with voltage criteria of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Outside Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) reported normal ejection fraction with asymmetric septal hypertrophy without outflow obstruction. He was put on observation for few years and was not any treatment. On first encounter in our clinic, physical examination including skin and eye assessment, and laboratory tests including renal function were unremarkable.

Procedure

TTE was repeated in our clinic showing normal left ventricular size with ejection fraction 55%, and impaired diastolic relaxation. There was asymmetric septal hypertrophy with septal thickness 2.1 cm (Figure A). There was mild systolic anterior motion of mitral apparatus and mild mitral regurgitation, without resting or Valsalva provoked outflow obstruction. Global longitudinal strain was -7.7% with most prominent abnormalities seen at apex, mid to basal anteroseptal and anterior wall (Figure B). Further assessment by Cardiac MRI showed similar asymmetric septal wall thickening. Late gandolinium enhancement study demonstrated patchy fluffy hyperenhancement of the mid wall of the basal to mid anteroseptal segment, and mid to apical anterior segment, suggestive of myocardial fibrosis (Figure C1 and C2).

Dried spot blood was sent to Taiwan for enzyme study which revealed partial acid alpha-galactosidase A deficiency. Further genetic study detected a mutation of Hemizygous NM_000169.2(GLA):c.640-801[G > A] at intron 4. Finally endomyocardial biopsy was done which confirmed the cardiac involvement of Fabry disease (Figure D, myelin body shown under electron microscopy). This gentleman was referred for consideration of Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT).

Discussion

Fabry disease is an X-linked glycolipid storage disease with accumulation of globotriaosylceramide in lysosomes in multiple cell types throughout the body leading to various organ involvement. Cardiac manifestations include unexplained LVH, valvular regurgitation, conduction abnormalities etc. It occurs in up to 0.3-5% of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Fabry disease should be considered as a differential diagnosis in all men with sporadic or non-autosomal dominant transmission of unexplained LVH, since treatment with ERT is available which may reduce LVH and improve myocardial function, although any impact on long term outcome has not yet been established.

Conclusion

This case illustrated a rare but potentially treatable cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Myocardial strain imaging should be integrated in routine TTE study for assessment of unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy. Multi-modality imaging and multi-specialty approach help in identifying patients of cardiac variant of Fabry disease who may benefit from ERT.

Abstract P873 Figure.

87 A gynaecological cause of right heart failure

Introduction

A 68-year-old lady complained of pelvic pain associated with progressive abdominal distension over few months. Physical examination revealed ascites, smooth hepatomegaly and lower limb edema. CT scan of abdomen and pelvis showed a 4 cm x 5 cm right ovarian mass without other intraabdominal lesion. Surgical excision of the ovarian mass was performed with clear resection margin. The ascitic fluid was negative for malignant cells. However, the patient had persistent ascites and lower limb edema after surgery. The gynaecologist suspected that she might have cardiac problems.

Procedure

Transthoracic echocardiogram was performed. The right atrium and ventricle were markedly enlarged. The tricuspid valve leaflets appeared retracted and sclerotic, with failed coaptation during systole (Figure A), severe tricuspid regurgitation (Figure B) and marked dilatation of inferior vena cava without respiratory variation. The pulmomary valve was not well visualized on 2D images. Continuous wave Doppler across pulmonary valve demonstrated short pressure half time 66 msec and premature termination of diastolic flow (Figure C), suggestive of severe pulmonary regurgitation. There was no intracardiac shunt. Left sided valves were unremarkable. Additional tranesophageal echocardiogram allowed better assessment of pulmonary valve, which revealed one of the cusps to be thickened, retracted and immobile on real time 3D images (Figure D, arrow).

Discussion

The ovarian mass was confirmed to be a carcinoid tumour. Due to its direct drainage into systemic venous circulation the vasoactive substances (serotonin, prostaglandin etc) reach the right heart directly without being metabolized by liver, resulting in plaque like deposit of fibrous tissue on the endocardium and valve surfaces, leading to classical appearance of thickened, retracted and immobile leaflet and subsequent valvular regurgitation or, less commonly, stenosis. Left-sided valve disease is less common, and may occur in cases of bronchial carcinoid or in presence of atrial right to left shunt (e.g. PFO). Urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) is a useful non-invasive diagnostic test. Carcinoid heart disease usually does not regress even the tumour is treated, and valve replacement is the only definitive curative treatment. This lady received tricuspid and pulmonary valve replacement with subsequent symptom resolution and chest X-ray showed marked reduction of cardiomegaly (Figure E).

Conclusion

A baseline echocardiogram is recommended for assessment valvular involvement in patient with carcinoid tumour, as the cardiac symptoms may be mistaken to be related to regional spread of tumour. Pulmonary valve is very often the "forgotten" valve in many Echo studies. However, it is crucial to have detailed assessment (with aids by 3D images or TEE) due to its implication to the surgical treatment planning.

Abstract 87 Figure.

224 Malignancy associated pericardial effusion- do we need to drain them all?

On Behalf

Cardiac Team, Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Background

Management of significant pericardial effusion in cancer patients is controversial. These patients have poor prognosis, and avoiding unnecessary intervention is important. Close monitoring of symptoms and echocardiogram is often a reasonable option, but inherits risk of cardiac tamponade. Whether pericardial drainage by means of percutaneous pericardiocentesis or surgical pericardiotomy could prevent future deterioration or affect survival is unknown.

Purpose

To evaluate the benefit of elective pericardial drainage in malignancy associated pericardial effusion without echocardiographic or clinical evidence of tamponade effect.

Methods

From 1st Jul 2014 to 31st Dec 2017, all patients with new onset malignancy-associated pericardial effusion with size more than 1cm were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with clinical or echocardiographic evidence of cardiac tamponade were excluded. We compared pericardial drainage versus monitoring for short-term (30-day), mid-term (90-day) and long term (1 year) survival without need for drainage.

Results

101 patients were retrospectively analyzed. 40 (39.6%) patients underwent drainage. Overall median survival free from drainage was 4 months. There were no significant difference in short-term (30-day), mid-term (90-day) and long term (1-year) survival free from drainage or mortality between treatment and monitoring group. Size of pericardial effusion did not predict mortality or future need of drainage. Chemotherapy was associated with improved 30-day mortality (RR 0.53 CI 0.32-0.87 p = 0.025) but not survival free from drainage or longer term mortality.

Conclusion

Close monitoring could be a feasible strategy in cancer patients with significant pericardial effusion without tamponade effect.

Baseline characteristics Factor Drainage (n = 40) monitoring (n = 61) p-value method of drainage pericardiocentesis alone 17 NA pericardiotomy alone 13 both 10 Male 19 (47.5%) 27 (44.3%) 0.749 mean size (cm) 1.93 2.77 <0.001 mean age 60.9 63.1 0.357 on chemotherapy 27 (67.5%) 38 (62.3%) 0.593

Abstract 224 Figure. Survival free from drainage

Appropriateness of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis use among medical inpatients: a DVT risk alert tool (DRAT) study

INTRODUCTION

Increasing incidence of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) has complicated treatment courses for hospitalised patients. Despite recommendation to support deep vein thrombosis (DVT) risk assessment and appropriate use of prophylaxis in medical inpatients, it is either neglected or prescribed unnecessarily by the clinicians. This study aimed to assess and compare the appropriateness of DVT prophylaxis prescribing between usual care versus a pharmacist-driven DVT Risk Alert Tool (DRAT) intervention among hospitalised medical patients.

METHODS

A prospective pre- and post-intervention study was conducted among medical inpatients in a Malaysian secondary care hospital. DVT and bleeding risks were stratified using validated Padua Risk Assessment Model (RAM) and International Medical Prevention Registry on Venous Thromboembolism (IMPROVE) Bleeding Risk Assessment Model. Pharmacist-driven DRAT was developed and implemented post-interventional phase. DVT prophylaxis use was determined and its appropriateness was compared between pre and post study using multivariate logistic regression with IBM SPSS software version 21.0.

RESULTS

Overall, 286 patients (n=142 pre-intervention versus n=144 post-intervention) were conveniently recruited. The prevalence of DVT prophylaxis use was 10.8%. Appropriate thromboprophylaxis prescribing increased from 64.8% to 68.1% post-DRAT implementation. Of note, among high DVT risk patients, DRAT intervention was observed to be a significant predictor of appropriate thromboprophylaxis use (14.3% versus 31.3%; adjusted odds ratio=2.80; 95% CI 1.01 to 7.80; p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The appropriateness of DVT prophylaxis use was suboptimal but doubled after implementation of DRAT intervention. Thus, an integrated risk stratification checklist is an effective approach for the improvement of rational DVT prophylaxis use.

Migration of Aortic Occlusion Balloons in an in vitro model of the human circulation

BACKGROUND

Aortic Occlusion Balloons (AOB) are used for hemorrhage control in hemodynamically unstable patients. Stability of an AOB is essential for reliable aortic occlusion. The primary aim of this study is to determine whether different types of AOB migrate after total, intermittent or partial occlusion in a porcine aorta positioned in an in vitro model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A porcine thoracic aortic section was positioned in a model of the human circulation. Primary and secondary migration was tested in Cook Coda™ 2-9.0-35-120-32 and 2-10-35-140-46, Cook Medical, USA; Rescue balloon™ Tokai RB-167080-E, Tokai Medical Products, Japan; Reliant™ AB46, Medtronic, USA; Russian prototype AOB; ER-REBOA™, Prytime Medical Devices, USA; LeMaitre™ 28 and 45 Aortic Occlusion Catheter, LeMaitre Vascular, USA. These AOB were tested in hypotensive, normotensive and hypertensive scenarios. Migration in total occlusion, intermittent occlusion and partial occlusion was recorded for all AOB.

RESULTS

Limited primary migration occurred in all AOB after total occlusion. The Cook Coda™ 2-9.0-35-120-32 balloon showed maximal migration in 1 test cycle. No migration occurred during intermittent occlusion. Kinking occurs in various degrees but does not seem to prevent a successful occlusion of the aorta. No migration occurred during partial occlusion except in the Russian prototype AOB. In a partial occlusion scenario, distal perfusion occurred only with 5 ml remaining in all balloon types.

CONCLUSIONS

All AOB were successful in full aortic occlusion. Limited primary migration occurred in all AOB after total occlusion only the Cook Coda™ 2-9.0-35-120-32 balloon showed maximal migration once. No migration occurred during intermittent occlusion, during partial occlusion only the Russian prototype AOB migrated. Stiffness and size of the catheter are important factors in preventing migration and kinking.

Severely Injured Patients Presenting to the Singapore General Hospital: a one Year Study

Study objectives

To determine the quantity and resource utilisation in management of the severely injured patients presenting at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH).

Method

All patients who were initially triaged to the hospital Emergency Department's (ED) resuscitation room and all trauma related mortality in the year 1998 were studied. All records were traced and the cases were followed up. Important outcomes studied were mortality and length of hospital stay.

Results

Three hundred and forty-seven (0.2%) severely injured patients who were initially treated at the ED's resuscitation room were studied. The median age of the patients was 32 years old. Male patients formed 82.1% of the total. The three main causes of trauma in such patients were fall from height, motor vehicle related accidents and penetrating injuries caused by sharp instruments and firearms. Of all the patients, 62.8% were admitted to the ED between 1601 hours to 0759 hours and 30.5% of all severely injured patients were treated at the ED on weekends. One hundred and twenty three (35.4%) patients had emergency surgery within 24 hours of admission to the ED and 42.4% of the patients had an ISS score of 16 or more; 22.8% of patients had ISS score of 25 or more. The mortality of patients with ISS score of 25 or more was 39.2%.

Conclusion

One percent of all new ED patients with trauma were classified as ‘severely’ injured and these occurred mostly outside “normal working hours”. There was significant mortality in patients with ISS score of 25 or more.

Prevalence and Predictors of Under-Diversion in the Primary Trauma Diversion System in Hong Kong

Introduction

Primary trauma diversion (PTD) enables direct transfer of major trauma patients to trauma centres for definitive care. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of PTD in the New Territories West Cluster (NTWC) of Hospital Authority and to identify the predictors for under-diversion.

Methods

A cross-sectional study based on local trauma registry. All major trauma patients (defined as ISS>15 or requiring trauma team activation) in the catchment area of the local hospital from September 2007 to December 2011 were included. The appropriateness of diversion decision was independently evaluated by an expert team (a trauma nurse coordinator and an emergency medicine practitioner). The sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, agreement, over-diversion and under-diversion rates were calculated. Potential predictors for under-diversion including age, Glasgow Coma Scale, mechanism of injury, injured body part, and the distance from scene to the trauma centre/local hospital were employed for logistic regression analysis.

Results

There were 141 eligible cases identified. The sensitivity and specificity for PTD were 59.5% and 96.5% respectively. The over-diversion rate was 3.5% and the under-diversion rate was 40.5%. The overall accuracy was around 74.5%. Non-motor vehicle accident (OR 13, 95% confidence interval [CI]=3.5-48.0, p<0.01) and isolated head injury (OR 5.35, 95% CI=1.5-19.5, p=0.01) were 2 independent predictors for under-diversion in PTD.

Conclusions

The overall field triage compliance by the paramedics is satisfactory. Under-diversion rate in NTWC is high. Non-motor vehicle accident mechanism and isolated head injury are 2 significant predictors for under-diversion. Reinforcement in training to avoid potential pitfalls would improve the paramedics' trauma triage performance.

Impact of a Sepsis Guideline in Emergency Department on Outcome of Patients with Severe Sepsis

Objective

A dedicated program with guideline to enhance sepsis care was launched in July 2014 in Emergency Department (ED) of two regional hospitals. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventional program for severe sepsis patients, in antibiotic delivery rate and survival outcome.

Methods

It is a before-and-after interventional study with data from July to December 2013 and August 2014 to January 2015. A dedicated program for severe sepsis patients was introduced in July 2014. The outcome measures were blood culture rate, antibiotic administration rate in ED and mortality. Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test was used for comparison of the survival. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was constructed to predict time to mortality adjusted for covariates.

Results

64 patients were included, 31 patients were in the pre-intervention group whereas 33 post-intervention. Both blood culture rate (29% vs 72.7%; p<0.001) and antibiotics administration in ED (38.7% vs 72.7%, p=0.0011) were significantly increased. Survival outcome was significantly improved in patients receiving timely antibiotics in ED (log-rank test p=0.016). Antibiotics administered in ED had hazard ratio of 0.178 (95% CI 0.053 to 0.595; p=0.005) in the Cox Proportional hazard regression model with adjustment of covariates. Age (adjusted odds ratio 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.12, p=0.033) and initial hypotension (adjusted odds ratio 0.97, 95% CI 0.95 to 0.99, p=0.005) were significant predictors of mortality.

Conclusion

A dedicated guideline for severe sepsis management could improve blood culture rate, early antibiotics administration in the emergency department. Patients received early antibiotic had better outcome and survival.

Norepinephrine transporter expression is inversely associated with glycaemic indices: a pilot study in metabolically diverse persons with overweight and obesity

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine the cross‐sectional relationship between the expression of norepinephrine transporter (NET), the protein responsible for neuronal uptake‐1, and indices of glycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia, in overweight and obese individuals.

Methods

Thirteen non‐medicated, non‐smoking subjects, aged 58 ± 1 years (mean ± standard error of the mean), body mass index (BMI) 31.4 ± 1.0 kg m⁻², with wide‐ranging plasma glucose and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c, range 5.1% to 6.5%) participated. They underwent forearm vein biopsy to access sympathetic nerves for the quantification of NET by Western blot, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp, echocardiography and assessments of whole‐body norepinephrine kinetics and muscle sympathetic nerve activity.

Results

Norepinephrine transporter expression was inversely associated with fasting plasma glucose (r = −0.62, P = 0.02), glucose area under the curve during OGTT (AUC_0–120, r = −0.65, P = 0.02) and HbA1c (r = −0.67, P = 0.01), and positively associated with steady‐state glucose utilization during euglycaemic clamp (r = 0.58, P = 0.04). Moreover, NET expression was inversely related to left ventricular posterior wall dimensions (r = −0.64, P = 0.02) and heart rate (r = −0.55, P = 0.05). Indices of hyperinsulinaemia were not associated with NET expression. In stepwise linear regression analysis adjusted for age, body mass index and blood pressure, HbA1c was an independent inverse predictor of NET expression, explaining 45% of its variance.

Conclusions

Hyperglycaemia is associated with reduced peripheral NET expression. Further studies are required to identify the direction of causality.

Prediction of en-route complications during interfacility transport by outcome predictive scores in ED

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to determine the accuracy of the outcome predictive scores (Modified Early Warning Score [MEWS]; Hypotension, Low Oxygen Saturation, Low Temperature, Abnormal ECG, Loss of Independence [HOTEL] score; and Simple Clinical Score [SCS]) in predicting en-route complications during interfacility transport (IFT) in emergency department.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

All IFT cases by ambulances with either nurse-led or physician-led escort, occurring between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2012, were included. Obstetric and pediatric cases (age < 18 years) were excluded. The condition of patients was quantified by using the predictive scores (MEWS, HOTEL, and SCS) at triage station and on ambulance departure. The accuracy of predictive scores was compared by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

A total of 659 cases were included. Seventeen cases had en-route complications (2.6%). The complication rate in physician-escorted transport (2.2%) was similar to that in nurse-escorted transport (2.6%). None of the 57 intubated cases had en-route complications. The area under the ROC curve for MEWS was 0.662 (triage) and 0.479 (departure). The accuracy of MEWS at triage was better than that at departure (P = .049). The area under the ROC curve for HOTEL was 0.613 (triage) and 0.597 (departure), and that for SCS was 0.6 (triage) and 0.568 (departure). In general, the predictive scores at triage were better than those on departure.

CONCLUSION

None of the scores had good accuracy in prediction of en-route complications during IFT. MEWS at triage was among the best one already but was not ideal.

Maternal uptake of pertussis cocooning strategy and other pregnancy related recommended immunizations

Maternal immunization is an important strategy to prevent severe morbidity and mortality in mothers and their offspring. This study aimed to identify whether new parents were following immunization recommendations prior to pregnancy, during pregnancy, and postnatally. A cross-sectional survey was conducted by a questionnaire administered antenatally to pregnant women attending a maternity hospital with a follow-up telephone interview at 8-10 weeks post-delivery. Factors associated with uptake of pertussis vaccination within the previous 5 y or postnatally and influenza vaccination during pregnancy were explored using log binomial regression models. A total of 297 pregnant women completed the questionnaire. For influenza vaccine, 20.3% were immunized during pregnancy and 3.0% postnatally. For pertussis vaccine, 13.1% were vaccinated within 5 y prior to pregnancy and 31 women received the vaccine postnatally, 16 (51.6%) received the vaccine >4 weeks after delivery. Receiving a recommendation from a healthcare provider (HCP) was an independent predictor for receipt of both pertussis (RR 2.07, p < 0.001) and influenza vaccine (RR 2.26, p = 0.001). Non-English speaking mothers were significantly less likely to have received pertussis vaccination prior to pregnancy or postnatally (RR 0.24, p = 0.011). Multiparous pregnant women were less likely to have received an influenza vaccine during their current pregnancy (p = 0.015). Uptake of pregnancy related immunization is low and likely due to poor knowledge of availability, language barriers and lack of recommendations from HCPs. Strategies to improve maternal vaccine uptake should include education about recommended vaccines for both HCPs and parents and written information in a variety of languages.

Double-burden of malnutrition among the indigenous peoples (Orang Asli) of Peninsular Malaysia

BACKGROUND

Double-burden of malnutrition (DBM) is an emerging public health concern among the Orang Asli (indigenous peoples) of Peninsular Malaysia. This study aimed to identify the presence of DBM at the community and household levels in Orang Asli population and its associated demographic and socio-economic factors.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 11 Orang Asli villages surrounding the Krau Wildlife Reserve, Peninsular of Malaysia from October 2011 to January 2012. Of 438 households, a total of 981 adults and 304 children who met the study criteria agreed to participate. About 160 households were further selected with pairs of children aged 3-59 months and non-pregnant mothers aged 15-55 years. Demographic and socio-economic data were obtained using interviewer-administered questionnaire while weight and height were measured using standard procedures. Double-burden of malnutrition was defined as overweight/obese mother-underweight child (OWOBM/UWC), overweight/obese mother-stunted child (OWOBM/STC) or overweight/obese mother-underweight or/and stunted child (OWOBM/UWSTC). Binary logistic regression identified the demographic and socio-economic factors associated with double-burden households.

RESULTS

About 26 % of overweight and obese adults coexisting with high proportions of underweight (49%) and stunted (64%) children in these Orang Asli villages. There was a higher prevalence of households with OWOBM/UWSTC (20%) and OWOBM/STC (19.4%) than households with OWOBM/UWC (12.5%). Boys (P < 0.05), older age mothers (P < 0.05), mothers with higher education (P < 0.05) and households with income per capita less than USD 29.01 (RM 97.00) (P < 0.01) were associated with higher odds of OWOBM/STC. Jah Hut (P < 0.05) and higher number of children (P < 0.05) were significantly associated with lower odds of OWOBM/UWC.

CONCLUSIONS

The occurrence of double-burden of malnutrition in Orang Asli population deserves attention. Poverty reduction, access to quality diet and improved health and nutrition literacy are among strategies that could address the coexistence of DBM in this population.

Elastin is a key regulator of outward remodeling in arteriovenous fistulas

OBJECTIVES

Maturation failure is the major limitation of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) as hemodialysis access conduits. Indeed, 30-50% of AVFs fail to mature due to intimal hyperplasia and insufficient outward remodeling. Elastin has emerged as an important determinant of vascular remodeling. Here the role of elastin in AVF remodeling in elastin haplodeficient (eln(+/-)) mice undergoing AVF surgery has been studied.

METHODS

Unilateral AVFs between the branch of the jugular vein and carotid artery in an end to side manner were created in wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 (n = 11) and in eln(+/-) mice (n = 9). Animals were killed at day 21 and the AVFs were analyzed histologically and at an mRNA level using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Before AVF surgery, a marked reduction in elastin density in the internal elastic lamina (IEL) of eln(+/-) mice was observed. AVF surgery resulted in fragmentation of the venous internal elastic lamina in both groups while the expression of the tropoelastin mRNA was 53% lower in the eln(+/-) mice than in WT mice (p < .001). At 21 days after AVF surgery, the circumference of the venous outflow tract of the AVF was 21% larger in the eln(+/-) mice than in the WT mice (p = .037), indicating enhanced outward remodeling in the eln(+/-) mice. No significant difference in intimal hyperplasia was observed. The venous lumen of the AVF in the eln(+/-) mice was 53% larger than in the WT mice, although this difference was not statistically significant (eln(+/-), 350,116 ± 45,073 μm(2); WT, 229,405 ± 40,453 μm(2); p = .064).

CONCLUSIONS

In a murine model, elastin has an important role in vascular remodeling following AVF creation, in which a lower amount of elastin results in enhanced outward remodeling. Interventions targeting elastin degradation might be a viable option in order to improve AVF maturation.

Stable and wavelength-tunable silicon-micro-ring-resonator based erbium-doped fiber laser

In this work, we propose and demonstrate a stable and wavelength-tunable erbium-doped fiber (EDF) ring laser. Here, a silicon-on-insulator (SOI)-based silicon-micro-ring-resonator (SMRR) is used as the wavelength selective element inside the fiber ring cavity. A uniform period grating coupler (GC) is used to couple between the SMRR and single mode fiber (SMF) and serves also as a polarization dependent element in the cavity. The output lasing wavelength of the proposed fiber laser can be tuned at a tuning step of 2 nm (defined by the free spectral range (FSR) of the SMRR) in a bandwidth of 35.2 nm (1532.00 to 1567.20 nm), which is defined by the gain of the EDF. The optical-signal-to-noise-ratio (OSNR) of each lasing wavelength is larger than 42.0 dB. In addition, the output stabilities of power and wavelength are also discussed.

Focusing subwavelength grating coupler for mid-infrared suspended membrane waveguide

A mid-infrared (mid-IR)-focusing subwavelength grating (SWG) coupler and suspended membrane waveguide (SMW) on a silicon-on-insulator wafer are studied. For a transverse-electric mode uniform SWG, finite-difference time-domain simulation predicts 44.2% coupling efficiency with 1 dB bandwidth of about 220 nm and backreflection of 0.78% at 2.75 μm. Then the uniform SWG is curved to a focusing SWG using a phase-matching formula. The SMWs are analyzed by the finite element method and fabricated. An Er3+-Pr3+ co-doped mid-IR fiber laser is used for device characterization. The fabricated mid-IR SWG coupler has 24.7% coupling efficiency.

Dural tear post mastoidectomy repaired with Dura Gen

Dural exposure may occur during the course of thinning the tegmen tympani and tegmen mastoideum in mastoid procedure. If large area of dura is exposed or lacerated, cerebrospinal fluid and brain herniation may enter the mastoid cavity. We report a case of a patient with injured dura mater and tegmen mastoideum during mastoidectomy for chronic suppurative otitis media with cholesteatoma managed by using DuraGen. The dura mater and tegmen defect healed totally showing the success of the procedure. A collagen matrix like DuraGen is an option for repairing dural tear in mastoid region.

Brain herniation in a neonate

Brain herniation is generally thought to be unlikely to occur in newborns due to the presence of the patent fontanelles and cranial sutures. A review of the literature published from 1993 to 2008 via MEDLINE search revealed no reports on neonatal brain herniation from intracranial tumour. We report a preterm Malay male infant born via elective Caesarean section for antenatally diagnosed intracerebral tumour, which subsequently developed herniation. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging showed features that were compatible with a large complex intracranial tumour causing mass effect and gross hydrocephalus. Tumour excision was scheduled when the infant was two weeks old. Unfortunately, on the morning of the surgery, he developed signs of brain herniation and had profuse tumour haemorrhage during the attempted excision. Histopathological examination revealed an embryonal tumour, possibly an atypical rhabdoid/teratoid tumour. This case illustrates that intracranial tumours in newborns can herniate and should therefore be closely monitored.

Low circulating level of CD133+KDR+cells in patients with systemic sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Results of previous studies on the level of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which are involved in vascular repair, in scleroderma (SSc) patients have been controversial.

OBJECTIVES

To enumerate circulating EPC subsets and to examine their relation with endothelial dysfunction, biochemical markers of endothelial injury and vascular outcome in SSc patients.

METHODS

Enumeration of circulating CD34+KDR+ and CD133+ KDR+EPCs was performed by flow cytometry. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation was evaluated by changes in flow-mediated dilation (FMD%) in the brachial artery. Serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

SSc patients (n=52) were found to have significantly lower CD133+KDR+EPCs (3.0 vs. 7.0/μl, p<0.001) as well as FMD% (4.8% vs. 7.8%, p<0.001) compared with age and sex-matched controls (n=52). Among patients who had no concomitant cardiovascular risk factors (n=28), CD133+KDR+ EPC level was significantly lower than controls (3.8 vs. 7.3/μl, p=0.001) and correlated modestly with FMD% (r=0.29, p=0.03). Disease duration was the only determining factor identified for circulating CD133+KDR+ EPCs (p=0.03) by logistic regression analysis. Levels of serum VEGF (p=0.92) and KDR expression were not different between patients who had early and intermediate/late disease. Circulating CD34+KDR+ EPCs was not different between SSc patients and controls and did not correlate with any clinical or biochemical parameter.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower circulating CD133 +KDR+ EPC subset was found in SSc patients and correlated with impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation in patients without cardiovascular risk factors suggesting a potential role of deficient EPC recruitment contributing to endothelial dysfunction in this disease.

Bacille Calmette-Guérin osteomyelitis of the proximal femur

All newborns in Hong Kong are given bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccinations. Reported complications include formation of regional and extra-regional localised abscesses, osteomyelitis, and lymphadenitis. Several cases of bacille Calmette-Guérin osteomyelitis have been reported in Europe, but there are few reports of this in Asia. To the author's knowledge, this is the first case report of bacille Calmette-Guérin osteomyelitis in Hong Kong. Bacille Calmette-Guérin osteomyelitis, although rare, should be kept in mind as a potential complication of bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccination. Clinical suspicion, early diagnosis using an image-guided tissue biopsy and polymerase chain reaction study, and early commencement of chemotherapy are key to the effective management of this problem.

Concordance between side-stream end-tidal carbon dioxide and arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure in respiratory service setting

OBJECTIVE

To explore the correlation and concordance between end-tidal carbon dioxide and arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure, and confirm the experience of the general consensus among service environments.

DESIGN

A prospective cross-sectional analysis.

SETTING

Two respiratory service units in Hong Kong.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred respiratory patients were recruited, in whom 219 sets of observations were recorded. Patients deemed to require arterial blood gas determination also had their end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure measured at that time, using two LifeSense LS1-9R Capnometers.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The agreement of end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure and arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure was studied by correlation coefficients, mean and standard deviation of their difference, and the Bland-Altman plot.

RESULTS

Overall, the correlation was low and insignificant (r=0.1185, P=0.0801). The mean of the difference was 7.2 torr (95% confidence interval, 5.5-8.9) and significant (P<0.001). The limits of agreement by Bland-Altman analysis were -18.1 to 32.5 torr, which were too large to be acceptable. In the sub-group on room air, the mean difference was reduced to 2.26 torr, the correlation between end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure and arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure was 0.2194 (P=0.0068), though statistically significant, the extent of correlation was still low.

CONCLUSION

End-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure did not show significant correlation or concordance with arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure, especially when supplemental oxygen was used. End-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure currently cannot replace arterial blood gas measurement as a tool for monitoring arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure. Possible reasons for the discrepancy with previous studies include small sample size in previous studies, lack of research facilities in service settings, and publication bias against negative studies.

LARG at chromosome 11q23 has functional characteristics of a tumor suppressor in human breast and colorectal cancer

Deletion of 11q23-q24 is frequent in a diverse variety of malignancies, including breast and colorectal carcinoma, implicating the presence of a tumor suppressor gene at that chromosomal region. We examined a 6-Mb region on 11q23 by high-resolution deletion mapping, using both loss of heterozygosity analysis and customized microarray comparative genomic hybridization. LARG (leukemia-associated Rho guanine-nucleotide exchange factor) (also called ARHGEF12), identified from the analysed region, is frequently underexpressed in breast and colorectal carcinomas with a reduced expression observed in all breast cancer cell lines (n=11), in 12 of 38 (32%) primary breast cancers, 5 of 10 (50%) colorectal cell lines and in 20 of 37 (54%) primary colorectal cancers. Underexpression of the LARG transcript was significantly associated with genomic loss (P=0.00334). Hypermethylation of the LARG promoter was not detected in either breast or colorectal cancer, and treatment of four breast and four colorectal cancer cell lines with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine and/or trichostatin A did not result in a reactivation of LARG. Enforced expression of LARG in breast and colorectal cancer cells by stable transfection resulted in reduced cell proliferation and colony formation, as well as in a markedly slower cell migration rate in colorectal cancer cells, providing functional evidence for LARG as a candidate tumor suppressor gene.

Cost of medical education, financial assistance and medical school demographics in Singapore

INTRODUCTION

Medical tuition fees have been rising in many countries, including in Singapore. No formal study has been conducted to evaluate the financial situation of medical students in relation to the cost of medical education in Singapore. This study was conducted to determine the financial profile of Singaporean medical students and the financial expenses they incur over the five-year duration of their undergraduate medical course.

METHODS

A questionnaire study was conducted among Year one to Year five medical students in the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. The following quantifiable parameters were analysed: monthly household income, financial assistance, monthly allowances and expenses.

RESULTS

64.3 percent (735) of the 1,143 undergraduates completed the survey. 21.9 percent came from families with a monthly income of less than S$3,000, with another 26.2 percent from families with monthly incomes of S$3,000-S$5,000. The total tuition fees for a five-year medical course amounted to S$87,450. The average annual expenditure of medical students amounted to S$4,470. 31.1 percent of respondents were on loans. 14.6 percent received scholarships or bursaries.

CONCLUSION

A five-year medical course can cost more than S$100,000 and pose a significant financial burden for students. The proportion of students who came from lower-income families was lower in medical school than at the national level, while the proportion from high-income families was significantly higher than at the national level. A significant proportion of students took loans to pay for tuition, and a smaller percentage was under scholarships and bursaries. More substantial financial assistance is required, particularly for students from lower-income families.

Prenatal screening for retinoblastoma in Hong Kong

We report the first use in Hong Kong of molecular techniques to screen prenatally for retinoblastoma and review 17 cases of retinoblastoma seen at the Hong Kong Eye Hospital from 2001 to 2006. A pregnant couple whose first child had retinoblastoma requested prenatal screening for retinoblastoma during their second pregnancy in 2000. Whole RB1 coding gene sequencing was performed on peripheral blood cells taken from family members and cultured amniocytes collected from the foetus during the 14th week of gestation. No RB1 gene mutations were found in the amniocyte samples and at birth the baby had no evidence of ocular tumours. During 5 years of follow-up the child remained healthy with intact visual function. Prenatal diagnosis of retinoblastoma alleviates parental stress and improves the perinatal care of affected family members.

Do-not-resuscitate decision: the attitudes of medical and non-medical students

OBJECTIVES

To study the attitudes of both medical and non-medical students towards the do-not-resuscitate (DNR) decision in a university in Hong Kong, and the factors affecting their attitudes.

METHODS

A questionnaire-based survey conducted in the campus of a university in Hong Kong. Preferences and priorities of participants on cardiopulmonary resuscitation in various situations and case scenarios, experience of death and dying, prior knowledge of DNR and basic demographic data were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 766 students participated in the study. There were statistically significant differences in their DNR decisions in various situations between medical and non-medical students, clinical and preclinical students, and between students who had previously experienced death and dying and those who had not. A prior knowledge of DNR significantly affected DNR decision, although 66.4% of non-medical students and 18.7% of medical students had never heard of DNR. 74% of participants from both medical and non-medical fields considered the patient's own wish as the most important factor that the healthcare team should consider when making DNR decisions. Family wishes might not be decisive on the choice of DNR.

CONCLUSIONS

Students in medical and non-medical fields held different views on DNR. A majority of participants considered the patient's own wish as most important in DNR decisions. Family wishes were considered less important than the patient's own wishes.

Examining the effect of publishing of bill sizes to reduce information asymmetry on healthcare costs

INTRODUCTION

Information asymmetry has been offered as a reason for unnecessarily high costs in certain industries where significant information asymmetry traditionally exists between providers and consumers, such as healthcare. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the introduction of publishing of bill size as a means to reduce healthcare costs. Specifically, we aim to examine if this initiative to decrease information asymmetry on healthcare prices between healthcare providers and patients, and between healthcare providers themselves, will lead to lower prices for patients.

METHODS

Bill size data of 29 commonly occurring diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) for two ward classes (B2 and C) over a 16- month period were studied. Each ward class was studied separately, i.e. involving 58 DRG data sets. The mean bill size data as well as that of 50th and 90th percentile bill sizes were examined. The study involved some 46,000 inpatient episodes which occurred in the five public sector acute general hospitals of Singapore.

RESULTS

Mean prices dropped by 4.14 percent and 9.64 percent for B2 and C classes, respectively. 50 out of 58 DRG data sets showed a drop in prices. Bill sizes at the 50th percentile dropped by 7.95 percent and 10.12 percent for B2 and C classes, respectively; while at the 90th percentile, the corresponding figures were decreases of 8.01 percent and 11.4 percent for the two ward classes.

CONCLUSION

The act of publishing bill sizes has led to less information asymmetry among providers, thereby facilitating more competitive behaviour among hospitals and lower bill sizes.

Changes in refraction and ocular dimensions after cataract surgery and primary intraocular lens implantation in infants

PURPOSE

To study refraction and axial length changes after cataract extraction and primary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in children younger than 1 year of age.

SETTING

Two regional hospitals.

METHODS

After determining the IOL power for emmetropia, 80% of the value was used to choose the IOL for implantation to counter anticipated myopic shift with age. The main outcome measures were changes in refraction and axial length 3 years after surgery.

RESULTS

Thirty-four eyes of 20 children (mean age 6.7 months +/- 3.9 [SD]) were studied. Refraction in the immediate postoperative period was +4.53 +/- 1.45 diopters (D). Three years after surgery, the mean refraction was -2.49 +/- 3.08 D (P<.001). Twenty-two eyes (64.7%) had surgery during the first 6 months of life (group 1) and had a shorter axial length at surgery (mean 18.92 +/- 1.32 mm) compared with 12 eyes (35.3%) that received surgery between 7 and 12 months (group 2, mean 20.29 +/- 1.00 mm) (P = .007). However, the final axial length was greater in group 1 (mean 22.67 +/- 1.04 mm) than in group 2 (mean 21.23 +/- 0.26 mm) (P = .019).

CONCLUSIONS

Primary IOL implantation is an option for children having cataract surgery in the first year of life. Significant myopic shifts occurred, and this seemed to be more pronounced in younger children. It appears that rethinking current strategies for IOL power calculation may be required to achieve more optimal refractive outcomes.

Paediatric tracheostomy in Hospital University Kebangsaan Malaysia - a changing trend

Indication for pediatric tracheostomy has changed. Upper airway obstruction secondary to infectious disorders is no longer the commonest indication. The aim of this study was to establish data on indications, outcome and complications of pediatric tracheostomy. A retrospective analysis of pediatric tracheostomies carried out between March 2002 to March 2004 was done. Eighteen patients were identified. The commonest indication was prolonged ventilation (94.5%) followed by pulmonary toilet (5.5%). None was performed for upper airway obstruction. Postoperative complications were encountered in six patients (33.3%), the commonest being accidental decannulation notably in children less than six years of age. Twelve patients (66.6%) were successfully decannulated. The mortality rate was 16.6%. All death were non tracheostomy related. The commonest indication for tracheostomy was prolonged ventilation and tracheostomy in children is relatively safe despite complications.

[Maggot therapy for treatment of severe infections in trauma surgery: "back to the future!"]

The ancient method of larval therapy for treatment of acute and chronic infections has become a revival and a new dimension with introduction of the Biobag (Vitapad). With use of this therapy trauma patients suffering infectious complications can be treated very effective, which can reduce the overall time needed for treatment and can result in diminished invalidity.

Long-term results of autogenous palmaris longus frontalis sling in children with congenital ptosis

PURPOSE

To investigate the long-term outcome of using autogenous palmaris longus tendon (PLT) sling for correcting congenital ptosis in children.

METHODS

This is an observational case series involving 15 eyelids of 14 consecutive children with congenital ptosis who underwent frontalis suspension surgery using PLT in a university teaching hospital.

RESULTS

One child had bilateral ptosis and the other children had unilateral ptosis. The age of patients at the time of surgery ranged from 2 to 7 years, with an average of 4.7 years. At a mean follow-up of 92 months (range, 80-104 months), all eyelids were successfully corrected with good lid height. No recurrence or other postoperative complications were encountered except one patient who developed a small skin fold over the PLT harvest site.

CONCLUSION

Long-term lid position is remarkably stable after surgical correction using PLT. PLT sling appears to be a safe and effective treatment for children with congenital ptosis requiring frontalis sling operation. It could be a good alternative to autogenous fascia lata, and further studies, to compare these two sling materials seem warranted.

A case of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis of the lung presenting with haemoptysis

Langerhans' cell histiocytosis of the lung can be part of a multisystem disorder or an isolated disorder. Ninety percent of adult patients with Langerhans' cell histiocytosis of the lung are smokers. This article reports a case of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis presenting with haemoptysis. The diagnostic signs on chest X-ray, high-resolution computed tomography, and histology are highlighted, followed by a short review of the literature.

Multiple giant duodenal gallstones causing gastric outlet obstruction: Bouveret's minefield revisited

Gastric outlet obstruction caused by a gallstone impacted in the duodenum is a rare entity known as Bouveret's syndrome. We report the unusual case of multiple large gallstones impacted in the duodenum from a cholecystoduodenal fistula in an 83-year-old lady. A high index of suspicion allowed for prompt diagnosis. Early surgical intervention was instituted because if the size and number of gallstones with an excellent outcome. The surgical strategies and underlying pitfalls underlying the management of this syndrome are critically reviewed and discussed.

Founder mutation in the BRCA1 gene in Malay breast cancer patients from Singapore

The mutation spectrum of the BRCA1 gene among ethnic groups from Asia has not been well studied. We investigated the frequency of mutations in the BRCA1 gene among Malay breast cancer patients from Singapore, independent of family history. By using the protein truncation test (PTT) and direct sequencing, BRCA1 mutations were detected in 6 of 49 (12.2%) unrelated patients. Four novel missense mutations in exon 11, T557A (1788A>G), T582A (1863A>G), N656S (2086A>G) and P684S (2169C>T) were identified in one patient. Two patients had missense mutations in exon 23, V1809A (5545T>C), which has been previously detected in individuals from Central and Eastern Europe. Three unrelated patients had the deleterious 2846insA frameshift mutation in exon 11. Methylation specific PCR (MSP) of the promoter region of the BRCA1 gene detected hypermethylation of tumor DNA in an additional 2 patients. Haplotype analysis using the microsatellite markers D17S855, D17S1323 and D17S1325 revealed a common haplotype for the three unrelated patients and their three relatives with the 2846insA mutation. These findings strongly suggest that the 2846insA mutation, the most common deleterious mutation in this study, may possibly be a founder mutation in breast cancer patients of Malay ethnic background.

Single institution's initial experience with sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND

The sentinel lymph node is the first draining node from a cancer-bearing area and is therefore the first to manifest metastasis. In breast cancer it has been shown to predict the axillary status. Axillary dissection provides information determining prognosis and need for adjuvant therapy but carries a certain morbidity. Our aim was to determine the feasibility of detecting the sentinel node in a teaching hospital and whether the sentinel node accurately predicts the axillary status.

METHODS

All patients with stage I and II breast cancer and non-palpable axillary nodes were eligible, including those with previous excision biopsy. We excluded pregnant women, those with previous axillary surgery and women with advanced breast cancer with enlarged axillary nodes. The sentinel node was detected with technetium-99m-labelled tin colloid and vital blue dye and removed, and axillary clearance was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 312 patients were examined from August 1996 to December 1998. The mean age was 53 years (range 28-83) and mean tumour size 2.6 cm (range 0.2-9.0). The detection rate of the sentinel node was 86%. The sentinel lymph node predicted the axillary status with a sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 100%. The false-negative rate was 16.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

Detection of the sentinel lymph node is feasible and it can accurately predict the nodal status of the axilla. However, the high false-negative rate precludes as yet the use of sentinel lymph node biopsy in replacing axillary clearance as the standard of care for breast cancer.