RESUMO
Objective: To assess the rationale use of benzodiazepines among various departments in a multi-speciality hospital. Methods: A prospective study was conducted with a sample size of 200 for a period of six months. Data was collected from patients based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale and Drug Interaction Probability Scale (DIPS) were used as a study tool to measure the causality of adverse drug reactions and drug interactions. Based on the dosage of various benzodiazepines DDD was calculated and compared with WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification Defined Daily Dose (DDD). Results: BZD’s were mostly prescribed in males (74.5%) and married patients (86.5%) were more exposed to benzodiazepines compared to others. Lorazepam (70.1%) was found to be the most commonly used drug, mainly prescribed for sedation, followed by anxiety. DDD was calculated and majority of patients had DDD in accordance with WHO standard. Based on cost analysis, Clobazam was found to be the high cost and Lorazepam being the low-cost drug. The results of drug utilization evaluation of benzodiazepines study were compiled and reported to the respected department physician and their feedback was collected. Conclusion: The study showed a rational utilization of benzodiazepines and the negative outcomes of BZDs can be reduced by providing drug-related information to the prescribers and consumers.
RESUMO
We retrospectively reviewed the clinical features, management and outcomes of patients diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the vulva at the Gynaecological Cancer Centre, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, between 1 January 2000 and 28 February 2014. Patients with vulvar BCC were identified from the cancer registry, and their medical records reviewed and analysed. A total of 11 patients with vulvar BCC were identified. Mean age at diagnosis was 63 (range 30-85) years. Ethnically, ten patients were Chinese and one was Malay. Average time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 13.8 (range 2-60) months. The most common presenting symptoms were lump and pruritus. All patients were managed surgically. Recurrence was noted in only one patient. Vulvar BCC, although rare, has an excellent prognosis when managed appropriately. Histological diagnosis of all persistent papules, plaques and pigmented lesions is important for early diagnosis.
RESUMO
Preeclampsia is a multisystem disease complicating 5-10% of pregnancies and remains in the top three causes of maternal morbidity and mortality globally. During pregnancy mean arterial pressure and vascular resistance decrease, while blood volume and basal metabolic rate increase resulting in increased cardiac output In hypertensive disorders of pregnancy there is currently no consensus on the systolic and diastolic parameters of cardiac function and the literature is conflicting regarding whether there is increased, decreased or any change in cardiac output. Women with a history of preeclampsia/eclampsia have approximately double the risk of early cardiac, cerebrovascular, and peripheral arterial disease, and cardiovascular mortality. This study was undertaken to evaluate cardiovascular hemodynamic alterations in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in comparison with appropriately age, parity and gestational age matched control normotensive pregnancies. In women with preeclampsia cardiac work index and left ventricular mass index are increased as a result of increased workload on heart to maintain cardiac output against increased after load. Systolic function is well preserved. Diastolic function is reduced and those with global diastolic function are at increased risk of developing pulmonary edema. Advanced techniques like speckle tracking echocardiography can better identify those with compromised cardiovascular function.