Amelia Santosa

Serum Urate Levels and Consumption of Common Beverages and Alcohol Among Chinese in Singapore

Western studies suggest that beverages may affect serum urate (SU) levels, but data from Asian populations are scarce. We evaluated the associations between beverages and SU levels in Singaporean Chinese.

Neurosjögren: early therapy is associated with successful outcomes.

Background Primary Sjögren syndrome (PSS) is a systemic autoimmune condition with an estimated prevalence of 0.6%. The frequency of neurologic manifestations in PSS varies widely from 0% to 60%. Methods We report the characteristics of PSS patients with neurologic involvement seen at a single tertiary hospital in Singapore. Eight consecutive women (median age, 51 years [range, 38–67 years]) with neurologic manifestations of PSS seen between March 2009 to June 2011 were followed up for a mean duration of 19 months from the onset of neurologic manifestations. Results Six of 8 patients with neurosjögren had their neurologic manifestation at time of PSS diagnosis. The lag times of neurologic manifestations from PSS diagnosis for the remaining 2 patients were 9 and 30 years, respectively. Sicca symptoms were not readily volunteered as a presenting complaint in the majority of patients. All our patients received early aggressive therapy with pulse corticosteroids and intravenously administered cyclophosphamide. The mean duration from initial presentation to initiation of treatment was 11 days (1–26 days). All achieved good recovery regardless of the type or site of neurologic involvement, initial erythrocyte sedimentation rate, immunoglobulin and complement levels. Conclusions Neurologic disease, when present, is a strong contributor to disease activity and damage. Confirmatory tests should be conducted early regardless of the presence of sicca symptoms. Vigilance for the development of new neurologic symptoms is imperative even in chronic, apparently stable patients. It is likely that early initiation of treatment contributed to good recovery in our patients.

Evaluation of the applicability of the Immuno-solid-phase allergen chip (ISAC) assay in atopic patients in Singapore

Background/ObjectiveMolecular-based allergy diagnostics are gaining popularity in clinical practice. Our aim was to evaluate their role in the tropics, given the inherent genetic and environmental differences.MethodsWe recruited subjects with history of atopy and collected data on demographics and atopic symptoms using validated questionnaires. Subjects underwent a series of skin prick tests (SPT). Serum total and specific IgE levels were measured using ImmunoCAP FEIA and ImmunoCAP ISAC®, respectively. We describe their pattern of sensitization and agreement between test methods.ResultsA total of 135 subjects were recruited; mean ± SD age of 31.18 ± 12.72 years, 52.7% female. Allergic rhinitis (AR) was the most prevalent clinical manifestation of atopy (70.7%), followed by atopic dermatitis (AD) (50.5%) and asthma (26.2%). Polysensitization was seen in 51.1% of subjects by both SPT and ISAC. House dust mites (HDM) were the dominant allergen, with sensitization in 67.8% and 62% of subjects on SPT and ISAC, respectively. A group of subjects with monosensitization to B. tropicalis was identified. HDM sensitization was strongly associated with AR, while AD and asthma were not associated with sensitization to any allergen. Agreement between SPT and ISAC was mostly suboptimal. Greatest agreement was documented for the measurement of HDM sensitization with both methods (κ = 0.64). Sensitization to the bulk of the remaining allergens in the ISAC panel was infrequent.ConclusionMultiplex methods should not be used as a screening tool, especially in a population with lower rates of polysensitization and a dominant sensitizing allergen. There may be a role in adjusting the antigen spectrum in the ISAC panel to regional differences.

Recurrent intradialytic heparin induced anaphylaxis: workup and management

Heparin has been widely used for intradialytic anticoagulation since the 1940s. Heparin induced anaphylaxis can be life threatening, mandating early recognition and intervention. However, due to its relative rarity many physicians remain unaware. We report the case of a 70-year-old woman requiring dialysis, who developed recurrent anaphylaxis to intradialytic heparin. We describe a systematic approach to confirm the suspected heparin allergy, which must include an evaluation of predisposing factors, the dialysis equipment and concomitant medications. Further workup for safe alternatives employing skin prick and intradermal tests, as well as provocation tests are discussed.

Use of complementary and alternative medicines is associated with delay to initiation of disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drug therapy in early inflammatory arthritis

To study the predictors of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in patients with early inflammatory arthritis (EIA), and its impact on delay to initiation of disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs (DMARD).

Increasing podiatry referrals for patients with inflammatory arthritis at a tertiary hospital in Singapore: A quality improvement project

BACKGROUND Foot disease is highly prevalent in people with inflammatory arthritis and is often under-recognized. Podiatry intervention can significantly reduce foot pain and disability, with timely access being the key factor. The aim of this study was to plan and implement a quality improvement project to identify the barriers to, and improve, uptake of podiatry services among patients with inflammatory arthritis-related foot problems seen at a tertiary hospital in Singapore. METHOD A 6-month quality improvement program was conducted by a team of key stakeholders using quality improvement tools to identify, implement and test several interventions designed to improve uptake of podiatry services. The number of patients referred for podiatry assessment was recorded on a weekly basis by an experienced podiatrist. The criterion for appropriate referral to podiatry was those patients with current or previous foot problems such as foot pain, swelling and deformity. RESULTS Interventions included education initiatives, revised workflow, development of national guidelines for inflammatory arthritis, local podiatry guidelines for the management of foot and ankle problems, routine use of outcome measures, and introduction of a fully integrated rheumatology-podiatry service with reduced cost package. Referral rates increased from 8% to 11%, and were sustained beyond the study period. Complete incorporation of podiatry into the rheumatology consultation as part of the multidisciplinary team package further increased referrals to achieve the target of full uptake of the podiatry service. CONCLUSION Through a structured quality improvement program, referrals to podiatry increased and improved the uptake and acceptance of rheumatology-podiatry services.

Traditional Chinese medication for rheumatoid arthritis: more than what meets the eye.

There is an increasing interest in the role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as evidenced by recent trials comparing their efficacy against established disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. While the TCM in these trials seem to support a favorable cost-benefit ratio, many products are marketed under the guise of TCM, potentially exposing the user to unpredicted adverse events. We present the case of a patient with RA, who developed side effects from treatment with adulterated TCM. While TCM may be of value in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, their application in routine care continues to warrant careful consideration of safety and reliability.