Semi-quantitative indices of 2-[F]FDG PET/CT in assessing cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular manifestations of IgG4-related disease and treatment response.

Background: IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disorder characterised by inflammatory lesions. Diagnostic imaging, such as 2-[F]FDG PET/CT, is critical in evaluation of the disease, especially for potentially lethal cardiovascular manifestations. This retrospective study examines the usefulness of semi-quantitative parameters of 2-[F]FDG PET/CT in monitoring IgG4-RD in patients with and without cardiovascular manifestations.

Singapore Chapter of Rheumatologists updated consensus statement on the eligibility for government subsidization of biologic and targeted-synthetic therapy for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Introduction: Approximately 30% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) respond inadequately to conventional-synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs). However, widespread use of biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) and targeted-synthetic (tsDMARDs) is limited by cost. We formulated updated recommendations for eligibility criteria for government-assisted funding of bDMARDs/tsDMARDs for RA patients in Singapore.

Update on recommendations for eligibility of government subsidization of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for the treatment of axial spondyloarthritis in Singapore.

Aims: The field of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) has undergone significant changes recently in particular with disease classification, assessment of disease activity and increased treatment options for biologics. In order to reflect these developments, we aimed to update the local consensus recommendations for subsidization of biologics.

Methods: A modified Delphi approach was used.

Singapore chapter of rheumatologists' updated consensus statement on the eligibility for government subsidization of biologic and targeted therapy for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis.

Aim: There have been major advances in biologic treatment options for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) since the publication of the 2015 consensus recommendations by the Chapter of Rheumatologists, College of Physicians, Academy of Medicine, Singapore, for government-assisted funding, thus warranting a revision of this guideline.

Methods: Recent trials and nine published guidelines on the use of biologic therapy for PsA were reviewed. Based on the synthesized evidence, a task force panel (TFP), consisting of 10 practicing rheumatologists in Singapore, rated the statements pertaining to the use of biologic therapy, using a modified Delphi approach.

Using the Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure to Identify Areas for Improvement in a Singaporean Residency Program.

Background: Attributes of the clinical learning environment (CLE) are a measure of quality in postgraduate medical education, and assessing the CLE is a component of the New Accreditation System being introduced in Singapore by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education International. There is a dearth of published studies of CLE quality in Singapore.

Objective: Our study had 3 aims: (1) to measure the CLE in 1 Singaporean residency program; (2) to compare trainee perceptions by sex, training level, and experience; and (3) to identify areas for improvement.

Evaluating the educational environment in a residency programme in Singapore: can we help reduce burnout rates?

Introduction: The educational environment (EE) reflects the quality of a residency programme and has an association with burnout. Studying the EE allows for interventions to target specific weaknesses. We aimed to measure the EE of an internal medicine residency programme in Singapore, compare the perceptions between genders, residency grades and levels of work experience, and identify specific areas of weaknesses for intervention in hopes of reducing residency burnout rates in Singapore.

Risk factors for cytomegalovirus disease in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): a systematic review.

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an opportunistic pathogen causing reactivation and disease in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients. This study aims to systematically review the literature for risk factors associated with CMV disease in SLE patients, in order to identify those more susceptible to CMV infection during their treatment.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted on 4 different search engines and via hand search until May 2017.

bacteraemia due to parotitis in a patient with systemic sclerosis and secondary Sjögren's syndrome.

Introduction: Invasive pneumococcal disease is an uncommon and notifiable disease in Singapore. It is often associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We report a rare case of invasive pneumococcal bacteraemia due to parotitis in a patient with systemic sclerosis and secondary Sjögren's syndrome.

Validity and reliability of the Short Form 36 Health Surveys (SF-36) among patients with spondyloarthritis in Singapore.

The Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) is a popular health-related quality of life (HrQoL) tool. However, few studies have assessed its psychometric properties in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). We therefore aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the SF-36 in patients with SpA in Singapore.

IgG4-related disease in Singapore: a description of two cases and review of the literature.

We describe a 42-year-old man who presented with painless obstructive jaundice, organomegaly and lymphadenopathy. Biopsy of the ampulla of Vater revealed the presence of increased populations of plasma cells which stained positively for immunoglobulin G4. He was treated with prednisolone and demonstrated significant clinical improvement 1 month later.