Benefits and safety of transdermal glyceryl trinitrate in acute stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Background: Transdermal glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) has potential beneficial properties in acute stroke including intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and possible clinical benefits suggested in ultra-early stroke (≤6 h). Our meta-analysis updated the evidence on its safety and benefits in acute stroke.

Methods: We searched major electronic databases for randomized trials comparing transdermal GTN versus placebo/control in acute stroke.

Benefits and safety of transdermal glyceryl trinitrate in acute stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials (protocol).

Introduction: High blood pressure (BP) in acute stroke has adverse outcomes. Transdermal glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) has beneficial properties in controlling BP. The 2016 meta-analysis and 2017 Cochrane review showed that transdermal GTN was beneficial in a small patient subgroup with stroke onset ≤6 hours.

Prescription medicine misuse in the Asia-Pacific region: An evolving issue?

Prescription medicine misuse, especially misuse of opioids has become a major public healthcare issue in many developed countries such as the USA and Australia where this is associated with significant morbidity (Emergency Department visits due to acute toxicity) and mortality. In this review, we looked at the available data obtained from peer-reviewed articles and population surveys to gain an insight into the current situation in the Asia-Pacific region. There is currently limited information available, but data from subpopulation surveys in a number of countries suggests that prescription medicine misuse is likely to be an issue of concern from a public health perspective in the Asia-Pacific region.

Misuse of prescription medicines is as prevalent as the use of recreational drugs and novel psychoactive substances in Singapore: an unrecognised public health issue?

Introduction: Misuse of prescription medicines and the harms associated with such use are growing threats across the world. There is currently, however, limited data on the extent of prescription medicine misuse in Singapore and whether this is a current threat in the country.

Methods: An online survey, limited to 1,000 individuals (aged 21 years and over) who were residents in Singapore, was administered through a survey panel company in September 2015.

Performance of an emergency department observation unit protocol in reducing length of stay for acetaminophen overdose: a retrospective study.

Introduction: Acetaminophen is one of the most common causes of poisoning among developed countries. The emergency department observation unit (EDOU) has been increasingly used in the management of various conditions to reduce hospitalisation but its efficacy in not well studied in management of poisoned patients. In this study, we aim to study the effectiveness of our EDOU in the management of acetaminophen overdosed patients.

The Little India riot: experience of an emergency department in Singapore.

Introduction: Singapore experienced its second riot in 40 years on 8 December 2013, in the area known as Little India. A retrospective review of 36 casualties treated at the emergency department was conducted to evaluate injury patterns.

Methods: Characteristics including the rate of arrival, injury severity, type and location, and disposition of the casualties were analysed.

Significant Misuse of Sildenafil in London Nightclubs.

Background: There is anecdotal evidence of misuse of erectile dysfunction medication, particularly to counteract some of the unwanted effects of recreational drugs on erectile function. However, there is little data from the United Kingdom (UK).

Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of sildenafil misuse in a UK population that has previously been shown to have high recreational drug use.

Development of a 'patient information leaflet' for use following assessment of patients with reported or suspected paracetamol overdose in the UK.

The aim of this study was to design an information leaflet for patients with paracetamol overdose based on Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency guidance and to assess its readability. A two-sided one page information leaflet was designed for patients being discharged from hospital after a paracetamol overdose. Patients presenting with an acute paracetamol overdose, irrespective of whether they were treated or not, were recruited to read the leaflet and then answer a brief structured questionnaire based on the leaflet.

Using drug-intoxicated deaths as potential organ donors: impression of attendees at the American college of medical toxicology 2014 annual scientific meeting.

Introduction: Over the last decade, there has been a reduction of organ donation from intracranial haemorrhage-, stroke- and blunt trauma-related deaths in the USA. There has been a corresponding increase in the use of drug-intoxicated patients as organ donors from 2.1 % in 2003 to 6.

Acute psychosis associated with recreational use of benzofuran 6-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran (6-APB) and cannabis.

Introduction: There is evidence from around Europe of the availability and use of 6-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran (6-APB) as a recreational drug. However, there is currently limited information on the acute toxicity of this compound. We describe here a case of acute toxicity associated with recreational use of legal high (6-APB) and cannabis, in which the comprehensive toxicological analysis confirmed the presence of a significant amount of 6-APB together with metabolites of both tetrahydrocannabinol and the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist (JWH-122).