We report a rare case of recurrent infection of Chromobacterium violaceum in an immunocompromised patient. Despite the high mortality rate associated with this infection as reported in the literature, this patient survived three episodes of recurrent infection. We believe that with high clinical suspicion, prompt treatment and appropriate antimicrobial agents, it is possible for clinicians to treat this infection effectively and reduce the mortality rate.
In our centre the non-availability computerized exercise machines limits the objective monitoring of strength rehabilitation. We undertook this research programme to objectively measure triceps muscle strength by interfacing NORSK-Gym machine with accelerometer and positional transducers to a computer. This data was tabulated and processed using Microsoft Excel. The positional transducer was first calibrated and it showed an excellent Pearson Correlation Coefficients against a standard metric reading (r = 0.9999). Peak Force was used as a test parameter for isotonic triceps muscle strength measurements. The criterion-referenced validity was established as the peak forces measured using the accelerometer and positional transducer demonstrated identical Peak Forces (r = 0.94). Analysis of our mean Peak Force measurements using non-biological force as well as the intra-individual reproducibility demonstrated excellent Pearson Correlation Coefficients (r) = 0.982-0.998 and 0.929-0.972 respectively. This computerized adaptation of the NORSK-Gym machine produced an objective, valid and reproducible triceps muscle strength measurement.
Primary hepatic liposarcoma is an extremely rare mesenchymal tumor that accounts for only 0.1% to 2% of primary malignant liver tumors. Due to its rarity, there is a lack of knowledge about its clinical course, management, and prognosis. Only 15 cases of primary liposarcoma of the liver have been reported since 1973. Among these 15 cases, only two involved primary liver liposarcoma with a pleomorphic subtype. Here we report the third and fourth cases of primary pleomorphic liver liposarcoma. A 57-year-old female presented with abdominal discomfort and progressive abdominal distension for two weeks. Computed tomography (CT) of her abdomen revealed a large well-defined solid nodule mass with an area of necrosis and hemorrhage occupying segment IV-B of the liver. Wide local excision was performed. She had an uneventful recovery and remained well at six months post-treatment. A 65-year-old male presented with an abdominal mass for two-month. CT demonstrated a mass in the left lobe of the liver with mixed soft tissues and fat attenuation. He underwent wide local excision. He was discharged on day three postoperatively. Histological analysis for both cases revealed liposarcoma of the liver with a pleomorphic subtype.
We carried out a prospective study of 47 Exeter (Stryker Inc, Warsaw, Ind) small stem total hip arthroplasty in 42 patients with an average age of 58 years and a mean follow-up of 8.5 years. The Oxford hip score improved from a preoperative mean of 47 to 17 at last follow-up. More than 87% patients had excellent or good Harris hip scores, and 90% were able to walk with little or no pain. Stem subsidence within the cement mantle was observed in 26% of cases, and none showed evidence of aseptic loosening or implant failure. Two stems were removed due to infection. The survival rate of this implant was 95.7% at 10 years. This first series of Exeter small stem showed excellent medium-term results, comparable to its larger counterparts.
An anaesthetist-led outpatient pre-operative assessment (OPA) clinic was introduced in our unit in an effort to improve patient care and cost-effectiveness. To assess the efficiency of the clinic, 112 patients who attended the OPA clinic (attendance rate 98%) during the first year were assessed prospectively and compared with 118 patients who did not undergo OPA the year before. There were fewer cancellations among those who attended the OPA clinic (13.6% compared to 3.6%), and the hospital stay was shortened from an average of 10.7 days to 7.0 days. This has resulted in more efficient utilization of operating theatre, reduced hospital costs and improved patient satisfaction. More extensive use of the pre-admission clinic is recommended and should be explored in other clinical settings.
Study site: Outpatient Preoperative Assessment (OPA) clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia