MyMedR

Clinical clues for head injuries amongst Malaysian infants: accidental or non-accidental?

Thalayasingam M, Veerakumarasivam A, Kulanthayan S, Khairuddin F, Cheah IG

Injury, 2012 Dec;43(12):2083-7.

PMID: 22424957 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2012.02.010

Identifying the differences between infants with non-accidental head injuries (NAHI) and accidental head injuries (AHI) may help alert clinicians to recognize markers of abuse. A retrospective review of infants <1 year of age admitted to a tertiary referral centre in Malaysia over a two year period with a diagnosis of head injury or abnormal computed tomography head scans was conducted to identify the clinical features pointing towards a diagnosis of NAHI by comparing the socio-demographics, presenting complaints, clinical features and the extent of hospital investigations carried out. NAHI infants were more likely to be symptomatic, under a non-related caregiver's supervision, and presented with inconsistent or no known mechanism of injury. Subdural haemorrhages were more common in NAHI infants. The history, mechanism of injury, presenting signs and symptoms as well as the nature of the injuries sustained are all valuable clues as to whether a head injury sustained during infancy is likely to be accidental or not.

Outcome of mixed nut biscuit challenges in low-risk patients who are on tree nut exclusion diet

Thalayasingam M, Noble V, Franzmann A, O'Sullivan M

Pediatr Allergy Immunol, 2015 Nov;26(7):682-4.

PMID: 26126774 DOI: 10.1111/pai.12437

Sublingual immunotherapy in patients with house dust mite allergic rhinitis: prospective study of clinical outcomes over a two-year period

Soh JY, Thalayasingam M, Ong S, Loo EX, Shek LP, Chao SS

J Laryngol Otol, 2016 Mar;130(3):272-7.

PMID: 26781592 DOI: 10.1017/S0022215116000025

BACKGROUND: Sublingual immunotherapy in patients with allergic rhinitis sensitised to house dust mites is safe, but its efficacy is controversial and sublingual immunotherapy with Blomia tropicalis has not yet been studied. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy with house dust mite extract in children and adults with house dust mite allergic rhinitis over a period of two years.

METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted of children and adults diagnosed with house dust mite allergic rhinitis who were treated with sublingual immunotherapy from 2008 to 2012. Total Nasal Symptom Scores, Mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life scores and medication usage scores were assessed prospectively.

RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients, comprising 24 children and 15 adults, were studied. Total Nasal Symptom Scores and Mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life scores dropped significantly at three months into therapy, and continued to improve. Medication usage scores improved at one year into immunotherapy.

CONCLUSION: Sublingual immunotherapy with house dust mite extracts, including B tropicalis, is efficacious as a treatment for patients with house dust mite allergic rhinitis.

Fulltext A review of oral food challenges in children presenting to a single tertiary centre with perceived or true food allergies

Thalayasingam M, Loo EX, Tan MM, Bever HV, Shek LP

Singapore Med J, 2015 Nov;56(11):622-5.

PMID: 26668407 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2015171

The prevalence of perceived food allergies exceeds that of true food allergies. Unnecessary food avoidance may increase parental and patient anxiety, reduce quality of life and increase the risk of nutritional deficiency. An oral food challenge (OFC) can provide an objective measure regarding the presence or absence of food allergies in a child. This study reviews the indications for and outcomes of OFCs performed on children.

Displaying all 4 publications