Biomedical subjects

H B Fam

Publications and source records attributed to H B Fam.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1998

Nocardia choroidal abscess in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PURPOSE: Nocardia asteroides, a respiratory saprophyte in humans, may cause localized infection of the lungs in debilitated or immunosuppressed individuals. Haematogenous spread to the eye via the choroidal circulation may result in choroidal abscess formation. METHOD: We report the development of a choroidal abscess in the left eye of a woman treated with steroids and cyclophosphamide for systemic lupus erythematosus. Haematogenous spread of N. asteroides from a localized infection of the lung (empyema) is thought to have been the cause of the choroidal abscess. RESULTS: Surgical drainage of the empyema combined with intravenously administered antibiotics resulted in resolution of the choroidal abscess and improvement of vision. CONCLUSIONS: A choroidal abscess, caused by haematogenous spread of N. asteroides, may respond to appropriate systemic antibiotic treatment alone and not require ocular treatment.

Abscess↗

PubMed1997

Incidence of acute primary angle-closure glaucoma in Singapore. An island-wide survey.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of acute primary angle-closure glaucoma (APACG) in Singapore and to identify demographic and meteorological risk factors. DESIGN: A prospective, island-wide incidence study. SETTING: All government and private ophthalmological practices in Singapore, from March 1, 1995, to February 29, 1996. METHODS: New cases of APACG were identified by all ophthalmologists in Singapore during a 1-year period. Demographic and clinical details were recorded. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-nine people (208 eyes) were seen with APACG for the first time during the 1-year period. These new cases represent an incidence of 12.2 per 100,000 per year (95% confidence interval, 10.5-13.9) in those aged 30 years and older. Major risk factors identified were female sex (relative risk, 2.4), Chinese ethnic origin (relative risk, 2.8), and age of 60 years or older (relative risk, 9.1). Half of those affected were seen 3 days or more after the onset of symptoms. Attacks were more frequent on hotter days. There also was a relationship between the number of attacks per day and the mean number of sunspots and mean solar radio flux during the previous 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high incidence of APACG in Singapore, with elderly women being the highest risk group. Chinese Singaporeans are at higher risk than other ethnic groups (Malay and Indian). There is often a substantial delay before these patients consult a physician. The onset of APACG seems to be associated with meteorological factors.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1996

Oedipism.

BACKGROUND: Oedipism or self-enucleation is a rare form of self-mutilation, and most often described in acutely psychotic patients, who have religious or sexual delusions. CLINICAL RECORD: A 47-year-old Chinese man with a history of chronic schizophrenia enucleated his own left eye and mutilated his right eye. The reason for his behaviour was unknown. The history and legends surrounding autoenucleation and the medical literature are reviewed. RESULTS: The patient was managed jointly with the psychiatrist. He suffered extensive injury to his right eye, resulting in loss of vision. CONCLUSION: The management of Oedipism requires close cooperation between ophthalmologists and psychiatrists. Precautions must be taken to prevent repeated attempts or other self-mutilatory behaviour.

Eye Enucleation↗

PubMed1996

Spasmus nutans.

Spasmus nutans is classically described as a triad of nystagmus, head nodding and torticollis. It occurs in children, beginning in infancy and usually disappears in childhood. It is uncommon but its prompt recognition by ophthalmologists, paediatricians and neurologists can provide reassurance to the family of its benign nature. It is important to distinguish it from more serious conditions like gliomas which may present with signs mimicking spasmus nutans. We describe a case of a 3-year-old boy with acquired horizontal pendular nystagmus associated with head nodding and torticollis. The diagnosis of spasmus nutans, its implications and its management are discussed.

Child, Preschool↗