Biomedical subjects

F H Loh

Publications and source records attributed to F H Loh.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1995

Laparoscopic hysterectomy--a step forward?

Laparoscopic gynaecological surgery has made tremendous progress since the last decade and the introduction of laparoscopic hysterectomy has gained immense popularity amongst both gynaecologists and consumers alike in its short history of 5 years. This review surveys the literature available on this technique and critically evaluates the indications, limitations as well as the benefits and risks of this approach to hysterectomy. There is some evidence presently that laparoscopic hysterectomy may offer benefits to selected patients who otherwise have indications for an abdominal hysterectomy. Overall, the incidence of laparotomy for hysterectomy may be decreased by converting a portion of these patients to the laparoscopically-assisted vaginal approach.

Female↗

PubMed1994

Maternal mortality: evolving trends.

Despite improvement in socioeconomic standards, good and accessible health care facilities the maternal mortality rate in Singapore is not declining. The maternal mortality rate in National University Hospital, Singapore, over a 7 year period 1986-1992 was 22.9 per 100,000 when direct and indirect causes were considered (34.4 per 100,000 when incidental deaths were included). However closer scrutiny reveals that most deaths were not due to the traditional direct causes of haemorrhage, sepsis, embolism or hypertensive disease. Most were due to medical disorders which in their own right carries a high risk to life even without a pregnancy.

Cause of Death↗

PubMed1993

ECG waveform analysis in intrapartum fetal monitoring.

Intrapartum cardiotocography (CTG) has a high false positive rate and, in the absence of facilities for fetal scalp blood sampling, is associated with increased operative deliveries for 'fetal distress'. It is presently possible to obtain a representative fetal ECG signal using the fetal scalp electrode. There is renewed interest in fetal ECG waveform analysis in the hope that it will improve the specificity of detecting intrapartum fetal hypoxia when there is an abnormal fetal heart rate pattern. Two portions of the fetal ECG are potentially useful: the ST waveform (T/QRS ratio) and the PR interval correlated with the RR interval. Animal experiments suggest that changes in the ST waveform, increase in the T wave amplitude in particular, reflect myocardial anaerobic metabolism. Clinical studies have shown poor correlation between the T wave changes and fetal heart rate changes. There is also concern that the sensitivity of the ST waveform changes for fetal acidaemia may be poor. More information is required before its use is incorporated into routine clinical practice.

Animals↗