ORCID Profile
0000-0002-3429-9237
Current Organisations
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
,
National University Hospital
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Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMJCARD.2019.06.004
Abstract: The association of diabetes mellitus (DM) with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) response and cardiovascular outcomes in Asian patients with heart failure (HF) is unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of DM on CRT response and cardiovascular outcomes in Asian HF patients. Consecutive Asian HF patients receiving CRT were enrolled in the Prospective Evaluation of Asian with CRT for Heart Failure (PEACH) study from 2011 to 2017. CRT response and super-response were defined as decrease in end-systolic volume index ≥15% and ≥30%, respectively. Primary endpoint was time to composite of HF-hospitalization and all-cause mortality. Among 161 patients followed for 3.3 ± 1.5 years (age 66.7 ± 11.2 years, 22% females, mean QRS duration 154.3 ± 22.4 ms, 83% left bundle branch block), 84 (52%) were CRT responders and 57 (35%) were super-responders. Of 82 (51%) patients with DM (100% type 2, mean HbA1c 7.3 ± 1.9%), 35 (43%) were responders. DM attenuated reverse remodeling (CRT response: AOR 0.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.20 to 0.98, p < 0.05 super-response: AOR 0.42, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.97, p <0.05), and DM increased HF-hospitalization and all-cause mortality (AHR 1.68, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.82, p = 0.05). The extent of CRT-response correlates with higher event-free survival (CRT response: AHR 0.5, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.81, p = 0.005 super-response: AHR 0.27, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.52, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the extent of reverse remodeling post-CRT is the strongest predictor of event free survival. However, DM is detrimental to the CRT recipient by attenuating reverse remodeling, inducing end organ dysfunction and is independently associated with worsened clinical outcomes among Asian HF patients.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-08-2023
DOI: 10.1002/CLC.24109
Abstract: An unmet need exists to reliably predict the risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) treated with oral anticoagulants (OACs). An externally validated model improves ICH risk stratification. Independent factors associated with ICH were identified by Cox proportional hazard modeling, using pooled data from the GARFIELD‐AF (Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD‐Atrial Fibrillation) and ORBIT‐AF (Outcomes Registry for Better Informed Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation) registries. A predictive model was developed and validated by bootstrap s ling and by independent data from the Danish National Patient Register. In the combined training data set, 284 of 53 878 anticoagulated patients had ICH over a 2‐year period (0.31 per 100 person‐years 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.28–0.35). Independent predictors of ICH included: older age, prior stroke or transient ischemic attack, concomitant antiplatelet (AP) use, and moderate‐to‐severe chronic kidney disease (CKD). Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) were associated with a significantly higher risk of ICH compared with non‐VKA oral anticoagulants (NOACs) (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.61 95% CI: 1.25–2.08 p = .0002). The ability of the model to discriminate in iduals in the training set with and without ICH was fair (optimism‐corrected C ‐statistic: 0.68 95% CI: 0.65–0.71) and outperformed three previously published methods. Calibration between predicted and observed ICH probabilities was good in both training and validation data sets. Age, prior ischemic events, concomitant AP therapy, and CKD were important risk factors for ICH in anticoagulated AF patients. Moreover, ICH was more frequent in patients receiving VKA compared to NOAC. The new validated model is a step toward mitigating this potentially lethal complication.
Publisher: Medknow
Date: 31-08-2021
Abstract: Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) emphasises the use of advanced airway management and ventilation, circulatory support and the appropriate use of drugs in resuscitation, as well as the identification of reversible causes of cardiac arrest. Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation and organ donation, as well as special circumstances including drowning, pulmonary embolism and pregnancy are addressed. Resuscitation does not end with ACLS but must continue in post-resuscitation care. ACLS also covers the recognition and management of unstable pre-arrest tachy- and bradydysrhythmias that may deteriorate further.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-08-2023
DOI: 10.1111/JOCN.15993
Abstract: To identify the atrial fibrillation (AF)‐specific information needs of patients with AF. Patients’ understanding of AF is pertinent to optimising treatment and outcomes, thus highlighting the need for effective patient education. The information required to deliver effective AF‐specific patient education is less examined. Guided by Arksey and O’Malley's framework, a scoping review was conducted for studies reporting the AF‐specific information needs of patients with AF. Systematic searches were conducted across six databases (Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, PsycINFO and ProQuest). All analyses were narrated in prose and outlined in tables. The PRISMA‐ScR checklist was used to report this review. The systematic search yielded 3816 articles, of which 22 were included. Three major themes emerged from the thematic analysis. Each theme was supported by three subthemes. First, in ‘Understanding AF’, patients reported the need for ‘Easy‐to‐understand information’, information on the ‘Screening and diagnosis’ of AF and ‘Trajectory of disease and its associated risks’. Second, in ‘Treating AF’, patients required information on the ‘Role of anticoagulation’, ‘Existing or novel therapeutic options’ and ‘Monitoring effectiveness of treatment’. Lastly, in ‘Living with AF’, patients needed education in ‘Symptom management’, ‘Secondary prevention of risks’ and ‘Recognition of emergency situations’. This review has identified the key AF‐specific information needs of patients with AF. Being cognisant of the information needs of patients with AF, healthcare providers may become more effective in developing person‐centred patient education interventions. Delivering relevant patient education is an important cornerstone for atrial fibrillation care. Nurses by convention play a professional role in patient education. It may be facilitative for nurses to refer to the review findings when developing and implementing patient education interventions. Being in the midst of an ongoing pandemic, patient education strategies may require the use of telecommunication technologies.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-06-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S12912-023-01378-7
Abstract: Early detection and timely treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) remains pivotal to preventing AF-related complications. Public involvement in recognising potential AF symptoms and managing AF is vital for early detection and treatment of AF. The aim of the study is to assess the general public’s knowledge of AF using an online survey, disseminated via social media. A cross-sectional online survey of the general public was conducted between November to December 2021. The survey’s URL was shared on National University Heart Centre, Singapore’s official Facebook page. Digital marketing strategies were employed to recruit members of the public. The 27-item survey assessed public’s knowledge across five domains: basic information about AF, risk factors of AF, detection of AF, prevention of AF, and management of AF. The survey involved 620 participants. Approximately two-thirds were between the ages 21 to 40 years (64.5%), female (60%) and had at least a degree (64.7%) as their highest level of education. Participants obtained a mean percentage score of 63.3 ± 26.0 for their AF knowledge. One-way ANOVA was done to examine the associations between the participants’ characteristics and their knowledge of AF. There were no statistically significant differences in the AF knowledge scores across the various sociodemographic subgroups. Members of the public recruited from Facebook and via digital marketing had moderately good knowledge of AF. However, public awareness pertaining to preventing AF has potential for improvement. The utility of social media in reaching the general public was illustrated through this study.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 17-09-2020
DOI: 10.2196/15492
Abstract: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder and poses a growing disease burden worldwide because of an aging population. A multidisciplinary approach with an emphasis on patient education and self-management has been demonstrated to improve outcomes for AF through the engagement of patients in their own care. Although electronic tools (e-tools) such as apps have been proposed to provide patient education and facilitate self-management, there have been few studies to guide the development of these tools for patients with AF. This study aims to explore the perceptions of patients and health care providers (HCPs) and their attitudes toward the use of e-tools for the self-management of AF. It also seeks to elicit the factors that contribute to these attitudes. Semistructured qualitative interviews with HCPs and patients were conducted to understand the interpretations and expectations of an e-tool that would be used for the self-management of AF. Interview data were analyzed using an exploratory thematic analysis approach to uncover emergent themes and infer ideas of preferred features in a device. A modified technology acceptance model was developed as a framework to help interpret these findings. Data from the HCPs and patients were compared and contrasted. Both patients and HCPs thought that an e-tool would be useful in the self-management of AF. Although both groups favored educational content and monitoring of blood pressure, patients expressed more passivity toward self-care and an ambivalence toward the use of technology to monitor their medical condition. This appears to be related to factors such as a patient’s age, social support, and their attitudes toward technology. Instead, they favored using the app to contact their HCPs. This study provides insights into significant differences in the attitudes of patients and HCPs toward the use of e-tools for self-care against their priorities. Understanding patients’ motivations and their needs are key to ensuring higher acceptance of such tools.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 29-05-2022
DOI: 10.3390/JCM11113063
Abstract: Background: Infections following cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation can require surgical device removal and often results in significant cost, morbidity, and potentially mortality. We aimed to systemically review the literature and identify risk factors associated with mortality following CIED infection. Methods: Electronic searches (up to June 2021) were performed on PubMed and Scopus. Twelve studies (10 retrospective, 2 prospective cohort studies) were included for analysis. Meta-analysis was conducted with the restricted maximum likelihood method, with mortality as the outcome. The overall mortality was 13.7% (438/1398) following CIED infection. Results: On meta-analysis, the male sex (OR 0.77, 95%CI 0.57–1.01, I2 = 2.2%) appeared to have lower odds for mortality, while diabetes mellitus appeared to be associated with higher mortality (OR 1.47, 95%CI 0.67–3.26, I2 = 81.4%), although these trends did not reach statistical significance. Staphylococcus aureus as the causative organism (OR 2.71, 95%CI 1.76–4.19, I2 = 0.0%), presence of heart failure (OR 1.92, 95%CI 1.42–4.19, I2 = 0.0%) and embolic phenomena (OR 4.00, 95%CI 1.67–9.56, I2 = 69.8%) were associated with higher mortality. Surgical removal of CIED was associated with lower mortality compared with conservative management with antibiotics alone (OR 0.22, 95%CI 0.09–0.50, I2 = 62.8%). Conclusion: We identified important risk factors associated with mortality in CIED infections, including Staphyloccocus aureus as the causative organism, and the presence of complications, such as heart failure and embolic phenomena. Surgery, where possible, was associated with better outcomes.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.HRTHM.2019.12.012
Abstract: Optimal left ventricular (LV) lead placement improves response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) but can be hindered by unfavorable venous anatomy. Interventional procedures in the coronary veins have been described with promising short-term outcomes. The purpose of this study was to establish the safety and efficacy of percutaneous coronary venoplasty (PCV) during CRT implantation and assess medium-term lead performances and clinical outcomes against matched controls not requiring PCV. Each consecutive PCV case was matched according to age, gender, and bundle branch morphology to 2 controls from a large prospective registry of CRT recipients. Demographics, procedural success, lead performance, and response to CRT were tracked using a comprehensive electronic medical records system. Of 422 consecutive CRT recipients treated between 2012 to 2018, 29 patients (6.9% mean age 65.7 ± 10.7 years 7 female 17 ischemic cardiomyopathy 22 left bundle branch block) required PCV, which was successful in 21 cases (72%). Target veins measuring 1.1 ± 0.6 mm were dilated by noncompliant balloons with mean diameter 2.8 ± 0.5 mm. No complications occurred. Fluoroscopic and procedural durations were longer in the PCV group (P <.01) Over mean follow-up of 33.0 ± 25.0 months, no differences in lead performance, CRT response, or 2-year survival were observed compared to the control group. PCV during CRT device implant is typically successful, safe and associated with long-term clinical outcomes comparable to patients who did not need PCV. This is an important technique to optimize LV lead placement and maximize CRT response.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 14-07-2019
Abstract: trial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder and poses a growing disease burden worldwide because of an aging population. A multidisciplinary approach with an emphasis on patient education and self-management has been demonstrated to improve outcomes for AF through the engagement of patients in their own care. Although electronic tools (e-tools) such as i apps /i have been proposed to provide patient education and facilitate self-management, there have been few studies to guide the development of these tools for patients with AF. his study aims to explore the perceptions of patients and health care providers (HCPs) and their attitudes toward the use of e-tools for the self-management of AF. It also seeks to elicit the factors that contribute to these attitudes. emistructured qualitative interviews with HCPs and patients were conducted to understand the interpretations and expectations of an e-tool that would be used for the self-management of AF. Interview data were analyzed using an exploratory thematic analysis approach to uncover emergent themes and infer ideas of preferred features in a device. A modified technology acceptance model was developed as a framework to help interpret these findings. Data from the HCPs and patients were compared and contrasted. oth patients and HCPs thought that an e-tool would be useful in the self-management of AF. Although both groups favored educational content and monitoring of blood pressure, patients expressed more passivity toward self-care and an ambivalence toward the use of technology to monitor their medical condition. This appears to be related to factors such as a patient’s age, social support, and their attitudes toward technology. Instead, they favored using the app to contact their HCPs. his study provides insights into significant differences in the attitudes of patients and HCPs toward the use of e-tools for self-care against their priorities. Understanding patients’ motivations and their needs are key to ensuring higher acceptance of such tools.
No related grants have been discovered for Toon Wei Lim.