Validation of the Chinese translated version of ISAAC core questions for atopic eczema

published_or_final_versio

Validation of the Chinese translated version of ISAAC core questions for atopic eczema

published_or_final_versio

Allergy in Hong Kong: an unmet need in service provision and training

published_or_final_versio

Diagnostic assessment of glaucoma and non-glaucomatous optic neuropathies via optical texture analysis of the retinal nerve fibre layer

The clinical diagnostic evaluation of optic neuropathies relies on the analysis of the thickness of the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) by optical coherence tomography (OCT). However, false positives and false negatives in the detection of RNFL abnormalities are common. Here we show that an algorithm integrating measurements of RNFL thickness and reflectance from standard wide-field OCT scans can be used to uncover the trajectories and optical texture of individual axonal fibre bundles in the retina and to discern distinctive patterns of loss of axonal fibre bundles in glaucoma, compressive optic neuropathy, optic neuritis and non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy. Such optical texture analysis can detect focal RNFL defects in early optic neuropathy, as well as residual axonal fibre bundles in end-stage optic neuropathy that were indiscernible by conventional OCT analysis and by red-free RNFL photography. In a diagnostic-performance study, optical texture analysis of the RNFL outperformed conventional OCT in the detection of glaucoma, as defined by visual-field testing or red-free photography. Our findings show that optical texture analysis of the RNFL for the detection of optic neuropathies is highly sensitive and specific

Growth in childhood thyrotoxicosis

Childhood thyrotoxicosis is an uncommon condition. To investigate the effect of thyrotoxicosis on the growth of children and to detect possible influence of the disease on their final height, 105 Chinese children (90 girls; 15 boys) with thyrotoxicosis were studied longitudinally from diagnosis. At presentation their mean age was 11.57 years. Their height and weight measurements were converted to standard deviation scores (SDS) using normal height and weight-for-height reference standards for Chinese children established in Hong Kong. Their mean height SDS at diagnosis was + 0.73. Bone age assessment at diagnosis was done in 48 girls and 8 boys and their mean ± S.D. bone development quotient was 1.16 ± 0.11. A total of 53 girls have reached adult height and their mean height was 161.3 cm, corresponding to a SDS of ± 0.63. Their final heights significantly exceeded their target heights. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that children with thyrotoxicosis were tall for age and their bone ages were advanced at presentation. They continued to be tall for age after starting treatment and they achieved final heights exceeding their target height.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Effects of air pollution on asthma hospitalization rates in different age groups in Hong Kong

Aims: To assess the relationship between levels of ambient air pollutants and hospitalization rates for asthma in Hong Kong (HK). Methods: This is a retrospective ecological study. Data of daily emergency hospital admissions to 15 major hospitals in HK for asthma and indices of air pollutants [sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O 3), particulates with an aerodynamic diameter of <10 μm particulate matter (PM10) and 2.5 μm (PM2.5)] and meteorological variables from January 2000 to December 2005 were obtained from several government departments. Analysis was performed by the generalized additive models with Poisson distribution. The effects of time trend, season, other cyclical factors, temperature and humidity were adjusted. Autocorrelation and overdispersion were corrected. Results: Altogether, 69 716 admissions were assessed. Significant associations were found between hospital admissions for asthma and levels of NO2, O3, PM10 and PM 2.5. The relative risks (RR) for hospitalization for every 10 μg/m3 increase in NO2, O3, PM10 and PM2.5 were 1.028, 1.034, 1.019 and 1.021, respectively, at a lag day that ranged from cumulative lag 0-4 to 0-5. In a multi-pollutant model, O3 was significantly associated with increased admissions for asthma. The younger age group (0-14 years) tended to have a higher RR for each 10 μg/m3 increase in pollutants than those aged 15-65 years. The elderly (aged ≥65 years) had a shorter 'best' lag time to develop asthma exacerbation following exposure to pollutants than those aged <65 years. Conclusion: Adverse effects of ambient concentrations of air pollutants on hospitalization rates for asthma are evident. Measures to improve air quality in HK are urgently needed. © 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.link_to_subscribed_fulltex