/library/oar/handle/123456789/778 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 17:31:02 GMT 2025-11-11T17:31:02Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/924 Title: Fenugreek : a natural prototype oral hypoglycaemic agent used in Malta Authors: Savona-Ventura, Charles Abstract: Before the discovery of insulin therapy in 1921 and the development of effective oral hypoglycaemic therapy in 1926, pharmacological management of diabetes mellitus was restricted to empirical treatment often based on plant products and relegated to folklore medicine. One therapy reputed in Malta as useful for the management of diabetes mellitus in 1927 was Fenugreek. This has now been shown to have definite pharmacological properties that controls blood glucose levels in diabetic subjects. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/924 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/923 Title: The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Authors: Zammit, Edward Abstract: A 45 year old businessman presents at your clinic with a 2 year history of recurrent abdominal pain, associated with frequent bouts of diarrhoea. The pain is relieved by defaecation, but there is often a feeling of incomplete evacuation. Between these episodes he is often constipated, with infrequent bowel motions characterised by hard stools. During stressful situations, symptoms get worse and are associated with abdominal bloating and increased flatulence. He researched his problem on the internet and thinks he might have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/923 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/922 Title: Bilateral intralobar pulmonary sequestration : a case report Authors: Grech, Reuben; Grima, Marius; Scicluna, Warren; Muscat, Jessica; Mizzi, Adrian; Vassallo, Mario Abstract: Bronchopulmonary sequestration is a congenital lung malformation consisting of a non-functioning lung segment. Arterial supply to such a segment is found to be systemic rather than pulmonary, and by definition there is no communication with the tracheobronchial tree. It accounts for about 6% of all congenital pulmonary malformations. Bilateral bronchopulmonary sequestration is yet more uncommon. These malformations can be classified as either intralobar sequestration (the commoner type), or extralobar sequestration (in 14- 25%). Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/922 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/921 Title: GP referral letters : time for a template? Authors: Chetcuti, Karen; Farrugia, Ronnie; Cassar, Kevin Abstract: Introduction: Referral of patients to the vascular clinic at Mater Dei Hospital by general practitioners requires the completion of the standard ticket of referral provided by the Department of Health (Form No DH22). The same form is used for referral to all clinics and all specialties and has remained unchanged for many years. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of information provided by the general practitioners completing the ticket of referral for patients referred to the vascular clinic. Methods: The referral tickets for 100 consecutive patients referred to the vascular clinic at Mater Dei Hospital between December 2007 and February 2008 were prospectively analysed. The referral tickets were assessed for completion of patient’s name, identity card number, address and telephone number. The tickets were also assessed for completion of the referring doctor’s name, registration number and address. Data were also collected on whether the indication for referral was stated and on whether relevant information was provided about risk factors for arterial disease and drug history. The referral tickets were also assessed as to whether the GP had commented on examination of pulses, and on advice given on smoking or exercise. Finally data were collected on whether the referral ticket was written, typed or printed and the legibility of the document. Results: The only data that were complete in all 100 referral tickets was the patient’s name. In 9% of cases there was no identity card number, in 13% no patient address and in 64% no patient telephone number provided. In 22% of referral tickets the referring doctor’s name was not included and the registration number of the referring doctor was only given in 34% of referrals. In 62% of cases no GP address was provided. In 16% of cases the indication for referral was not filled in. ¸£ÀûÔÚÏßÃâ·Ñ about diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and cigarette smoking was only given in 46%, 28%, 15% and 20% respectively. In 60% of cases no mention of peripheral pulses was made. A comment about advice given to the patient regarding smoking cessation and exercise was made in 1% and 2% of cases respectively. 30% of referral tickets were only partly legible. Conclusion: The quality of completion of referral tickets by general practitioners to the vascular clinic is poor. Essential patient and doctor information is frequently lacking or incomplete. Basic relevant information regarding patient risk factors and examination findings is often missing. The use of a standard referral ticket for all specialties and the design of the current referral ticket probably contribute to the poor quality of completion of these forms. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/921 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z