Adrenal and Secondary Hypertension

Our clinicians specialise in patients with secondary hypertension. Patients with secondary hypertension have an underlying cause that can be treated, leading to improvement or cure of hypertension. In particular, 5 to 10% of all patients with hypertension in Singapore have this condition, which is otherwise known as Primary Aldosteronism. Primary Aldosteronism is a disease of the adrenal glands (small glands above the kidney), which is treatable. Patients with a curable form of Primary Aldosteronism are currently diagnosed through adrenal vein sampling. We currently have adrenal vein sampling rates of more than 95% over the last five years and are constantly looking at ways to improve care further.

In line with this, we are recipient of a national grant using a new non-invasive scan, 11C-metomidate PET/CT, to identify patients with this curable form of hypertension. We are collaboratively working with all the other restructured hospitals and we hope to continue to provide quality care for our patients with hypertension.

Osteoporosis and Bone Metabolism (at Changi General Hospital)

Clinicians involved in the care of osteoporosis and bone metabolic diseases also take part in clinical research for the improvement of treatment regarding osteoporosis and its complications. We work together with the multidisciplinary team of the “Valued Care Hip Fracture” unit to provide holistic care for our osteoporosis patients with hip fractures, and reduce complications post hip fracture. It is hoped that through continuous improvement and research, better patient care will be delivered to the community.

Our main research areas include the following :

1. Epidemiology of Osteoporosis
2. Health Care Services Research in Osteoporosis Care Provision in Community
3. Telehealth in Osteoporosis Care
4. Complications of Osteoporosis Treatment
5. The link between Diabetes and Bone

The Osteoporosis and Bone Metabolism Unit has ongoing research collaborations with multiple departments within Changi General Hospital (CGH) including Orthopedic, Geriatric, Rehabilitation, Radiology and various allied health disciplines. We are also partners in pharmaceutical trials for the ongoing research of Osteoporosis Treatments through our CGH Centre for Trials and Research Unit. Future collaborations are welcomed and we look forward to hearing from interested partners.

Diabetes, Obesity, Metabolism and Lipids

Main research areas include:

1. Bariatric surgery
2. Fatty liver
3. Severe obesity
4. Dyslipidaemia including familial hypercholesterolemia
5. Lipodystrophy
6. Diabetes and obesity