Browse publications by year: 2019

  1. Siti Nur Madihah Che Rozela, Nor FaizaMohdTohit, Razman Mohd Rus
    IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):40-0.
    MyJurnal
    Pediculosis capitis among primary school children is a worldwide problem which carries significant consequences among the school children and caregivers. Despite causing significant health problem which needs to be intervened, only few studies were conducted in Malaysia and there is no previous study conducted in Pahang. Thus, this study aims to investigate the determinants of prevalence of Pediculosis capitis among primary school children in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. Materials and method: An analytical cross-sectional study using cluster random sampling of primary schools was carried out in Kuantan. Selfadministered validated questionnaire was used followed by hair and scalp examination. Multivariate logistics was done to determine the predictors and to control for confounding effect. Results: The overall median age of the 1,365 respondents was 8.0 years. Majority of them were males (53.41%), Malays (60.29%), household income between RM1000-RM2999 (31.87%) and from urban school location (98.68%). The overall prevalence of Pediculosis capitis was 9.6% (n=131). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that female (Odds ratio (OR)=8.571, 95% Confidence interval (CI)=5.024-14.620), Indian (OR = 5.560, 95% CI=3.3849.136), those who had number of siblings more than five (OR = 2.644, 95% CI=1.0446.700), history of contact with infested person (OR=2.445, 95% CI=1.619-3.691) and urban school location (OR=0.030, 95% CI=0.284-0.091) were predictors for Pediculosis capitis. Conclusion: The prevalence of Pediculosis capitis among primary school children in Kuantan, Pahang is endemic(9.6%) and predictors are female, Indian, having siblings of more than 5 and contact with infested person. Hence, preventive measures are necessary to reduce the transmission of head lice among school children.
  2. Fatin Amalina Che Arif, Mohd Radzi Hilmi, Mohd Hafidz Ithnin, Khairidzan Mohd Kamal
    IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):39-0.
    MyJurnal
    This study aimed to evaluate the short-term efficacy of artificial tears (AT) instillation on tear film quality and quantity utilising two dual polymer artificial tears; Systane Hydration preservative (SH) and non-preservative (SHUD) in 60 minutes observation period compared to normal saline. Materials and methods: One hundred eyes of 50 participants involved in this prospective, double-masked randomised study. Viscosity and pH of both AT were evaluated using Rheometer and digital pH-meter respectively prior to tear film characteristics assessment. Tear break-up time (TBUT) and tear meniscus height (TMH) were measured at baseline, 5, 15 and 60 minutes after instillation. Tear ferning pattern (TFP) were compared between baseline and 60 minutes after instillation. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate the effects of both AT instillation. Independent T-test was employed to compare between the two groups (SH vs SHUD) for each specific time-interval. P-value of 0.05 was set as the level of significance. Results: The viscosity of SH and SHUD was 0.0267Pa.s and 0.03273Pa.s respectively with pH of 7.85 for SH and 7.74 for SHUD. Both AT showed significant increment in TBUT between baseline and 15 minutes (SH: 5.82 ± 1.063, p = 0.01; SHUD: 6.02 ± 0.979, p
  3. Ahmad Faizal Roslan, Wafiuddin Ahmad, Faisal Amir, Khairul Nizam Siron
    IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):38-0.
    MyJurnal
    Snapping scapula syndrome is a condition with audible and palpable grating localized to the superomedial angle of the scapula associated with pain. The etiology is likely secondary to anomalous tissue between scapula and chest wall (e.g. bursitis, hooked superomedial angle scapula, Luschka tubercle, malunited rib/scapula fracture and osteochondroma). Case report: We present a case of a 17year-old gentleman, with chronic pain over bilateral upper scapula associated with grating sound upon shoulders movement. Examination revealed significant audible crepitus on bilateral scapula without restriction of shoulders motion. MRI showed no abnormal finding. An attempt for conservative approach including physical therapy and steroid/local anaesthesia injection has been unsuccessful. We subsequently performed an arthroscopic bursectomy and superomedial angle scapula decompression on the right scapula. There were inflammed bursa with fibrotic tissue and prominent superomedial angle of scapula observed during the surgery. Postoperatively, the symptom over right scapula completely resolved with good patient satisfaction. At present, patient is scheduled for the similar surgery on the remaining symptomatic left scapula. In conclusion, arthroscopic scapulothoracic bursectomy with superomedial angle scapula decompression is a reliable treatment for snapping scapula syndrome with predictably high rates of pain relief, patient satisfaction as well as improvement in functional outcomes.
  4. Wafiuddin Ahmad, Ahmad Faizal Roslan, Faisal Amir, Khairul Nizam Siron
    IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):37-0.
    MyJurnal
    Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body . Achilles tendon rupture is a debilitating ankle injury especially among the athletes. We would like to highlight an unusual case of acute dual-level injuries of the Achilles tendon. Case report: A 30-year-old footballer presented with left ankle injury during a football tournament. Examination revealed tenderness at posterior left heel, palpable gap at Achilles tendon region and positive Thompson test. Radiological assessment showed dual-level injuries of the Achilles tendon-proximally was a rupture at musculotendinous junction and distally was an avulsion calcaneal fracture. We performed a mini-open approach Achilles tendon reconstruction for this patient. First, we reconstructed the distal avulsion calcaneal fracture using double row anchor sutures technique. Next, we repaired the proximal ruptured Achilles tendon using percutaneous Achilles reconstruction system (PARS) from Arthrex. Postoperatively, patient was put on functional rehabilitation protocol. At present, patient recovers well and regains back the Achilles tendon function. In conclusion, segmental Achilles tendon injury is rare and its surgical treatment can be challenging and must be well-planned.
  5. Mohd Ariffullah Ariffin,, Aizat Soldin, Shukrimi Awang
    IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):36-0.
    MyJurnal
    From Quran, dogs were mentioned several times in different perspectives. Surah al-Maidah , informs that a hunting dog’s catch is lawful to be eaten. An authentic hadith about a prostitute who gave water to a dog and her sins were forgiven and was promised heaven. Case report: MrJ, 35 years old gentleman, sustained 3cm x 2cm over left leg following a dog bite. Patient underwent emergency operation and appropriate antibiotic given. After operation, the nurse had washed entire surgical instruments with taharah soap, washed it again six times with water and followed by enzymatic detergent before sending for autoclaving. Discussion: The status of dog impurities and how to clean it derived from hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah: ‘Rasulullah PBUH said: ‘Cleaning a utensil that has been licked by a dog is by washing it seven times and one of the washing cycle is mixed with soil”. Majority Muslims in Malaysia follow Shafi'i sect, where dog’s saliva and all its body are considered ritually mughallazah. Thus, if touched, they are required to cleanse the body part that came into contact with a specific Islamic ritual as mentioned. Up to date, there is no official guideline from KKM or JAKIM related to this. Surgical instruments used for the operation related to dog bite injury were not in direct contact with the dog. This practice imposes unnecessary steps for staffs. Apart from that, there are no study done on the effect of commercially manufactured soil-based soap to surgical instruments. The information regarding content also unclear. Surgical instruments are sensitive and expensive, thus improper handling can expedite damage to the instruments. Conclusion: KKM and JAKIM are recommended to produce SOP regarding this issue. Effort should be done to produce medical grade soil-based cleansing agent. Study should be done to evaluate the safety to surgical instruments.
  6. Nurul Fatihah Mohd Fuad
    IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):35-0.
    MyJurnal
    Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is the commonest thyroid malignancy. Several studies had shown that the outcome of DTC depend on the patient’s age at time of diagnosis, tumor characteristics and initial treatment. The aim of this study was to describe the outcome of DTC and its associated factors among patients diagnosed at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA) and International Islamic University Malaysia Medical Center (IIUMMC) Kuantan, Pahang. Materials and method: A retrospective cohort study was carried out among all DTC patients in HTAA and IIUMMC from July 2018 to September 2018. Case report form was used for data collection and it consists of four sections that include sociodemography, disease characteristics, treatment modalities and outcome. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the types of DTC, sociodemographic characteristics, disease characteristics, treatment modalities and the outcome, while chi-square test was used to explore the factors that were associated with the outcome. Result: In DTC, majority were diagnosed with papillary carcinoma (93.5%) than medullary carcinoma (6.5%). Three-quarter of the patients had residual disease at 6 months and the disease persistent in more than half of the patients at 12 months. At two-years follow-up, most of the patients (56.5%) were in disease-free state followed by persistent (26.1%) and residual disease (17.4%). However, there were no significant factors that affect the outcome of the patients. Conclusion: The two-year outcome post-treatment in this study revealed most of the patients were in remission.
  7. Norfaidhi Akram Mat Nor, Mohd Norhisham Azmi Abdul Rahman, Ahmad Faidzal Othman
    IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):34-0.
    MyJurnal
    Aeromonas Salmonicida is a rare type of the causative agent for splenic pseudocyst. We are reporting a case of splenic pseudocyst treated with deroofing of the cyst wall. An adolescent presented to us with a history of abdominal pain, fever, and loose stool for 3 days and was investigated. Computed tomography showed huge cystic mass arising from the inferior pole of the spleen. The adolescent underwent laparotomy, drainage of splenic cyst, and deroofing of cyst wall. The culture of Aeromonas Salmonicida was growth in the cyst content. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of such nature.
  8. Aidi Aswadi Halim Lim
    IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):32-0.
    MyJurnal
    Intestinal malrotation is a consequent of deviation from the normal 270 degrees counter-clockwise rotation of the midgut during embryogenesis. It is a typically paediatric disease that manifest itself in the first month of life, usually as midgut volvulus. However adult manifestation of intestinal malrotation is not unheard of, albeit rare. Case report: his is a case report of 46 year old man with chronic abdominal pain who was subsequently diagnosed with intestinal malrotation. He was initially referred for barium enema following an incomplete colonoscopy. The suspicion of intestinal malrotation arose during barium enema, as the large bowel loops were all located on the left side. He subsequently had a plain CT following the barium enema, which confirmed the suspicion. In view of this finding, the patient was offered Ladd’s procedure by the surgical team. The patient duly declined and opted for conservative watchful waiting instead.
  9. Md Hadis ND, Draman S, Samsudin S, Yusuf MZ, Md Rosli AN, Abd Rahman NS
    IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):31-0.
    MyJurnal
    Transgender is an umbrella term for persons whose gender identity, gender expression or behaviour does not conform to that typically associated with the sex to which they were assigned at birth. Transgender individuals are particularly vulnerable to mental health concerns and psychological distress. Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence of depression and associated risk factors among transgender male to female in Kuantan, Pahang. Material and method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 96 transgender male to female in Kuantan, Pahang. A convenient type of sampling was used as a mean of data collection. A selfadministered validated Malay version of Beck Depression Inventory(BDI) was used to screen for depression. Result: Majority of the respondent were Malay (82.3%), Muslim (99%), unmarried (93.8%) and monthly income <RM2300 (91.7%). Prevalence of depression among transgender male to female in Kuantan is 37.5%. There is no significant association between sociodemographic data of participants and depression. Conclusion: This study shows that almost one third of transgender male to female are at risk of depression. Therefore, screening for mental health assessment is recommended so that important measures can be taken to prevent depression among this high-risk group.
  10. Mohd Ariffudin Abdul Hamid, Mohd Basri Mat Nor
    IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):30-0.
    MyJurnal
    Family satisfaction has been identified as a quality indicator in critical care area. The impact of family satisfaction level was also found to be associated with symptoms of psychological distress such as anxiety, depression and stress among family members. We evaluated the satisfaction level and prevalence, risk factor and correlation of psychological distress symptoms with the satisfaction level among family members in Malaysian Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Materials and Method: This is a cross-sectional, multicentre study conducted in ICU at Hospital Sultanah Aminah Johor Bahru and International Islamic University Medical Centre. Family members were enrolled 3 days after ICU admission, and they completed a modified version of Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS). Results: A total of 176 family members were enrolled in this study. We found 116 (66%) of the family members scores ≥ 3 denoting satisfaction with the mean CCFNI score was 3.11 (SD=0.3). Prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress were of 30.1%, 41.4% and 28.9% respectively. Risk factor for psychological distress symptoms were female sex, spousal relationship, lower education, median income less than RM 4000, staying with patient and younger patient age. Negative correlation between depression, anxiety and stress with CCFNI score were found (p< 0.05) but with low correlation coefficient (r=-0.178 to -0.209). Family members without symptoms of psychological distress were more satisfied (higher CCFNI score) with ICU care compared to those with symptoms of psychological distress (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Family members of ICU patient were satisfied with the care provided in the ICU. High rates of psychological distress symptoms in this study and its correlation with the satisfaction level highlight the need to identify and implement preventive and management strategies for family members to improve the overall ICU care.

  11. Aziz Sabbir Husain
    IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):29-0.
    MyJurnal
    Total knee replacement (TKR) is one of the most common surgeries in orthopedic field. Up to 1/3 of the patients require blood transfusion postoperative. Allogenic transfusion has many side effects. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a synthetic antifibrinolytic agent. We explore the usage of TXA in reducing blood loss and transfusion rate by injecting it into the knee joint during surgery. Materials and method: This is a retrospective study done in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Klang. Medical records of patient undergoing TKR between 1 January 2018 till 31 December 2018 were reviewed. Study sample was calculated as 90 patients and divided into 2 groups, one receiving TXA (study) and the other not receiving TXA (control). Post-operative hemoglobin levels and transfusion rate was recorded. Results: 45 patients in study group (17 male, 28 female) had a mean age of 65.4 years old and 45 patients in control group (24 male, 21 female) had a mean age of 64.2 years old. Mean post-operative hemoglobin drop in study group was 1.08 g/dL vs 1.86 g/dL in control group. Repeated measure ANOVA determined a p value of 0.001 which shows a significant correlation. Total transfusion rate in study group was 1 vs 9 in the control group. Using chi-square test, the p-value was 0.007 which again shows a statistically significant result. Conclusion: Intra-articular injection of TXA following TKR reduces blood loss and the need for blood transfusion without increasing any complication. This prevents many patients from undergoing a potentially hazardous blood transfusion. A routine usage of intra-articular TXA in patients undergoing TKR is recommended. However a large and well designed RCT is required to investigate the risk and benefits of TXA.
  12. Muhammad Rusyaidi Azali, Nor Faiza Mohd Tohit,, Razman Mohd Rus
    IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):28-0.
    MyJurnal
    Pediculosis capitis among primary school children is always known as the problem of the lower socio-economic class and rural communities. It carries significant consequences to the school children and caregivers. Limited studies have been conducted among the urban populations. Thus, this study aims to investigate the prevalence and predictors of Pediculosis capitis among Urban primary school children in Kuantan. Materials and method: An analytical cross-sectional study using cluster random sampling was carried out in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. A selfadministered validated questionnaire was issued to the participants with purpose to collect socio-demographic data related to age, gender and factors that associated with head lice infestations among primary school children from standard one to six. It was then followed by hair and scalp examination by a well-trained examiners to check the infestation status. The results were analyzed using the chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 1347 students from 5 schools were included in this study. Majority of them were males (53.6%), Malays (61.0%), household income between RM1000-RM2999 (32.1%). The overall prevalence was 9.1% (n=122). Multivariate analysis showed that predictors for pediculosis capitis were female gender (OR= 6.02, 95% CI= 2.97-12.21), Indian ethnicity (OR= 5.55 , 95% CI=3.26-9.45), sibling of more than 5 (OR= 2.72 , 95% CI=1.04-7.12) and contact with infested person (OR=2.42, 95% CI=1.58-3.71). Conclusion: The prevalence of Pediculosis capitis among urban primary school children in Kuantan, Pahang is endemic (9.1%) and predictors are female genders, Indian ethnicity, having siblings of more than 5 and contact with infested person. Hence, preventive measures are necessary to reduce the transmission of head lice among school children.
  13. Mossad AbdelHak Shaban Mohamed, Taufiq Hidayat, Asrar Abu Bakar, Azamin Anuar, Mohd Fit'ri Akmal Mohd Sofee, Abdelbaset Taher Abdelhalim
    IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):27-0.
    MyJurnal
    Neonates refers to the first 28 days of life, they are vulnerable to physiological changes. About 15% of neonates get admitted to NICU and a significant number of them end up in ventilation. This study assessed the beneficial role of non- pharmacological modalities on recovery with a better outcome of ventilated babies in NICU. Material and Methods: The study is a quantitative cross-sectional study for 9 months of NICU at IIUMMC. The study will include top conditions warranting neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions and ventilation as preterm, respiratory distress, neonatal sepsis, HIE, and others. They are divided into two (2) groups; the first group will keep the standard practice and assigned as a control group. The second group will afford all or most of a package of non-pharmacological and sensory stimuli like a kangaroo, feeding, non-nutritive sucking, swaddling, skinto-skin contact, sensory saturation, soft massage, away irritant odour, Normal visual experience during daytime and dime light at night-time. decrease sound pollution, and voice stimulation assessing soft music or recitation of the Qur’an according to family preference. We will assess stabilizing vital signs, behavioural assessment, extubating timing, Short term outcome. Results: Adding non-pharmacological modalities could reduce the dose requirements for sedation and analgesics and has a positive effect on the neurodevelopmental outcome. Conclusion: nonpharmacological strategies besides other modalities improved short-term outcomes and the recovery of ventilated babies. The importance of coming back to nature, the effect of special senses and sensory stimulation on neonatal recovery, and ease extubation.
  14. Mossad AbdelHak Shaban Mohamed, Taufiq Hidayat, Asrar Abu Bakar, Azamin Anuar, Taher Halawa
    IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):26-0.
    MyJurnal
    Productivity in medical field has inherent value in terms of improving our lives, which can expand our economies. Productivity in medicine has many aspects including improving clinical diagnostic skills, safety, and quality and quantity care. This study will assess whether early exposure to structured clinical reasoning coaching tools would improve their clinical decision making and productivity. Research question: Does clinical reasoning coaching tools Increase neonatal healthcare productivity? Materials and method: Medical practitioners recently joined neonatal units will participate over 2 years in an innovative series of clinical reasoning coaching sessions blended with virtual patients. Practitioners will be exposed to many teaching methods during the neonatal training that includes lectures, bedside teaching sessions and small group discussions beside website continuous contact for learning and chairing skills. Teaching series scope should cover resuscitating sick neonates, handling ventilators either conventional or high frequency, practicing common neonatal procedures, dealing with common neonatal scenarios, infection control policy and, effective communication skills The evaluation sessions will be introduced at the beginning of their training, during the course and at the end of the clerkship to assess their improving productivity, using diagnostic thinking inventory(DTI). Selection of the medical practitioners will be based on either on stratified random sampling or cohort control depending on the funding and logistic. All items will be analysed advanced statistical analysis methods. Results: The coaching tool may yield dramatic impact, allowing the innovators to be more productive. Suggesting widely utilize it for nurses, undergraduate and postgraduate medical Subspecialty. Conclusion: The research hypothesis is assuming that DTI scores and productivity will be higher after the coaching sessions as rated by the candidate’s performance.
  15. Mossad AbdelHak Shaban Mohamed, bin Abu Bakar Asrar, Azamin bin Anuar, Siti Norsyazwani Abd Latif, Rozanizam Zakaria, Siti Zubaidah Abd Rahman
    IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):25-0.
    MyJurnal
    Depression is a curable debilitating illness that becomes a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The prevalence of depression is underrecognized among adolescents. The study is conducted to determine the prevalence of depression among secondary school students of Kuantan Malaysia. Materials and method: We conduct a quantitative cross-sectional study. A population of 414 students from two urban schools, two rural schools, and one international school will participate in the study. The assessment tool used is the Malaysian version of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS 21). Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 21 (SPSS IBM, New York, USA). Factors associated with depressive symptoms will be analyzed using multi Variate logistic regression analysis. Results: Prevalence of depression in Kuantan, Malaysia will be compared to the same international trends. Conclusion: Our study can determine and compare the prevalence of depression in different categories. Education and early interventions of depressed adolescents will add extra value of the project.
  16. Wan Irfan Wan Mustapha
    IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):24-0.
    MyJurnal
    Non Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a malignant neoplasm affecting multiple systems in which extranodal NHL represents 10-20% of all NHL. Case report: This is a case of 45-year-old female with no known medical illness who presented with progressive numbness of bilateral lower limbs since March 2016 which subsequently progress to loss of motor power since November 2016. She initially was diagnosed as tuberculous (TB) spondylitis which then turned out to be B cell lymphoma of the thoracic vertebra. The diagnosis was confirmed on histopatological examination (HPE) after patient underwent laminectomy of T3-T7 vertebra bodies and excision biopsy with removal of the casseous material. Due to a lack of specific findings, the diagnosis of vertebral NHL is often missed or delayed. It warrants attention that NHL of thoracic vertebra may be misdiagnosed as TB spondylitis due to their similarities and sometimes the imaging features may simulate and overlap each other. The main treatment for vertebral NHL is chemotherapy, radiotherapy or both. Surgery maybe necessary if patient has story of neurological deficits. However patient was treated conservatively as she refused chemotherapy.
  17. Azwan Faiz Amir Hamzah, Mohd Aznan Md Aris, Fa'iza Abdullah, Zamzil Amin Asha'ari
    IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):23-0.
    MyJurnal
    Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a sleep related breathing disorder with recurrent episodes of apnoea or hypopnoea occurring during sleep. It is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and prone to accidents. However, there is no applicable study that assess the risk for OSA at the primary care level. Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence of risk for OSA and OSA symptoms and its associated risk factors among adults attending primary care clinics. Materials and method: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 252 adults attending four Klinik Kesihatan in Kuantan, Pahang. The inclusion criteria was adults age 30 years old and above. The exclusion criteria were a known case of Hypothyroidism, Depression and pregnancy. A self-administered validated Malay version of Berlin Questionnaire(BQ) was used to screen for high risk of OSA. The statistical analyses were done using IBM SPSS version 23.0. Results: Majority of the respondents were male (54%), Malay (87.7%), and married (79.4%). The prevalence of High Risk for OSA was 32.9%. Among these, 94% of them presented with snoring and 16.9% presented with excessive daytime sleepiness. Among male, Malay and married; 48%, 32.6% and 36.5% respectively was shown to be High Risk for OSA. The risk factors that were found significantly associated with High Risk of OSA includes younger age (AOR=0.951 CI=0.923-0.980); higher BMI classification with obese type 1 (AOR=2.604 CI=1.278-5.308), obese type 2 (AOR=3.882 CI=1.078-13.975) and obese type 3 (AOR=6.800 CI=1.164-39.717); higher neck circumference (AOR=1.109 CI=1.007-1.221); hypertension (AOR=2.297 CI=1.122-4.702); and hypercholestrolaemia (AOR=2.040 CI=1.050-3.965). Conclusions: This study shows that nearly one third of the adults attending primary health clinic are at High Risk for OSA and nearly 17% of them presented with excessive daytime sleepiness. Further study need to be carry out particularly among those of younger age, higher BMI classification, and with co-morbidities.
  18. Wan Nurliyana Wan Ramli
    IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):22-0.
    MyJurnal
    Melioidosis is endemic in Malaysia and an important cause of sepsis. Current gold standard for diagnosis is by culture method,but its long procedure will delay the treatment leading to hospital-related mortality.Thus,a good rapid test is needed to reduce its mortality burden. Recently, Active Melioidosis Detect (AMD) have been shown to be useful. Objectives: (1)To measure the sensitivity and specificity of AMD. (2)To study the sensitivity and specificity of early morning urine AMD compared to spot urine AMD. Materials and method: A prospective crosssectional study of clinically suspected melioidosis patients in HTAA and HSNZ from April until December 2018. Blood and urine samples were tested with AMD. Test results were analysed for sensitivity, specificity,positive predictive value and negative predictive value. Results: A total of 89 patients were included in this study.The mean age is 52 years old, and 56.3% were male gender.64% of patients have diabetes mellitus.11 patients have positive blood culture for Bukholderia pseudomallei, 4 of them were tested positive for AMD.3 of them presented with septic shock (3.4%), however none died.The sensitivity of the AMD was 36.4% ([95% CI 12.4 to 68.4]) and the specificity was 66.7% ( [95% CI 46.0 to 82.8]) in all samples, with positive predictive value of 30.7% and negative predictive value of 72%.Blood samples have lower sensitivity of 9.1% ([95% CI 4.8 to 42.9]) with high specificity of 100% ([95% CI 84.5 to 100]). Urine spot samples have higher sensitivity compared to serum and morning urine, with 36.4% ([95%CI 12.4 to 68.4]) and specificity of 88.9% ([95% CI 69.7 to 97.1]). Conclusion: From this pilot study, this test requires further evaluation before incorporating as point of care assay.
  19. Nor Azam Kamaruzaman, Hafizah Pasi
    IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):21-0.
    MyJurnal
    The health status of Orang Asli (OA) in Malaysia often lag behind other races with under-nutrition and communicable diseases remain significant. While there is an upward trend of non-communicable diseases (NCD) in this country due to modernisation of lifestyle, how this change affecting OA is a public health interest. Materials and method: A community based survey was conducted involving 225 OA from Jakun tribe aged above 18 years living in three villages around Tasik Chini, Pahang in 2017. Results: There were low prevalence of overweight and high blood pressure (18.8% and 14.2%). Random blood sugar 5.6 mmol/L was found in 23.4% but only five villagers (0.02%) were eventually diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Majority (63.7%) of OA in the three villages smoke products of tobacco. Conclusion: The NCD risk among this fringe OA community is still insignificant as shown by low prevalence of overweight, high blood pressure, and diabetes even when compared to national figures for other Bumiputera in Malaysia (30%, 18.6%, and 10.7% respectively). However, the prevalence of smoking was strikingly higher than 2015 national figure for other Bumiputera (25.8%). This is contributed by high rate of smoking among women and established cultural practice. The findings highlighted the need for customization in smoking intervention for OA.
  20. Nor Azam Kamaruzaman
    IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):20-0.
    MyJurnal
    Good physical health or istitha’ah is one of the shariah requisite to perform hajj pilgrimage. Hence, passing the health screening is mandatory for the pilgrim to-be in Malaysia. The aim of this study is to describe the pilgrims’ health screening profile from a FELDA settlement in Pekan, Pahang. Materials and method: All 26 candidates from Chini’s FELDA cluster who were selected for hajj pilgrimage in 2017 underwent health screening at a nearby health clinic. Data from this health screening were analysed descriptively using SPSS software version 23.0. Results: Candidates consists of 11 men and 15 women aged between 48 to 86 years with the mean age of 61. Result showed that both sexes have comparable mean age and body mass index. Most of the candidates (88.5%) have at least 1 chronic medical problem (excluding overweight) while 54% have at least 2 or more medical problems. Women have higher prevalence of non-communicable disease (NCD) conditions namely obesity, hypertension, and diabetes (40%, 60%, and 40%) compared to men (27%, 45% and 36% respectively). This figure is higher than 2015 national figure for age specific: 50 years group (obesity 36.6%, hypertension 49.3%, diabetes 27%). In addition, 20% of the women also have anaemia while none in men. Conclusion: Majority of the candidates in this group are elderly and have at least two chronic medical problems. Women have higher prevalence of NCD and anaemia than men. Thus, based on the findings, early and focused pilgrims’ health screening especially among elderly female is essential and appropriate action should be taken in order to reduce risk for morbidity and mortality during hajj pilgrimage.
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