Browse publications by year: 2022

  1. Jan RK, Alsheikh-Ali A, Mulla AA, Sulaiman K, Panduranga P, Al-Mahmeed W, et al.
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2022 Jun 10;101(23):e29452.
    PMID: 35687781 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000029452
    This study aimed to report on the use, predictors and outcomes of guideline-based medical therapy (GBMT) in patients with acute heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction of <40% (HFrEF), from seven countries in the Arabian Gulf.Patients with acute HFrEF (N = 2680), aged 18 years or older, and hospitalized February-November 2012 were recruited and data were collected post discharge at 3 months (n = 2477) and 1 year (n = 2418). The use and doses of GBMT were evaluated as per European, American and Canadian HF guidelines. Analyses were performed using multivariate logistic regression. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01467973).The majority of patients were on dual (39%) and triple (39%) GBMT modalities, 14% received one GBMT medication, while 7.2% were not on any GBMT medications. On admission, 80% of patients were on renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers, 75% on b-blockers and 56% on mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), with a small proportion of these patients were taking target doses (RAS blockers 13%, b-blockers 7.3%, MRAs 14%). Patients taking triple GBMT were younger (P 
    MeSH terms: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists/therapeutic use; Aftercare; Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists/therapeutic use; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/therapeutic use; Canada; Heart Failure*; Renal Dialysis; Humans; Patient Discharge; Registries; Stroke Volume; Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists/therapeutic use
  2. Jaiswal V, Mukherjee D, Batra N, Ruchika F, Susheela AT, Chia JE, et al.
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2022 Jul 01;101(26):e29822.
    PMID: 35777067 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000029822
    BACKGROUND: Cannabis use has been steadily rising in the United States and can have multiple adverse effects, including cannabis-induced acute pancreatitis. This study aims to collate and highlight the significant demographics, clinical presentation, and outcomes in patients with cannabis-induced acute pancreatitis.

    METHOD: A systematic literature search of electronic databases for peer-reviewed articles was conducted. After an initial search, we found 792 articles through different electronic databases. After manually removing duplicates and articles that did not meet the criteria, 25 articles were included in our review.

    RESULTS: A total of 45 patients were studied, 35 (78%) cases were male and 10 (22%) cases were female, showing male predominance. The mean age of all participants was 29.2 ± 10.3 years. The most common presenting symptoms were abdominal pain 21 of 21 (100%), nausea 17 of 21 (81%), and vomiting 12 of 20 (60%). Ultrasound was normal in the majority of patients, with findings of mild pancreatitis. Computerized tomography scans revealed pancreatic edema and inflammation in 7 of 20 (35%) patients, and findings of necrotizing pancreatitis and complex fluid collection were visualized in 3 of 20 (15%) patients. Dilatation of intrahepatic or extrahepatic biliary ducts was not seen in any patients. The overall prognosis was good, with reported full recovery.

    CONCLUSIONS: Cannabis should be included in the differential diagnosis for the etiology of acute pancreatitis, which would help in early intervention and treatment for the mitigation of the rapidly progressive disease.

    MeSH terms: Acute Disease; Adolescent; Adult; Analgesics/adverse effects; Female; Humans; Male; Young Adult; Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists
  3. Mat Bah MN, Alias EY, Sapian MH, Abdullah N
    Pediatr Int, 2022 Jan;64(1):e15162.
    PMID: 35789141 DOI: 10.1111/ped.15162
    BACKGROUND: Data on the delayed diagnosis of (KD) is limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and trend of delayed diagnosis over time and identify the associated risk factors in Malaysia.

    METHODS: This retrospective, observational, population-based study involved all children with KD registered in Johor Kawasaki Clinical Registry over 10 years (January 2010 and December 2019). The prevalence of delayed diagnosis and its trend over time was calculated. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify the independent risk factors for delayed diagnosis.

    RESULTS: There were 556 cases of KD, with 28% having incomplete criteria, 11% atypical presentation, while 10% developed a coronary aneurysm. The overall prevalence of delayed diagnosis was 9.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 7.6-12.7%). There was a statistically significant decrease in delayed diagnosis over time (P = 0.008), with the latest rate of 4.6%. The majority of delayed diagnoses were due to failure to diagnose the disease during the initial consultation. Independent risk factors for delayed diagnosis were children older than 1 year, diagnosis before 2015, atypical presentation, and incomplete KD, with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of 2.7, 2.3, 4.3, and 3.6, respectively. Compared to early diagnosis of KD, delayed diagnosis was significantly associated with coronary aneurysms (27.3% vs. 8.2%, P < 0.001, OR 4.2, [95% CI: 2.1-8.3]).

    CONCLUSIONS: One-tenth of cases of KD were diagnosed late, but it has improved over time. Children > 1 year, presenting with atypical presentation, and incomplete criteria are associated with late diagnosis.

    MeSH terms: Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Malaysia/epidemiology; Retrospective Studies; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; Delayed Diagnosis
  4. Ibrahim AA, Ahmad Zamzuri M'I, Ismail R, Ariffin AH, Ismail A, Muhamad Hasani MH, et al.
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2022 Jul 29;101(30):e29627.
    PMID: 35905245 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000029627
    The Teleprimary Care-Oral Health Clinical Information System (TPC-OHCIS) is an updated electronic medical record (EMR) that has been applied in Malaysian primary healthcare. Recognizing the level of patient satisfaction following EMR implementation is crucial for assessing the performance of health care services. Hence, the main objective of this study was to compare the level of patient satisfaction between EMR-based clinics and paper-based clinics. The study was a quasi-experimental design that used a control group and was conducted among patients in 14 public primary healthcare facilities in the Seremban district of Malaysia from May 10, to June 30, 2021. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the validated Short-Form Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire, which consisted of 7 subscales. All data were analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21. A total of 321 patients consented to participate in this study, and 48.9% of them were from EMR clinics. The mean score for the communication subscale was the highest at 4.08 and 3.96 at EMR-adopted clinics and paper-based record clinics. There were significant differences in general satisfaction and communication subscales, with higher patient satisfaction found in clinics using EMR. With the utilization of EMR, patient satisfaction and communication in delivering healthcare services have improved.
    MeSH terms: Health Services; Humans; Quality of Health Care*; Surveys and Questionnaires; Patient Satisfaction; Electronic Health Records*
  5. Goh ZNL, Teo RYL, Chung BK, Wong AC, Seak CJ
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2022 Aug 05;101(31):e29951.
    PMID: 35945724 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000029951
    Heart failure leading to cardiac ascites is an extremely rare and underrecognized entity in clinical practice. Recognizing cardiac ascites can be difficult, especially since patients presenting with ascites may have more than 1 etiology. Various biomarkers are available to aid in the diagnosis of cardiac ascites, though with differing sensitivities and specificities. Such biomarkers include serum albumin, ascitic albumin and protein, as well as serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). While serum NT-proBNP is a powerful biomarker in distinguishing the etiology of ascites and monitoring treatment progression, its cost can be prohibitive in low-resource settings. Clinicians practicing under these circumstances may opt to rely on other parameters to manage their patients. We go on further to report a series of 3 patients with cardiac ascites to illustrate how these biomarkers may be employed in the management of this patient population. Clinicians should always keep in mind the differential diagnosis of cardiac failure as a cause of ascites. The resolution of cardiac ascites may serve as a surrogate clinical marker for response to antifailure therapy in lieu of NT-proBNP at resource-scarce centers.
    MeSH terms: Diagnosis, Differential; Heart; Humans; Peptide Fragments; Biomarkers; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain
  6. Paudel KR, Patel V, Vishwas S, Gupta S, Sharma S, Chan Y, et al.
    J Food Biochem, 2022 Dec;46(12):e14445.
    PMID: 36239436 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.14445
    Nutraceuticals have emerged as potential compounds to attenuate the COVID-19 complications. Precisely, these food additives strengthen the overall COVID treatment and enhance the immunity of a person. Such compounds have been used at a large scale, in almost every household due to their better affordability and easy access. Therefore, current research is focused on developing newer advanced formulations from potential drug candidates including nutraceuticals with desirable properties viz, affordability, ease of availability, ease of administration, stability under room temperature, and potentially longer shelf-lives. As such, various nutraceutical-based products such as compounds could be promising agents for effectively managing COVID-19 symptoms and complications. Most importantly, regular consumption of such nutraceuticals has been shown to boost the immune system and prevent viral infections. Nutraceuticals such as vitamins, amino acids, flavonoids like curcumin, and probiotics have been studied for their role in the prevention of COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, pain, malaise, and dry cough. In this review, we have critically reviewed the potential of various nutraceutical-based therapeutics for the management of COVID-19. We searched the information relevant to our topic from search engines such as PubMed and Scopus using COVID-19, nutraceuticals, probiotics, and vitamins as a keyword. Any scientific literature published in a language other than English was excluded. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Nutraceuticals possess both nutritional values and medicinal properties. They can aid in the prevention and treatment of diseases, as well as promote physical health and the immune system, normalizing body functions, and improving longevity. Recently, nutraceuticals such as probiotics, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, trace minerals, and medicinal plants have attracted considerable attention and are widely regarded as potential alternatives to current therapeutic options for the effective management of various diseases, including COVID-19.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Plants, Medicinal*; Vitamins/therapeutic use; Dietary Supplements; Probiotics*
  7. Nihad SAI, Hasan MK, Kabir A, Hasan MA, Bhuiyan MR, Yusop MR, et al.
    Physiol Mol Biol Plants, 2022 Jan;28(1):153-169.
    PMID: 35221577 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-022-01141-3
    Rice blast disease is one of the major bottlenecks of rice production in the world including Bangladesh. To develop blast resistant lines, a cross was made between a high yielding but blast susceptible variety MR263 and a blast resistant variety Pongsu seribu 2. Marker-assisted backcross breeding was followed to develop F1, BC1F1, BC2F1, BC2F2, BC2F3, BC2F4 and BC2F5 population. DNA markers i.e., RM206, RM1359 and RM8225 closely linked to Pb1, pi21 and Piz blast resistant genes, respectively and marker RM276 linked to panicle blast resistant QTL (qPbj-6.1) were used in foreground selection. Calculated chi-square (χ2) value of phenotypic and genotypic segregation data of BC2F1 population followed goodness of fit to the expected ratio (1:1) (phenotypic data χ2 = 1.08, p = 0.701; genotypic data χ2 = range from 0.33 to 3.00, p = 0.08-0.56) and it indicates that the inheritance pattern of blast resistance was followed by a single gene model. Eighty-nine advanced lines of BC2F5 population were developed and out of them, 58 lines contained Piz, Pb1, pi21, and qPbj-6.1 while 31 lines contained Piz, Pb1, and QTL qPbj-6.1. Marker-trait association analysis revealed that molecular markers i.e., RM206, RM276, and RM8225 were tightly linked with blast resistance, and each marker was explained by 33.33% phenotypic variation (resistance reaction). Morphological and pathogenicity performance of advanced lines was better compared to the recurrent parent. Developed blast resistance advanced lines could be used as donors or blast resistant variety for the management of devastating rice blast disease.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-022-01141-3.

  8. Balakumar P, Alqahtani T, Alqahtani A, Lakshmiraj RS, Singh G, Rupeshkumar M, et al.
    Curr Drug Metab, 2022;23(11):897-904.
    PMID: 36017834 DOI: 10.2174/1389200223666220825101212
    BACKGROUND: Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound derived from rhizomes of Curcuma longa, the golden spice. Curcumin has drawn much attention in recent years of biomedical research owing to its wide variety of biologic and pharmacologic actions. It exerts antiproliferative, antifibrogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative effects, among various imperative pharmacologic actions. In spite of its well-documented efficacies against numerous disease conditions, the limited systemic bioavailability of curcumin is a continuing concern. Perhaps, the poor bioavailability of curcumin may have curtailed its significant development from kitchen to clinic as a potential therapeutic agent. Subsequently, there have been a considerable number of studies over decades researching the scientific basis of curcumin's reduced bioavailability and eventually improvement of its bioavailability employing a variety of therapeutic approaches, for instance, in combination with piperine, the bio-active constituent of black pepper. Piperine has remarkable potential to modulate the functional activity of metabolic enzymes and drug transporters, and thus there has been a great interest in the therapeutic application of this widely used spice as alternative medicine and bioavailability enhancer. Growing body of evidence supports the synergistic potential of curcumin against numerous pathologic conditions when administered with piperine.

    CONCLUSION: In light of current challenges, the major concern pertaining to poor systemic bioavailability of curcumin, its improvement, especially in combination with piperine, and the necessity of additional research in this setting are together described in this review. Besides, the recent advances in the potential therapeutic rationale and efficacy of curcumin-piperine combination, a promising duo, against various pathologic conditions are delineated.

    MeSH terms: Alkaloids*; Biological Availability; Humans; Polyunsaturated Alkamides
  9. Sirithiantong T, Sukhapanon T, Cheewatanakornkul R
    Malays Orthop J, 2022 Nov;16(3):6-10.
    PMID: 36589373 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.2211.002
    INTRODUCTION: Plain anteroposterior radiograph of the hip plays an important role in diagnosing hip pathology. However, one of the most common mistakes is image distortion because the hip is externally rotated due to natural femoral neck anteversion. Thus, the lower extremities should be internally rotated by 15°-20°. The researchers developed a hip internal rotation assistive device and compared it with conventional radiograph positioning.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hip internal rotation assistive device was designed. This study consisted of 20 volunteers without clinical hip pathology. The volunteers were informed to do a hip radiograph twice to compare the efficacy of the developed device with a conventional positioning. The thickness of the lesser trochanter (TLT) was measured and interpreted by an orthopedist and a radiologist. Statistical significance and inter- and intra-observer reliabilities were analysed.

    RESULTS: According to the orthopaedist's measurement, the mean TLT distance was 4.42 + 3.2mm and 4.97 + 3.16mm for the conventional technique and assistive device, respectively, without statistical significance between both groups (p = 0.05). Consistent with the musculoskeletal radiologist, the mean TLT distance was 4.00 + 2.06mm for the conventional technique and 3.92 + 2.27mm for the assistive device, without statistical significance between both groups (p = 0.56). Intra-observer reliability was 0.900 and 0.898 for the orthopaedist and the radiologist, respectively. Interobserver reliability of the assistive device and conventional technique were 0.800 and 0.588, respectively.

    CONCLUSION: The efficacy of the developed device was similar to that of the conventional technique. Inter/intra-observer reliabilities were at a good agreement level in both methods. The developed device would also be useful in clinical applications, especially in decreasing unnecessary radiation exposure of medical personnel.

  10. Alam SS, Masukujjaman M, Ahmad M, Jaffor R
    PMID: 36589518 DOI: 10.1007/s10639-022-11533-3
    Nowadays, the teaching methods are changed from offline to online primarily for the advent of the internet facility. The Industrial Revolution 4.0 ("Education 4.0") stresses offering online courses at the university level. The study aims to find out the factors influencing students' intentions to admit to online distance learning courses. In addition, the study wanted to establish the utilitarian and hedonic value construct in mediating the association between attitude and intention. Based on an intensive literature survey, an extended Technology Acceptance Model was proposed including some cognitive and technology-specific factors to test empirically. This is a quantitative study with an exploratory and descriptive scope and cross-sectional design. The information was gathered by applying the convenience sampling method from 293 Malaysian students who participated in anonymous surveys. The obtained data were analyzed using structural equation modeling applying AMOS 21 version. The study reveals that hedonic value, utilitarian value, perceived ease of use, and attitude except for perceived usefulness, affect behavioral intention to accept online distance learning courses except for perceived usefulness construct. The antecedents of utilitarian value are perceived fees, attitude, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use, whereas the antecedents of hedonic value are perceived fees, attitude, and perceived usefulness, except for perceived ease of use. Finally, self-efficacy affects perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and attitude towards joining online distance learning courses. This study's conclusions will benefit all stakeholders in the education system who are considering or have already adopted e-learning.
  11. Azlan UW, Lau YL, Fong MY
    Korean J Parasitol, 2022 Dec;60(6):393-400.
    PMID: 36588415 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2022.60.6.393
    Human infection with simian malaria Plasmodium knowlesi is a cause for concern in Southeast Asian countries, especially in Malaysia. A previous study on Peninsular Malaysia P. knowlesi rhoptry associated protein-1 (PkRAP1) gene has discovered the existence of dimorphism. In this study, genetic analysis of PkRAP1 in a larger number of P. knowlesi samples from Malaysian Borneo was conducted. The PkRAP1 of these P. knowlesi isolates was PCR-amplified and sequenced. The newly obtained PkRAP1 gene sequences (n = 34) were combined with those from the previous study (n = 26) and analysed for polymorphism and natural selection. Sequence analysis revealed a higher genetic diversity of PkRAP1 compared to the previous study. Exon II of the gene had higher diversity (π = 0.0172) than exon I (π = 0.0128). The diversity of the total coding region (π = 0.0167) was much higher than those of RAP1 orthologues such as PfRAP-1 (π = 0.0041) and PvRAP1 (π = 0.00088). Z-test results indicated that the gene was under purifying selection. Phylogenetic tree and haplotype network showed distinct clustering of Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo PkRAP1 haplotypes. This geographical-based clustering of PkRAP1 haplotypes provides further evidence of the dimorphism of the gene and possible existence of 2 distinct P. knowlesi lineages in Malaysia.
    MeSH terms: Borneo; Humans; Malaysia; Phylogeny; Genetic Variation*; Protozoan Proteins/genetics; Cluster Analysis
  12. Rahaman F, Shukor Juraimi A, Rafii MY, Uddin K, Hassan L, Chowdhury AK, et al.
    Front Plant Sci, 2022;13:1072723.
    PMID: 36589133 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1072723
    Rice is a key crop for meeting the global food demand and ensuring food security. However, the crop has been facing great problems to combat the weed problem. Synthetic herbicides pose a severe threat to the long-term viability of agricultural output, agroecosystems, and human health. Allelochemicals, secondary metabolites of allelopathic plants, are a powerful tool for biological and eco-friendly weed management. The dynamics of weed species in various situations are determined by crop allelopathy. Phenolics and momilactones are the most common allelochemicals responsible for herbicidal effects in rice. The dispersion of allelochemicals is influenced not only by crop variety but also by climatic conditions. The most volatile chemicals, such as terpenoids, are usually emitted by crop plants in drought-stricken areas whereas the plants in humid zones release phytotoxins that are hydrophilic in nature, including phenolics, flavonoids, and alkaloids. The allelochemicals can disrupt the biochemical and physiological processes in weeds causing them to die finally. This study insight into the concepts of allelopathy and allelochemicals, types of allelochemicals, techniques of investigating allelopathic potential in rice, modes of action of allelochemicals, pathways of allelochemical production in plants, biosynthesis of allelochemicals in rice, factors influencing the production of allelochemicals in plants, genetical manipulation through breeding to develop allelopathic traits in rice, the significance of rice allelopathy in sustainable agriculture, etc. Understanding these biological phenomena may thus aid in the development of new and novel weed-control tactics while allowing farmers to manage weeds in an environmentally friendly manner.
  13. Dubey S, Iyer RD, Azam MQ, Sarkar B, Nongdamba H
    Malays Orthop J, 2022 Nov;16(3):17-23.
    PMID: 36589363 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.2211.004
    INTRODUCTION: To assess the incidence and causes of persistent thigh pain and peri-implant fractures after union in patients of intertrochanteric fractures treated with short cephalo-medullary nails.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study conducted at a Level 1 Trauma centre. A total of 122 patients of intertrochanteric fractures who were operated using short cephalo-medullary nails (170mm and 200mm lengths) between January 2018 to June 2019 were included in the study. Main outcomes measured were the incidence of thigh pain and peri-implant fractures.

    RESULTS: Out of the 122 patients with a mean follow-up of 14.1 month, 12 patients had persistent thigh pain. Six patients had the helical blade protruding from the lateral cortex, two of them had distal tip of nail abutting on the anterior cortex and four cases had prominent proximal segment of nail which may explain the cause of their pain. Five of these patients had a combination of these findings. Two patients had pain for which no other obvious cause was found. There were no cases of peri-implant fractures in our study.

    CONCLUSION: Thigh pain associated with the use of short cephalon-medullary nails is often unrelated to nail length and can be prevented by using proper surgical technique. There seems to be no association between the use of short nails and peri-implant fractures.

  14. Vijayan S, Kulkarni MS, Jain CP, Shetty S, Aroor MN, Rao SK
    Malays Orthop J, 2022 Nov;16(3):104-112.
    PMID: 36589364 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.2211.016
    INTRODUCTION: The acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) is a major link connecting the upper limb to the torso. The acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments help in stabilising the joint. We feel it is prudent to address both these ligament injuries, to achieve optimum result. This study was undertaken to analyse the results of a simple frugal surgical technique we used to deal with this injury considering stabilisation for both these ligaments.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, skeletally mature patients with Type III, IV or V ACJ dislocations who underwent open reduction and stabilisation of the joint with temporary K-wires, repair of the capsule and augmentation of CC ligaments with suture anchors were included. Clinico-radiological and functional outcome was evaluated. Functional assessment of the upper limb was analysed using the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score (DASH), Constant shoulder score (CSS) and Oxford shoulder score (OSS).

    RESULTS: Clinical and radiological evaluation of the 32 patients who had completed two years from the index surgery, was done. Out of the 37 patients included initially, five were lost in follow-up. Majority of the subjects included were males and type V was the most common injury. Mean pre-operative CC distance on the affected side was 13.92±4.94mm. In the immediate post-operative radiograph, it was 7.63±2.08mm and in the final follow- up was 9.36±2.75mm. Measurements were taken by two independent investigators and inter, and intra-observer reliability were analysed by Interclass correlation coefficient. Excellent functional outcome was noted despite the 1.81±1.50mm average loss of correction. At final follow-up, mean DASH score was 4.67±4.18, Oxford shoulder score was 44.06±2.44 and Constant shoulder score was 86.37±5.81. The severity of the injury had no significant effect on the functional outcome post our method of stabilisation and rehabilitation.

    CONCLUSION: Bifocal fixation restores the multidirectional stability of the disrupted ACJ. Adequate radiological reduction, good functional outcome and simplicity of execution make this technique an undemanding one for use in regular practice.

  15. Mohd-Hanaffi AF, Puji A
    Malays Orthop J, 2022 Nov;16(3):136-138.
    PMID: 36589365 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.2211.021
    Hip pain is frequently encountered in the athletic community. Femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI) is a common cause of hip pain in young adults. However, it is important to appreciate the uncommon diagnosis and the role of imaging for unexplained hip pain. The pathology behind a posterior hip pain is often misdiagnosed as the cause of hip pain is non-specific, extensive and elusive. We managed to detect the pathology through magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) of hip with gadolinium enhancement after a series of inconclusive history, physical examination and imaging findings were completed. This particular case vignettes an overlooked osteoid osteoma that leads to the delay in diagnosis and increase morbidity.
  16. Utomo P, Santoso A, Faza AG, Yudhistira MB
    Malays Orthop J, 2022 Nov;16(3):11-16.
    PMID: 36589366 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.2211.003
    INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization announced the COVID-19 outbreak as a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. Despite the fact that orthopaedic departments are not considered first-line department in the war against pandemic, the pandemic has had a big effect on orthopaedic services. A few studies have found the pandemic effect on the orthopaedics field, but none have found the effect of a one-year pandemic, especially in Indonesia. This study aimed to know the effect of one-year COVID-19 on trauma of lower extremity at Orthopaedic Service in Prof Soeharso Top Referral Orthopaedic Hospital, Indonesia.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a cross-sectional study. The study compared the population group during one year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia to the same period one year before. This study was conducted in Prof. Dr. R. Soeharso Orthopaedic Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia from March 2019-February 2021. The subjects were patients of lower extremity trauma both surgical procedure and outpatient visit. Patients recorded on other orthopaedic service support installations like radiology, laboratory, or physiotherapy were excluded.

    RESULTS: There was a significant reduction (54.9%) in total trauma of lower extremities patients in Prof Dr R Soeharso Orthopaedic Hospital, Surakarta, from 2146 (pre-COVID-19) to 968 (during COVID-19) in the March 2019-February 2021 period. There was also a significant reduction (90.9%) in total cases outpatient visit in pre-COVID-19 compared to during COVID-19 (p<0.05) and surgical procedures (39%) in pre-COVID-19 compare to the COVID-19 period (p<0.05).

    CONCLUSION: There was a significant reduction on trauma of lower extremities patients both outpatient visits and surgical procedures during pandemic COVID-19 than before the COVID-19 occurred.

  17. Hadizie D, Kor YS, Ghani SA, Mohamed-Saat MA
    Malays Orthop J, 2022 Nov;16(3):24-29.
    PMID: 36589367 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.2211.005
    INTRODUCTION: The primary aim of open fracture management is to prevent fracture-related infection by early antibiotic administration, debridement and wound coverage. However, the timing of the initial debridement is still controversial, and 6 to 24 hours is commonly advocated. Studies have yet to provide substantial evidence regarding the best time for surgical debridement. Thus, this study was conducted to compare the incidence of fracture-related infection at different time intervals of initial debridement of the open tibia fracture.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 91 patients with grade I, II and IIIa open tibia fractures were recruited from 2016 to 2018, and their data were obtained from the consensus book and medical records. Participants were divided into four groups based on the time of initial debridement: (1) less than 6 hours, (2) 6 to less than 12 hours, (3) 12 to less than 24 hours, and (4) 24 hours and more. Fracture-related infection was determined by using Metsemakers confirmative criteria. Association between time and infection were determine by Binary Logistic Regression analysis by remerged the group into three; (1) less than 12 hours, (2) 12 to less than 24 hours and (3) 24 hours and more. The collected information was analysed using SPSS version 24 and Microsoft Excel 2010.

    RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 31.9 years old, with male predominant (n=80, 87.0%). Most participants had delayed initial debridement of more than 24 hours and predominantly Gustilo-Anderson type IIIa (n=47). A total of 8 fractures complicated with infection (8.7%), majority in grade IIIa and debridement performed within 12 to less than 24 hours. Binary logistic regression showed increased odds of infection with a delayed wound debridement both in clinical presentation and positive culture, but the association was not statistically significant. The commonest organism isolated was Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

    CONCLUSION: Comparing to different time interval, initial wound debridement of more than 24 hours did not have strong association with increasing infection rate. However, even though statistically not significant, the odds of infection was increase with increasing time of initial wound debridement of an open tibia fracture, thus it should be performed early.

  18. Iqbal MA, Khan I, Rehman S, Beg M
    Malays Orthop J, 2022 Nov;16(3):70-75.
    PMID: 36589368 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.2211.012
    INTRODUCTION: The ulnar nerve palsy is a distressing injury, resulting in clawing of hand. The cause of clawing is due to paralysis of the interosseous muscles in the presence of functioning long extensor and long flexors of fingers. Various methods have been proposed to correct this deformity which include both static and dynamic procedures. In this study, we share our experience with flexor digitorum superficialis tendon transfer using Zancolli's modification for anti-claw correction.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a retrospective case series study. A record of 53 patients was included in the study, during a period between June 2013 to July 2017 with ulnar nerve palsy. The procedure done was flexor digitorum superficialis tendon transfer as dynamic anti-claw procedure. The follow-up period was three months. The outcomes assessed were grip strength by using sphygmomanometer and active range of motion of fingers assessed by fingers tips touching the palm.

    RESULT: Fifty-three patients were included out of them, there were fifty males and three females. The mean age was 28±10 years. All patients underwent flexor digitorum superficialis transfer for ulnar claw hand. A total of 84.9% patients have good grip strength and 83% showed good active range of motion.

    CONCLUSION: Flexor digitorum superficialis tendon transfer is found to be effective, reliable and reproducible technique in ulnar nerve palsy where patient need grip strength, good range of motion and acceptable hand function for daily routine work.

  19. Faggiani M, Risitano S, Rissolio L, Baroni C, Alberghina F, Conforti L
    Malays Orthop J, 2022 Nov;16(3):113-119.
    PMID: 36589369 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.2211.017
    INTRODUCTION: Many surgical approaches have been described for hip hemiarthroplasty (HHA) treating femur neck fractures (FNFs). Direct lateral approach (DLA) is one of the most used. Today, the direct anterior approach (DAA) has become very attractive, but it seems to involve more intra-operative fractures. Our main endpoint was to demonstrate that the DAA may be a valid alternative comparing to the DLA.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients affected by FNFs and treated with HHA between the years 2016 and 2020 were studied. We divided the treatment of the fractures according to the surgical approach. The analysis was focused on perioperative complications and radiological outcomes.

    RESULTS: There were a total of 166 patients. The DLA group included patients with an average age of 83.5 years and the DAA group of 83 years. We found similar surgical times (DLA 67 min vs DAA 61 min; p = 0,55), number of transfusions (DLA 3/person vs DAA 4/person; p = 0,91), perioperative complications (fractures: DLA 0 vs DAA 0 - dislocations: DLA 2,50% vs DAA 0) and functional outcomes (HHS: DLA 83 points vs DAA 87 points; p = 0,71). There were no statistical differences comparing diaphyseal filling (Canal Fill Index at the proximal third: DLA 0,79 vs DAA 0,78; p= 0,24), bone loss (Paprosky I: DLA 96,25% vs DAA 91,86%; p = 0,47) and prevalence of heterotopic ossification (Broker low degree: DLA 93,75% vs 95, 34%; p = 0,87).

    CONCLUSION: Analysing perioperative complications and studying post-operative radiographic evolution, our results suggest that the DAA is a valid alternative to the DLA in HHA treating FNFs.

  20. Saw KY, Jee C, Ramlan A, Dawam A, Saw YC, Low SF
    Malays Orthop J, 2022 Nov;16(3):128-131.
    PMID: 36589370 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.2211.019
    Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) may progress to ankle arthritis needing ankle arthroplasty or arthrodesis. We report five cases of OLTs treated along the principles developed for chondrogenesis of the knee joint with autologous peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs), resulting in repair and regeneration of the bone and cartilage components. Improvement in Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) scores with minimum two years follow-up showed statistical significance (p < 0.05).
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